Biographies
For
Muscatine County Iowa
1889



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 520

HON.JOHN A. EVANS, a prominent and influential citizen of Wapsinonoc Township, is a native of Otsego County, N.Y., and was born in 1833. His parents were Simeon and Polly ( Kelley ) Evans, who were also natives of the Empire State, though the father was of Welsh descent, while the mother was born of Irish parentage. In 1834, when John was but a year old, Mr. and Mrs. Evans removed to Geauga County, Ohio, where the father purchased land. This he improved and from it developed a fine farm. Our subject grew to manhood upon the farm in Geauga County, and received a liberal education, first attending the common schools, and afterward taking a two years' course in the seminary at Kirtland, Ohio. At the age of nineteen he was sufficiently educated to become a teacher, and going to Rock Island County, Illinois, he engaged in that profession, but after a few months was called home on account of the ill-health of his father. Gradually Mr. Evans' health failed until at last death claimed him as its victim. After that sad event John assumed management of the farm and the care of the family for three years. In 1856, thinking that he might better his condition, he emigrated to the West, and settled at West Liberty, Iowa, where he engaged in farming for his brother. He later purchased a farm for himself, situated one-half mile from the city.

Having prepared a home for a bride, in 1860, Mr. Evans was united in marriage with Flora M. Barnes, who is a native of Connecticut. Three children were born to the happy couple, but only one is now living : Robert, the eldest, died in childhood ; Fred W., is yet residing with his parents, and Willie J., also died in childhood. They also adopted two children : George D. Evans ( a nephew ), who is now in business in Creston, Iowa ; and Jessie Winslow, who is still with her adopted parents.

Although in limited circumstances in beginning his active business life the chief characteristics of Mr. Evan's nature--industry and enterprise--have insured his success, and he is now the owner of a fine farm of 200 acres, pleasantly situated near the city of West Liberty, and under a high state of cultivation. He carries on general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of raising Short-horn cattle, and standard-bred and roadster horses. For over a quarter of a century he has been a member of the District Agricultural Association, and during this time has either been President or served on the Board of Directors. In 1887 he was elected a Director of the State Agricultural Society, and re-elected in 1889.

Aside from his business interests Mr. Evans has found time to respond to the call of his fellow-citizens, having served them in various official positions. He has held various township offices, and in 1877 was the peoples choice as their Representative to the 22d General Assembly of Iowa. During his term of service in the House he proved an efficient member, giving careful attention and consideration to every question that came before that body, and discharging his duties with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party, while socially he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, is a member of Mount Calvary Lodge No.95, A.F.& A.M., and served as Master of the lodge for many years; is also a member of Liberty Chapter No. 79, West Liberty, in which he held the office of High Priest several years, and also belongs to the De Molay Commandery No. 1, K.T.; of Muscatine. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F. We are pleased to record the sketch of this gentleman, one of the most worthy citizens of Muscatine County, who does all in his power to to advance its interests and promote its prosperity.


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