SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Evan Evans, Page 458

EVAN EVANS is an honored and highly respected citizen now living a retired life in the suburbs of Sheboygan.  The little country of Wales has furnished to America some of its most industrious, useful and upright citizens, and among those who bade adieu to their native land and braved the dangers of an ocean voyage at a time when steam navigation was unknown, in order to seek a home and fortune in the New World, was Mr. Evans of this sketch.  He came to America with no capital save a young man's bright hopes for the future and a determination to succeed and he has made his life one which is well worthy of emulation.  Its record is as follows:

    Born in Wales, October 5, 1831, Mr. Evans was there reared and educated.  In 1843, he accompanied his parents to this country.  The family took passage on a sailing-vessel from Britain, and after several weeks spent upon the water landed in New York City.  Their destination was Racine County, Wis., where they soon made a settlement.  Our subject there continued to reside until 1845, when he came to Sheboygan County, and sought and secured work as a carpenter and joiner, which trade he followed for several years.  Subsequently, he was employed as toll-keeper for ten years on the Sheboygan and Fond du Lac Plank Road.  Later he turned his attention to farming, which he successfully carried on until 1875, since which time he has practically lived a retired life, and is an honored citizen in his adopted country.

    On the 27th of August, 1847, in Racine, Mr. Evans chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Jane Jones, who was born in Wales, May 14, 1822, and is a daughter of John Jones, a native of that country.  He was employed in a stone-quarry, and he and his wife spent their entire lives in the land beyond the waters.  Mrs. Evans is their only living child.  She came to America in 1845, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing-vessel, which dropped anchor in the harbor of New York, after a voyage of six weeks.  Mr. and Mrs. Evans are members of the Congregational Church of Sheboygan.  They have one daughter, Annie E., now the wife of Hiram C. Humphrey, a manufacturer of Antigo, Langlade County, Wis., and a representative of one of the pioneer families of Sheboygan County.  Hiram C. Humphrey has an interest in the firm of Langing and Hogben, of Antigo, Wis., manufacturers of screen doors.  The capacity of the factory is about six hundred per day, and it yields a profitable income.  They have five children:  Matie E., Everett D., Jennie B., Arthur P. and Harry F.

    Mr. Evans votes with the Republican party but has never been an aspirant for official honors.  However, he served as Township Clerk for one year, and was Superintendent of the schools of Sheboygan Township.  The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend, for he believes that the enlightenment of the masses is one of the essentials of good government.  He and his estimable wife are benevolent people, taking an active part in religious and charitable work.  They have a beautiful and comfortable home, situated in the midst of well-kept grounds, on the outskirts of Sheboygan, and there expect to spend their remaining days.