Evan-Evans-78616

Obituary

Evann Evans, one of the oldest citizens in this part of the state and said to be the oldest Mason In Iowa, died last night at his home on north Fourth street, at the age of 86 years. He has been in feeble health for several years but was able to be about on the streets and call upon his old friends until a few weeks ago, when he fell slightly ill, and yesterday his condition grew decidedly worse. He expired at 11 o'clock last night. Mr. Evans was born in Cardinghampshire, Wales, in1806, and came with his parents to this country in 1818. The family settled first at Alexandria and afterwards at Winchester, Va., and later removed to Dayton, Ohio, and thence to Fountain county, Ind. Evan Evans learned his father's trade of carpentering, and after roaming in search of a suitable location for some years, during which he married Susan David, of Marion county, Kentucky, he came to Burlington in 1838. He established the first lumber yard here, and followed that business profitable until 1859. In 1839, his first wife died, and two years later he married Rebecca O'Neil, a native of Kentucky. His second wife lived but about six months, and in March, 1844, he married Miss Elizabeth Bennett, who has been the partner of his old age. Four children were born to them, three of whom survive the father. These are Mildred A., the wife of Mr. Charles Chamberlain, of this city; Ida, the wife of Mr. N.N. Young, of Creston, and Miss Jennie B. Evans.