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Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record - Published 1894 by Excelsior Publishing Co., Chicago" 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 & 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.
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