John Evans

As printed in 1894

JOHN EVANS, deceased, was one of the honored pioneers of Winona of 1856. He was born in England in 1800, and during the days of his early manhood emigrated to the New World, locating first in Canada. He afterward removed to Michigan, and in 1833 left that state to become a resident of Ohio. He later removed to Wisconsin, and in April, 1852, he came to Minnesota. It was his intention to locate at Lake City, on Lake Pepin, but instead he decided to settle on Winona Prairie. He made a journey up the river on a steamer to Menomonee, and then started out to seek a location. The claim which he entered comprised what is now the finest residence part of Winona. He became the owner of one hundred and fifty-two acres, and during the first winter after his arrival he spent his time in getting out rails, splitting enough that year to fence forty acres of land. He then began the cultivation and development of a farm. Mr. Evans took a very active part in securing Winona as the county seat, went to the State Legislature for that purpose, and bought the two lots on which to build the court house. He was a valued and prominent citizen, and had the high respect of all who knew him. His death occurred in 1856, and his wife passed away fifteen years later. In their family were two children, a son and daughter.

The former, R. B. Evans, was born in Detroit, Mich., August 3, 1833, and at the.age of eighteen years came to Winona. He now resides on the Evans Subdivision, which was laid out by his father. and is a part of the original claim which was entered from the Government in 1852. When he began business for himself, R. B. Evans settled on a farm in the Gilmore Valley, three miles from the river. He also had a farm seven miles away-, on the ridge, where he lived for thirteen years. In 1882 he returned to the city, and now is living on a part of the old homestead. In 1855 he built the first stable in Winona, and embarked in the livery business. This was the first in the place.

In 1857 Mr. Evans was united in marriage with Miss Mary Parks, a native of Ohio, who came here with her cousin, Erviu Johnson, who married Abigail Evans, a sister of our subject. In 1857 he returned to Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the oil business, but after a time again came to Minnesota, where he died in 1869. His wife passed away- in 1862. Their daughter, Winona Johnson, married Dr. Flowers, of Ohio, and died a few years later. For his second wife Mr. Johnson married a sister of Mrs. Evans, who still lives in North Bloomfield, Ohio. She has one daughter, Myra, who is married and lives in the Buckeye State. To R. B. Evans and his wife were born four children. George, who married Frankie Bozburg, was a successful insurance solicitor. He died in New Mexico after a year's illness. May 2, 189.3, at the age of thirty-six years. Edwin died at the age of four years. Anna died at the age of thirteen. Frank was the 3'youngest of the family.

Martin H. Fuller.

As printed in Portrait and biographical record of Winona county, Minnesota. Containing biographical sketches of prominent ... citizens .. (1894). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.