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JOSEPH T. EVANS. Marshall A. Evans was a young man when he settled at Evans Land-the early agriculturists here, as well as attending to the needs of ths boatmen, and he also engaged in shipping corn and acting as agent tor the Grand Tower Mining and Transportation Company, seeking in every way to advance the community which he had founded, and becoming the owner of considerable land here. A stanch Democrat in his political views, he was elected to positions of honor and trust by his fellow townsmen, who recognized and appreciated the honesty and ability of this pioneer and made him city clerk, city attorney and assessor. In his death, which occurred in 1901, the city and county lost one of its ablest business men, and one whose entire career was marked by the strictest honor and 1029 business integrity. Mr. Evans was married to Miss Rebecca Snider, an estimable lady of Jackson county, Illinois, and they had a family of seven children, of whom Joseph T. was the fifth in order of birth. Mrs. Evans, a lady of refinement and Christian character, survived her husband only two years. Joseph T. Evans was born at Evans Landing, November 20, 1866, and his education was secured in the public schools here. He early in life became familiar with the merchandise business, thus gaining experience that has since proven of great value to him, and he later went on the road as a traveling salesman. After spending two years as postmaster of Carbondale Mr. Evans, in 1896, returned to Grand Tower and established himself in the mercantile business, in which he has since continued. He has inherited many of his father's business abilities, which have assisted him in building up a large trade here, and like his father he has given his allegiance to the Democratic party, although he has never sought nor cared for public office. He has always taken a great interest in anything that pertained to the welfare of this city, and has seen the little settlement that his father founded grow into one of the thriving commercial centers of Jackson county. For a number of years he has been connected with the Masons, and he has many warm friends in the lodge and throughout the city. In 1895 Mr. Evans was married to Miss Lucy A. Spring, of Cobden, Illinois. They have had no children. |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer