Evans, John M.
Replies: 4
Evans, John M.
| RuthAnnMontgomery (View posts) | Posted: 1 Apr 2002 3:36PM GMT |
Classification: Obituary
Surnames: Evans, Goodrich, Clement, Cary
A PIONEER GONE TO HIS REWARD
DR. J. M. EVANS
Dr. J. M. Evans' death, which occurred Sunday morning, Aug. 23, 1903, touched the heart of every one of our citizens as perhaps no death in our city ever did or ever will. No one in this part of the county had as general an acquaintance with old, young and middle aged as he. There is not a child old enough to walk who will not miss him and there is not an aged man or woman who did not feel that Dr. Evans was their personal friend. No family circle but calls to mind some crisis in its history when Dr. Evans was the trusted counsellor.
The deceased was born at Addison, Vermont, February 19 about the year 1820. He was the son of Calvin and Penelope Goodrich Evans. At an early age he lost his mother and was reared by his maternal grandmother.
His father married the second time and located in La Porte, Indiana. At the age of nineteen Dr. Evans joined his father and made that city his home for years. There he met his future wife, Miss Emma Clement, and there he took up the study of medicine. His preceptor was Dr. Meeker and in 1846 he was graduated from the medical college of that city that was afterward merged in Rush Medical College of Chicago.
In the year 1850 the young physician started west on horseback looking for a future home.
A frontier settlement known as "The Grove" was selected for a home and finally it honored the doctor by changing its name to Evansville. Here he was given many honors in the way of offices of various kinds. He was postmaster, a member of the legislature and for nearly thirty years a member of the school board.
When the war broke out he enlisted and went as surgeon to serve his country for five years. Upon being mustered out he returned to his home. He resumed his practice to discontinue it but a fortnight before his death. He was also proprietor of the Pioneer Drug Store though the management of this business had been for years turned over to F. M. Crow.
Dr. Evans was a most loyal and enthusiastic Mason, having joined the order in 1841 at La Porte; in 1851 he joined Janesville Chapter No. 5, R. A. M. and six years later he united with the Janesville Commandery No. 2, K. T. On Oct. 24, 1882 he became a member of the H. A. S. V. Orient of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Valley of Milwaukee, and on the 27th of the same month he was advanced to the 32d degree in that body. He has also been inducted as an honorary member of the "Oriental Order of the Palm and Shell," an honor which has been conferred upon but very few in the state. During these years he has been Worshipful Master of Union Lodge No. 32, twelve consecutive years, and was High Priest of Evansville Chapter No. 35, the first six years of its existence. In 1882 and 188, he was Grand High Priest of the state. He was also a member of Tripoli Temple, Milwaukee Mystic Shrine.
Dr. Evans was warden of St. John's church and that society and its work was indissolubly joined to his life. To his loyalty and generosity that church owes a debt it can scarcely appreciate.
The funeral occurred Thursday at the Church at 1:30 p.m. From 10:30 a.m. until 12 m. the body lay in state in charge of the surviving members of his old company, Thirteenth Wisconsin Regular Volunteers, and as this body guard with colors lowered, walked to and from his late residence, no group of men attracted more attention and respect, as many an observer could recall the day when they, as young men in the glory of youth, marched out to their country's call.
The floral tributes were many and beautiful, the national colors being introduced noticably.
At the hour set for the funeral the procession headed by the vested choir slowly advanced, the Rev. C. A. Wilson reading. The usual service then followed. The Rt. Rev. I. L. Nicholson, Bishop of Milwaukee, preached the sermon. He chose for his text an extract from the selection read: "So teach us to number our days that we apply our hearts unto wisdom." He dwelt with sympathy and feeling upon the strong traits of the deceased showing in what ways he had applied himself to wisdom. He spoke of his life as a citizen and professional man. He also mentioned some of his marked characteristics and alluded to his strong love for children. Those present, many of whom had known him fifty years, felt the high words of commendation to be fitting.
At the church door the Masonic fraternity, represented by hundreds standing in line headed by the Baker Military Band, took charge of the casket and conducted a most impressive ceremony at the grave.
To the regret of all who knew the family, the only daughter, Mrs. E. E. Cary, was unable to be present at the funeral, although she started from her California home on Sunday night.
Among the relatives and old friends who were present from out of town were: Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Bennett of Milwaukee,, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Holland of Chicago, Dr. and Mrs. W. Bennett and Wm. Hannah of Chicago, Mrs. C. A. Hollister and son Burton and Mrs. F. A. Eynman of Chicago, Miss Florence Cary and Mr. Horton of Whitewater, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. O. Gordon of Lodi, Mrs. L. Green of Madison, Dr. C. W. Merriman of Beloit, Col. Wm. Ruger, M. A. Norris and Mother, and Mrs. L. C. Brewer of Janesville and Joseph Coleman of Oconto.
Many cities were represented by members of lodges, among them, Janesville, Footville, Oregon, Beloit, Brodhead, Madison.
Evansville has laid to rest its first Mayor and one of its oldest residents.
No one gathered around him more friends. No one will be more missed.
The Badger
August 29, 1903, Evansville, Wisconsin
DR. J. M. EVANS
Dr. J. M. Evans' death, which occurred Sunday morning, Aug. 23, 1903, touched the heart of every one of our citizens as perhaps no death in our city ever did or ever will. No one in this part of the county had as general an acquaintance with old, young and middle aged as he. There is not a child old enough to walk who will not miss him and there is not an aged man or woman who did not feel that Dr. Evans was their personal friend. No family circle but calls to mind some crisis in its history when Dr. Evans was the trusted counsellor.
The deceased was born at Addison, Vermont, February 19 about the year 1820. He was the son of Calvin and Penelope Goodrich Evans. At an early age he lost his mother and was reared by his maternal grandmother.
His father married the second time and located in La Porte, Indiana. At the age of nineteen Dr. Evans joined his father and made that city his home for years. There he met his future wife, Miss Emma Clement, and there he took up the study of medicine. His preceptor was Dr. Meeker and in 1846 he was graduated from the medical college of that city that was afterward merged in Rush Medical College of Chicago.
In the year 1850 the young physician started west on horseback looking for a future home.
A frontier settlement known as "The Grove" was selected for a home and finally it honored the doctor by changing its name to Evansville. Here he was given many honors in the way of offices of various kinds. He was postmaster, a member of the legislature and for nearly thirty years a member of the school board.
When the war broke out he enlisted and went as surgeon to serve his country for five years. Upon being mustered out he returned to his home. He resumed his practice to discontinue it but a fortnight before his death. He was also proprietor of the Pioneer Drug Store though the management of this business had been for years turned over to F. M. Crow.
Dr. Evans was a most loyal and enthusiastic Mason, having joined the order in 1841 at La Porte; in 1851 he joined Janesville Chapter No. 5, R. A. M. and six years later he united with the Janesville Commandery No. 2, K. T. On Oct. 24, 1882 he became a member of the H. A. S. V. Orient of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Valley of Milwaukee, and on the 27th of the same month he was advanced to the 32d degree in that body. He has also been inducted as an honorary member of the "Oriental Order of the Palm and Shell," an honor which has been conferred upon but very few in the state. During these years he has been Worshipful Master of Union Lodge No. 32, twelve consecutive years, and was High Priest of Evansville Chapter No. 35, the first six years of its existence. In 1882 and 188, he was Grand High Priest of the state. He was also a member of Tripoli Temple, Milwaukee Mystic Shrine.
Dr. Evans was warden of St. John's church and that society and its work was indissolubly joined to his life. To his loyalty and generosity that church owes a debt it can scarcely appreciate.
The funeral occurred Thursday at the Church at 1:30 p.m. From 10:30 a.m. until 12 m. the body lay in state in charge of the surviving members of his old company, Thirteenth Wisconsin Regular Volunteers, and as this body guard with colors lowered, walked to and from his late residence, no group of men attracted more attention and respect, as many an observer could recall the day when they, as young men in the glory of youth, marched out to their country's call.
The floral tributes were many and beautiful, the national colors being introduced noticably.
At the hour set for the funeral the procession headed by the vested choir slowly advanced, the Rev. C. A. Wilson reading. The usual service then followed. The Rt. Rev. I. L. Nicholson, Bishop of Milwaukee, preached the sermon. He chose for his text an extract from the selection read: "So teach us to number our days that we apply our hearts unto wisdom." He dwelt with sympathy and feeling upon the strong traits of the deceased showing in what ways he had applied himself to wisdom. He spoke of his life as a citizen and professional man. He also mentioned some of his marked characteristics and alluded to his strong love for children. Those present, many of whom had known him fifty years, felt the high words of commendation to be fitting.
At the church door the Masonic fraternity, represented by hundreds standing in line headed by the Baker Military Band, took charge of the casket and conducted a most impressive ceremony at the grave.
To the regret of all who knew the family, the only daughter, Mrs. E. E. Cary, was unable to be present at the funeral, although she started from her California home on Sunday night.
Among the relatives and old friends who were present from out of town were: Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Bennett of Milwaukee,, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Holland of Chicago, Dr. and Mrs. W. Bennett and Wm. Hannah of Chicago, Mrs. C. A. Hollister and son Burton and Mrs. F. A. Eynman of Chicago, Miss Florence Cary and Mr. Horton of Whitewater, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. O. Gordon of Lodi, Mrs. L. Green of Madison, Dr. C. W. Merriman of Beloit, Col. Wm. Ruger, M. A. Norris and Mother, and Mrs. L. C. Brewer of Janesville and Joseph Coleman of Oconto.
Many cities were represented by members of lodges, among them, Janesville, Footville, Oregon, Beloit, Brodhead, Madison.
Evansville has laid to rest its first Mayor and one of its oldest residents.
No one gathered around him more friends. No one will be more missed.
The Badger
August 29, 1903, Evansville, Wisconsin