Biography of J J Evans, St Francis County, AR

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Submitted by: Paul V Isbell
        Date: 14 Nov 2008
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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Transcribed by Lisa Hamilton from 
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SOURCE:  Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern 
Arkansas. Chicago:Goodspeed Publishers, 1890.
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NATIVE - EVANS - J. - J. - - - - 1864 to Unk

J. J. Evans, of the prominent and substantial firm of H. Evans & Co., druggists
of Forrest City, was born in this county in 1864, being the son of H. and Eliza
(Ragsdale) Evans, also natives of Arkansas. Mr. Evans is now one the wealthiest
planters of St. Francis County, and has the satisfaction of knowing that his
fortune has all been acquired by his own personal industry and integrity. He
received limited advantages for obtaining an education in youth, but determined
that his children should receive a good, practical literary instruction, and is
giving them every chance to become scholars and students in whatever right
direction their ambition may lie. To himself and wife a family of eleven
children have been born, eight of whom are now living, our subject, the
youngest. Mr. Evans is still living, and, though having reached an advanced age,
is quite active in business, managing the affairs of his large plantation with a
sagacity that would put to shame many men of younger years who take pride in
their superior and advanced ideas. J. J. Evans finished his literary education
in Louisville, Ky., graduating from Bryant & Stratton's College in the
scholastic year of 1883 and 1884. He had been occupied in laboring on the farm
before going to college, earning enough money to defray his expenses, and
although his father was generosity itself, he preferred to pay his own way, and
at the end of his career, still had some $4, 000 with which to commence
business. Having a great admiration for, but no experience in the drug business,
Mr. Evans engaged the services of an expert pharmacist and established a store
at this place, and has made his business house as good as can be found in an
average city of 40, 000 inhabitants. The store is 23x180, and the stock
contained therein is worth about $12, 000, an annual business of between $10,
000 and $12, 000 being accorded this firm; this necessitates the services of
three clerks. Mr. Evans is not a benedict, but a sincere admirer of the fair
sex. He is a member of the K. of P. and A. F. & A. M., and is a Democrat in
politics.