Maricopa County AZ Archives Biographies.....Evans, J. W. July 4, 1851 - living in 1896
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com March 1, 2005, 7:15 pm

Author: McFarland & Poole

p. 441-442

  MAJOR J. W. EVANS. It is said that he who succeeds in life under favorable
circumstances has talent, but he who succeeds under unfavorable circumstances
has genius. Major J. W. Evans is a man who has made his own way in life and by
his energy and determination has met with a just reward. He was born in
Fayetteville, North Carolina, July 4, 1851, and is one of the most active and
energetic business men in Arizona. He is a man of strong traits of character and
has been identified with the progress and advancement of the Territory probably
more than any other man living in it. Most all the big enterprises that have
been attempted, to bring Arizona to the front, Major Evans has taken an active
part in. The major is a son of Joseph W. and Jane M. (Cause) Evans, both natives
of Cumberland County, North Carolina. The father was of Welsh stock and his
ancestors were among the first to settle on Cape Fear River. He died in 1854.
Our subject began the battle of life for himself in 1865. He left Fayetteville
two years later and turned his face toward the setting sun. Locating in Phoenix
in 1872 he was first connected with the Arizona Stage Company, his business
being to look after express matters. He had the general supervision with this
company until 1877, when he took charge of Wells-Fargo Express business as a
special agent. Severing his connection with this company in 1880, he became
chief deputy United States marshal for the Territory and served in that capacity
until 1885, when lie embarked in the real estate and loan business in Maricopa
County. He owns much valuable property in Phoenix, is a pioneer in the real
estate business and has met with unusual success, being considered the best
authority in such matters in Central Arizona, where he has resided for
twenty-four years. He is an earnest and persistent worker in the development of
the resources of his county and enjoys the unbounded confidence and esteem of
his fellow men. His business is one of the most extensive in the Territory. His
office, 20x70 feet, occupies one of the most conspicuous corners in the city,
being on the ground floor of the Porter building. Mr. Evans is a director in the
Arizona Improvement Company, Water Power Canal Company, Grand Canal Company,
Maricopa Canal Company, Salt River Valley Canal Company, Orange Land Company.
New England Land Company and is president of Maricopa. Salt River Valley, Grand
and Water Power Canal Companies, and also Orange Land Company. He owns fruit,
alfalfa and grain ranches in the East. North and Northwest parts of the valley.
Mr. Evans is ex-president of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, a body whose
intelligent and progressive policy has made Maricopa County what it is. He was
married June 30, 1896, to Mrs. Sarah Gertrude Lee in Detroit, Michigan.



Additional Comments:
From:

A Historical and Biographical Record of the Territory of Arizona
Published by
McFarland & Poole, Chicago, 1896

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/az/maricopa/bios/gbs4evans.txt

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