Eaton Co., Michigan - USGenWeb Archives - Biographies ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ Submitted by Cindy Bryant Charles Leroy Evans A pleasantly located farm of two hundred and twenty acres in Hamlin Township, Eaton County, is the home of this well-known farmer and stock dealer. In addition to raising such crops as are adapted to the soil and climate, and meet the demands of the market, Mr. Evans feed from two hundred to three hundred sheep per year and buys hogs and cattle for shipping. Fair dealing and hard work have brought him financial success and today he ranks among the well-to-do citizens, while his reputation is that of an honest, industrious man. His friends will be pleased to read even a brief account of his life history and others may find therein a lesson worthy of emulation. Mr. Evans has Revolutionary blood in his veins, his grandfather, Samuel Evans, having fought for American liberty during the great struggle. That patriot went in an early day from Connecticut to Montgomery Co., NY, and there his son, Elijah, father of our subject, was born February 7, 1800. He remembers the excitement of the war of 1812, and had an older brother, Stephen, in the army. The family removed to Onondaga County, and there Elijah Evans married Mary Carter who was born in Sullivan, that county, and to them were born two children, one who died in infancy and he of whom we write. In 1874 the father came to this state, where he is now living at the venerable age of ninety-one years. He first saw a steamboat in 1822, when the old "St. Lawrence" was a wonder to the people. He is a Republican and formerly a Whig. The subject of this notice was born in Cicero Twp, Onondaga Co., NY, November 28, 1846. He received a common school education, supplemented by a term in the High school at Marshall, Mich. Young as he was when the Civil War began, he was eager to enter the army and spend his strength - even his life-blood - to preserve the Union, and at length was enrolled in what was them called Scott's Nine Hundred. He was transferred to the 11th New York Cavalry, mustered in at Washington, DC, and joined the regiment at New Orleans. He took part in several skirmishes with the guerrillas, did guard duty until September, 1865 when the command was discharged and mustered out. When his soldier's life was over, young Evans returned to his old home, whence in the spring of 1866 he came to this state, finding employment with a farmer near Jonesville, Hillsdale Co. In the fall he secured a place in the wood factory in the neighboring town, but in the winter went to Marshall, Calhoun County, to attend school. When spring came he again gave his attention to farm work, and during the ensuing eight months was able to save $200. Returning to his native state, he began buying and butchering cattle, selling the beef in Syracuse and doubling his capital. Again he came to Michigan, and again entering the employ of Mr. Cook, once more save $200 in eight months, after which he cut wood at Leslie, but in this job did not prove financially successful. Another winter was spent at the Eastern home, but receiving a letter from Mr. Monk with the promise of a job, Mr. Evans returned to Marshall late in the season and worked for that gentleman until after harvest, when he was offered a half interest in his flour and feed store. Putting $600 into the enterprise and becoming a boarder in Mr. Monk's home, Mr. Evans entered upon a tradesman's career. The firm soon branched out and added stock-dealing to their business, and while thus interested our subject overworked and was obliged to abandon business for a year to recuperate. He and Mr. Monk were connected together for six years. Prior to this he had dealt in apples and lost $1,100 on the venture. In the spring of 1872 after his period of rest he embarked in the boot and shoe business in Eaton Rapids in company with Robert Crane, and after 15 months the stock and goodwill was traded for a mortgage on land. The tract consisted of 180 acres, which was a joint possession a few years, and then came wholly into Mr. Evans ownership. Since 1873 he has been engaged in farming, and he has added somewhat to the acreage and carried on successful operations in stock, as before mentioned. At the head of household affairs on the Evans farm is a capable and true hearted woman, formerly Miss Emma R. Harwood, who became the wife of our subject in 1873. She is a daughter of Alanson Harwood, a pioneer of 1838, who was born in Sturbridge, Worcestor Co, Mass., in 1806. Two years after coming to this state he located in Eaton Rapids where he lived just one-half century. Here he built the first frame building on the south side of the race. He was a carpenter and joiner and contacted for many of the first houses in the town, and for the first Methodist Episcopal Church. He finally engaged in the sale of groceries and that business he followed for several years. When the discovery of mineral waters in this section created such excitement he bought stock in mineral springs and in a plank road which did not prove a successful undertaking. He was three times married, his second wife, Miss Lucinda Town, being the mother of Mrs. Evans. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Evans consists of two children - Josie M and Fred LeRoy, who are the recipients of careful guidance and good advantages. Mr. Evans has always been a republican until 1890, when he voted in the interests of the Farmers' Alliance. He has served faithfully as township clerk, and works with James B. Brainard Post, No. 111, of which he is a member. Taken from "Portrait Biographical Album of Barry and Eaton Counties, Mich." Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1891, Pages 484-485.