Scotland County NcArchives Photo Person.....Evans, 1863-1937, Walter Parsley 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Mary Modlin n/a November 2, 2011, 9:52 pm

Source:             Unavailable
Name:               Walter Parsley Evans, 1863-1937
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Walter Parsley Evans, 1863-1937

Transcribed by Mary Modlin.  This book is available for online reading or PDF 
download from Google.

The historic old town of Wilmington, N. C., has contributed a large number of 
men to the leadership of the race in various lines of activity.  Some of the 
leading men of North Carolina and adjacent States spent their boyhood days in 
the old town.  Not a few of the most progressive business men, as well as the 
professional men, grew up at Wilmington.  Among these must be mentioned Walter 
Parsley Evans, a successful merchang and business man of Laurinburg, who was 
burn at Wilmington in the midst of the war between the States, on January 19, 
1863.  His parents were Allen and Charlotte (Mackey) Evans.  Charlotte Evans 
was a daughter of Charity Mackey.

Mr. Evans attended the local public schools and the Gregory Institute, which 
was then under the direction of Northern teachers who stood for thoroughness 
in their work above all things.  After he had completed his course in Gregory, 
he was for two years deputy clerk in the office of the registrar of deeds of 
New Hanover Co.  At the end of that time he was appointed to a position in the 
postoffice and served for four years as general delivery clerk of the 
Wilmington postoffice.  In 1884 he moved from Wilmington to Laurinburg and 
engaged in the mercantile business.  On October 14th of the same year he was 
married to Miss Josephine Meares of Wilmington.  She entered heartily into the 
plans of her husband and together they built up a business which is a credit 
to their skill and ability, and a business institution of which the race may 
be proud.

Mr. Evans runs a general store, known as the White Front Department Store, on 
the main street of Laurinburg in the midst of the best houses and offices of 
the town.  For years he has done an extensive shoe business and has recently 
put on a mail order department in that line.  It is significant of the man and 
of his business methods that a large portion of his trade comes from the white 
people of the city.

Mr. and Mrs. Evans had six children, W. P., Jr., Annie J. (now Mrs. Berry), 
Wm. A., Josie M., Ruth Ashmore, and W. Augustus Evans.  Mrs. Evans passed to 
her reward December 24, 1919.  The manner of her going was most tragic.  A 
fire originating from an explosion in the store cut off her way of escape and 
she was suffocated in the smoke and flames.  She was held in high esteem by 
the best people of both races, who mourned her loss at the Christmastide.  Mr. 
Evans frankly and gratefully admits the large part which she planed in the 
establishment and building of his successful business.  She labored lovingly, 
constantly and faithfully in serving and conserving her husband's best 
business interests, and during all their married life she never caused her 
husband an unhappy moment.

He is a Republican in politics and was at one time appointed postmaster, but 
conditions were such that he could not accept the appointment.  He is an 
active and prominent member of the Presbyterian church, of which he is an 
elder.  He was for a number of years superintendent of the Sunday School.

Among the secret orders he is identified with the Masons and Odd Fellows.  His 
principal investments are in and around Laurinburg.  During the war he took an 
active part in the various campaigns.  He believes the next great forward step 
for his people is the organization and development of business enterprises, 
believing they will provide a high grade employment for the educated boys and 
girls.

Additional Notes:

Walter Parsley Evans died February 27, 1937 in Scotland County, NC. 
Josephine Meares was born abt. 1862.


Additional Comments:
Source:  Caldwell, A. B., History of the American Negro, North Carolina 
Edition, Volume IV, 1921, A. B. Caldwell Publishing Co., Atlanta, Georgia, 
1921, pp. 802-805.

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