OBIT: Nathan Cromwell EVANS, Captain, 1899, Everett, Bedford County, PA

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Captain N. C. Evans

One of the Most Prominent Citizens of the County Has Passed Away
SOLDIER AND STATESMAN
He Fought For the Flag and Represented His District In the Legislature-Justice
of the Peace For Many Years.
 
Nathan Cromwell Evans died very suddenly at his home in Everett Saturday 
evening, July 8, 1899.  He had attended to his business during the day and 
about five o'clock, became seriously ill and in a few minutes, breathed his 
last.  The cause of his death was heart failure.  Captain Evans was born near 
Chaneysville, this county, and was aged sixty-seven years, three months and
fourteen days.  When but a boy of ten, he started to make his own living.  He 
learned the blacksmith trade with Mr. Beegle in Friend's Cove and worked at the 
trade several years.  He attended the common schools but a very limited period. 
During the few years he worked at his trade, he saved sufficient money to 
attend the Allegheny seminary and also the Rainsburg seminary.  He taught 
school several terms, but gave up that profession to engage in the mercantile 
business in Rainsburg, and he served as postmaster there during Buchanan's 
administration.  In 1861, when war threatened to sever our Union, he was among 
the first to volunteer his services and won for himself a record of which he 
was very proud.  He was commissioned second lieutenant of Company D. 101st 
Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, October 9, 1861, and served with that regiment 
until April 24, 1863, when he resigned, owing to his failing health.  He 
distinguished himself at the battle of Fair Oaks and in a number of other 
engagements.  After regaining his health, he recruited and was elected captain 
of Company A., 184th Pennsylvania volunteer infantry,and was mustered into 
service May 13, 1864. The regiment was at once sent to the front, engaging in 
the battle of Cold Harbor.  On June 4, he led his regiment in two desperate 
assaults, losing 67 killed and 113 wounded.  Captain Evans was in the thickest 
of the fight and had one shoulder strap shot off and five bullet holes in his 
clothes.  After crossing the James river, he participated in two hard fought 
battles June 16 and 22 "Bates" History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers," says of 
his regiment: "Out of 500 men who stood in the ranks on the 29th of May, 350, 
including 13 officers, were either killed, wounded or taken prisoners in a 
period of 35 days."  He was taken prisoner June 22, 1864, and was confined nine 
months in rebel prisons, when he was exchanged and joined his company.  He was 
mustered out with his company July 14, 1865.  This brief account tells where 
the captain spent his days between '61 and '65.  It speaks of his bravery,and 
his men who served under him have naught to say of him, but words of kindness 
and admiration.  Returning from the war, he took up his old avocation, teaching 
school, which he followed several years, when he again engaged in the 
mercantile business in Rainsburg and continued at it until he moved to Everett, 
in 1872, where he engaged in business.  Captain Evans was married on February 
22, 1857, to Miss Penelope S. Folck, of near Cumberland, Md. To this union ten 
children were born.  He is survived by his wife and seven children, two 
daughters and five sons, namely; Mrs. Peter Barndollar, Miss Ada, Lessing, 
James, H. D. Slicer, of Everett; George E., of Punxsutawney, and John L., of 
Altoona.  He is also survived by six brothers and one sister.  In politics, 
Captain Evans was an ardent Republican. He was the choice of his party in 1886, 
for the legislature and was re-elected in 1888.  In 1879, he was elected 
justice of the peace and was re-elected in 1884, but resigned to enter the 
legislature.  He was again elected justice in 1891, and re-elected in 1896. A 
number of years ago, he accepted the nomination for sheriff,  but the county 
being strongly Democratic at that time, he was defeated.  He was twice defeated 
for the senatorial nomination, but defeat did not dampen his ardor for the 
party of his choice.  Captain Nathan C. Evans was well known in Bedford 
county.  He was a man of strong character, one who had opinions of his own and 
who defended them no matter what opposed. Those who knew him best and enjoyed 
his friendship, knew no more loyal friend than he, while those with whom he 
differed, found in him an honest, earnest opponent.  In his death, Everett and 
the county lose one of their best and noblest citizens.  His life, nobly spent, 
is at last ended. We shall see him no more.  He has gone whence no traveler 
returns. Peace be to his ashes!  The funeral services were held in the 
Methodist Episcopal church, Everett, of which he was a life-long member.  Rev. 
Richard Hinkle officiated.  He was assisted by Rev. J. Emory Weeks, of 
Harrisburg.  Interment was made in the Everett cemetery.

Bedford Gazette; July 14, 1899

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