OBIT: EVANS, Richard J. (Rev.); 1863; Cambria Cnty., PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cambria/ _________________________________________ The Alleghanian Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, 23 Jul 1863 Volume 4, Number 43 Rev. Richard J. Evans Died at Olympia, Washington Territory, June 14th of consumption, Rev. Richard J. Evans, aged 28 years. (A more extended notice will be given next week). The Alleghanian Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, 30 Jul 1863 Volume 4, Number 44 Rev. Richard J. Evans It is with unfeigned regret that we record the death of Rev. Richard J. Evans of Olympia, Washington territory, who died at the early age of 28, leaving a devoted wife, a loving child and a large circle of friends to mourn his untimely end. Mr. Evans graduated at Jefferson College, Pa., in 1856, and received a Diploma at the Allegheny Theological Seminary in 1859. He left this place in February, 1860, for Washington territory, as a missionary under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church, where he remained until the time of his death. From the earliest years he manifested a serious turn of mind which seemed to indicate a life of usefulness and devotion, in the church of God. He always expressed a strong desire to devote himself to the missionary work, thus exhibiting his burning zeal for the cause of God and humanity. When the time came for his departure to his distant field of labor, he seemed to "count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus." He tore himself from all the endearments of home and friends and directed his steps to the far west, where he freely gave his life to the work so dear to his heart. He fell at his post, nobly battling with the fiend of darkness; but he fell as the victor falls, covered with glory and calmly and sweetly sleeps in death. While amongst us, his character was irreproachable and his deportment that of a Christian, which won him the respect and confidence of all who knew him. His talents were of a superior order and bade fair to promote him to an enviable position in the church of his choice. During his illness the people amongst whom he had labored showed him every attention, but all their loving care failed to shield him from the arrows of death and he, their beloved, respected minister in holy things, now sleeps the sleep that knows no earthly waking. May the turf press lightly above him and may flowers of beauty bloom over his grave.