Taylor County, West Virginia Biography of G. Wesley EVANS ************************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: Material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor. ************************************************************************** Submitted by (MRS GINA M REASONER) WEST VIRGINIA In History, Life, Literature and Industry The Lewis Publishing Company 1928 - Volume 5, page 371-372 G. WESLEY EVANS. While the manufacture of glass is one of the oldest of industries, probably dating back to ancient Egypt, at least 5000 or 6000 B.C., it is still a very highly specialized calling and one that calls for thorough knowledge of its principles and ability in their application. G. Wesley Evans, assistant superintendent of the Hazel-Atlas Glass works of Grafton, has had the advantages of technical training and practical experience. This, in part, is responsible for his success, but he likewise possesses the attributes of great energy and capacity for concentration, and a personality that attracts and holds friends and secures respect and esteem from those under his charge. Mr. Evans was born at Lima, Allen, County, Ohio, April 24, 1898, and is a son of Evan R. and Hattie (Bussert) Evans. His grandfather, Owen F. Evans, was born in Wales and upon his arrival in the United States took up his residence at Lima, near which community he became the owner of a productive Allen County farm, on which he still makes his home. Evan R. Evans was born about 1870, in Allen County, Ohio, where he has passed his entire career in the pursuits of agriculture, in addition to which he has carried on an implement business. Mrs. Evans, who was also born in Allen County, died in 1906, at the age of thirty-four years. The only child of his parents, G. Wesley Evans attended the graded school at Gomer, Ohio, and the high school at Lima, and then pursued a course at Oberlin College, and while a student there enlisted for service during the World war, becoming a member of the Naval Corps at Newport, Rhode Island, After training at Nantucket, Massachusetts, for a time Mr. Evans secured his transfer to the Naval Aviation Corps, and began his training at the ground school at Massachusetts Technical Institute, Boston. Later he went to the flying school at Key West, Florida, and after mastering the art became an instructor there and was thus engaged at the time of receiving his honorable discharge in January, 1919. Returning then to Lima, he remained at home until 1920, when he became connected with glass industry at Hazel No. 2 Works, Washington, Pennsylvania. he began his career in the industry at the proverbial "foot of the ladder," and has secured constant promotion through no lucky change or fortuitous circumstances, but solely on merit and through hard work. In the latter part of 1921 Mr. Evans was sent to the plant at Grafton, where he has worked in practically all the departments, thus becoming thoroughly familiarized with all details. In 1922 he became general foreman, and in 1923 was made assistant superintendent of the plant under Superintendent W. L. Reddick. In 1927 Mr. Reddick secured a leave of absence because of illness in his family, and Mr. Evans during that year acted in the capacity of acting superintendent. As has been noted, Mr. Evans is energetic and forceful and alive to the interests of his employers, yet at the same time is considerate of the men in his charge, among whom he is very popular. As a fraternalist he belongs to Grafton Lodge No. 35, A.F. and A.M., of which he is senior warden, the Chapter of Masonry and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs also to the Kiwanis Club, of which body he served as president in 1926. During a strenuous and energetic career he has found little time for public activities, but has ever been ready to support beneficial movements. Mr. Evans married Miss Margaret Dows, daughter of John Dows, of Emmet County, Iowa, and they are the parents on one child, Anne Dows.