1890 Buchanan and Delaware Counties History pgs. 474-475

JAMES H. EVANS, one of the well known and popular farmers of North Fork  township, Delaware  county, was born in England January 3, 1845. His
father, Edwin Evans, was a native of England and an envelope cutter by trade. He immigrated to the United States in 1848, and settled in New York State, where he lived for two years.

In 1851 he removed to Delaware county, Iowa, locating in North Fork township. There was not a dozen families in the township at that time and not a house could be seen on the prairie. He entered land, built a log house and prepared to live in regular pioneer style. The groves of timber abounded in wild game and occasionally a few Indians visited the settlement. The parents of our subject are still living, both being zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church and highly esteemed by all who know them.

James H. Evans, the subject of this brief memoir, was accorded the privilege of a common-school education, although he had to walk sometimes two and a half miles to the school-house. When he was eighteen years of age, he enlisted in the Union army and rendered two years of splendid service to his adopted country. He was a volunteer in the Fourth Iowa cavalry, the date of his enlistment being September 28, 1863, and his mustering out taking place at Atlanta, Ga., August 11, 1865. He participated in the battles of Tupelo, Guntown, Salem, and Columbus, Ga., was also in the battles of Meridian and Oxford, Miss., and the battle at Osage, where the Union forces captured eight hundred prisoners, including Gen. Marmaduke (who afterwards became governor of. Missouri), and a nine-gun battery. He also took part in the running of Gen. Price's army out of Missouri and throughout the war escaped without a wound. In June, 1864, Mr. Evans took the census of North Fork township, and his report was fully acceptable to the appointing power. For ten years Mr. Evans has been an auctioneer, of which he has made a success, but still retains possession of his farm, which he rents while he occupies the residence which he owns in Earlville.

Mr. Evans married December 12,1866, the lady of his choice being Miss Jane Tinknell, who was born in Wisconsin, August 29, 1849. She is a daughter of George and Betsey Tinknell, both of whom were natives of England. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Evans has resulted in the birth of six children, viz.-Edward F., James W., George W., Minnie, Ida and Mattie.In politics Mr. Evans is a republican and a stanch supporter of his party. He is a member of the G. A. R.

He and his excellent wife are active members of the Methodist church and contribute liberally to all charitable purposes.

He owns a fine farm which is equipped with all modern improvements, and he is to-day one of Delaware county's well-to-do citizens. This result has been obtained by a life of unremitting industry and per-severance, united with frugal habits, and to the estimable lady who has so long aided and counseled him in all his efforts, much of his success is due. The family is well known in Delaware county, and as early settlers and valuable members of the community are highly respected.

Mr. Evans, although English-born, is a thoroughgoing American, skilled in the American ways of getting along, with an American love for his adopted country and an American's admiration for that which is particularly American. His success in live stock raising is now enabling him to lead a life of ease.

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