STANDARD ATLAS
OF
SCOTT COUNTY, ILLINOIS
1903
Geo. A. Ogle & Co.Publishers & Engravers
134 Van Buren St.
Chicago
Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough
Page 132
A long time ago, so long, in fact, that it has almost slipped the memory of the oldest inhabitant, Daniel Evans, father of Hezekiah Evans, came from Clark county, Kentucky, and settled in what was then Morgan County, on what is now the Ebey farm, about a half mile northeast of the present limits of the city of Winchester. Hezekiah Evans was born in Clark county, Kentucky, June 12, 1827. From Winchester the father moved to Iowa in 1853, and, a year later, to Missouri, where he lived until the outbreak of the civil war. During those dark days he lived in Winchester. After the war Daniel Evans moved to Missouri and died at Kirksville, in 1874, aged seventy-four years.
Hezekiah was the second in a family of seven sons. In 1850 he suffered an attack of "gold fever" and journeyed to California overland. He didn't strike it very rich out there, remained only a year, and came back to Winchester via the Panama route. He then clerked for E. B. Kirby for three years and, in 1855, engaged in the livery business. This he continued until March, 1863, when he disposed of his stock and enlisted in Company F, 33rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until November, 1865, when he was mustered out. He then returned to Winchester and again went into the livery business. During his career as a liveryman he was in partnership with Dr. Wilson, later the Sallee Brothers, under the firm name of Sallee Brothers, & Evans, then with his son, Charles Evans. In 1870 his barn was burned and he suffered a heavy loss. Following the fire he conducted business over on Hill street and in 1886 built the barn now conducted by Charles Evans. In 1891 he took his son, Charles, in as a partner, and, August 1, 1901, sold out to him.
When the present city of Winchester elected its first board of alderman under the new charter, November 13, 1876, he was one of the alderman chosen, and, save for a few terms, has served as alderman continuously for about twenty years. Mr. Evans has grown up with Winchester, and has come with it from a small hamlet to a flourishing, prosperous city. His interests have been centered here, and his deeds have been good.
In 1849 Mr. Evans was married to Miss Harriet Claywell of Scott county. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom are now living. They are: Hezekiah, Jr., and Mrs. Laura Morgan, of St. Louis; Charles and William H. of Winchester. In addition to their own children Mr. and Mrs. Evans reared eleven orphan children. These acts of humanity and kindness on their part speak louder than words in praise of the real heart and soul of these noble people. Mrs. Evans departed this life September 26, 1900.
Hezekiah Evans has been faithful in all things and the people of Winchester honor and respect him for his true worth, his great heart, and his loving disposition.