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John L. Evans, director of the poor, is a substantial citizen of Cambria County and a member of one of the oldest
families in this section of the state. He was born seven miles north of Ebensburg, Sept. 8, 1850, and is the son
of Richard J. and Jane (Lloyd) Evans.
Richard J. Evans, deceased, was a native of Wales, and the son of Reese Evans, founder of Ebensburg. The Evans
family emigrated to America at an early date, making the trip during a terrible storm at sea. The vessel required
100 days to make the voyage between Liverpool and Philadelphia. The Evans family immediately came to Cambria County
and settled on land about three miles north of the present site of Ebensburg. At the age of 16 years Richard J.
Evans learned the blacksmith trade and formed a partnership with a brother, which continued for 10 years. They
were builders of wagons, and their shop was located on the old National Road between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Later Mr. Evans was employed by the old Portage Railroad as a repairman. Mr. and Mrs. Evans were the parents of
the following children: Oliver, deceased; John L., the subject of this sketch; Edward W.; Richard D., lives in
Ebensburg; Jane, married Rev. Hiram D. Cox, both deceased; Catherine, married Samuel D. Patterson, a Civil war
veteran, both deceased; Anna B., married Jonathan Lewis, both deceased; and Evelyn, died at the age of nine years.
John L. Evans spent his boyhood on his father's farm and after his marriage he purchased the home place. He was
successfully engaged in general farming until 1909, when he removed to Ebensburg. He was appointed director of
the poor of Cambria County in January, 1913, and has held this office continuously since that time, having been
reelected again in 1926 for another term of four years. He has also served as school director for 14 years and
was township clerk for several years.
In 1877 Mr. Evans was married to Miss Mary C. Patterson, a daughter of Thomas and Magdelaine (Dunkle) Patterson.
To them were born 10 children, as follows: Margaret Evelyn, married Thomas H. Jose, lives at Oakmont, Pa.; Florence
A., married E. S. Geist, a traveling salesman, lives at Ebensburg; Walter B., civil engineer, lives at Ligonier,
Pa.; Jessie May, the widow of Walter Morris; Harrison M., lives in Ebensburg; Everett P., a World war veteran,
lives at Fort Collins, Col.; and Grace, a teacher, lives in Johnstown; and three children deceased.
Mr. Evans is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He
is an excellent citizen and a worthy member of his community.
From:
History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania
By: John E. Gable
Historical Publishing Company
Topeka-Indianapolis, 1926
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