ABEL EVANS. son of Samuel Evans, was born June 24, 1813, at Carmarthenshire, South Wales. His boyhood and early life were spent in the coal mines of his native land. He never joined any of the religious denominations, although he always lived an honest, moral, and up-right life. About the year 1840 he received the gospel as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Glamorganshire, South Wales, being the second person baptized in Wales. For the next ten years he devoted himself to the ministry, traveling in South and North Wales, and as a result a great many people accepted the gospel at his hands.

He emigrated to America in 1850, and while crossing the ocean, he became acquainted with Mary Jones, whom he married after landing in America. The next two years were spent in Council Bluffs, and in 1852 he and his wife crossed the plains With ox teams, coming direct to Lehi, where he resided for  thirteen   years. He was called on a mission to his native land in 1865, and labored there for a period of one and a half years, at which time he slept in a damp bed, from the effects of which he died November 30, 1866, firm in his Masters' cause.

He was the husband of three wives, namely: Mary Jones, Martha Morgan, and Jane Davis. He was the father of sixteen children, nine of whom reached maturity, namely: Abel John, William, Samuel, Mary (Mrs. Thomas Webb), Sarah (Mrs. William Sabey of Magrath, Canada), Catherine (Mrs. William R. Yates), Hyrum, Edward (now of Beach. Idaho), Martha (Mrs. George C. Phillips, deceased), Jane (Mrs. Abraham Gudmunson, deceased).

Abel Evans was a man of strong faith, and was especially endowed with the gift of healing and the discerning of spirits. He was counselor to Bishop David Evans for a number of years as well as being president of the high priests' quorum; was marshal of Lehi; and held a number of other civil offices.

MARY JONES EVANS. was born August 1, 1827, at Carmarthenshire, South Wales. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about the year 1849 in her native land and emigrated to America in 1859, and while on the way became acquainted with Abel Evans, to whom she was married on their arrival in America. She lived in Council Bluffs two years and in the spring of 1852 started to Utah. Their team consisted of one yoke of cattle, one cow and a two-year-old heifer. They arrived in Lehi in the fall of the same year.

Mrs. Evans went through all the hardships pertaining to pioneer life. She was left a widow in 1866, her husband having died on a mission to Wales, leaving a family of six children, three boys and three girls, the oldest twelve years old. Although she had the care of raising her family, she was never known to complain and was always cheerful. She was known for her hospitality. She died April 3, 1894.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABEL JOHN EVANS. was born December 20, 1852, at Lehi City. Utah, being the son of Abel Evans and Mary Jones Evans.

At the age of twelve years his father went on a mission to Great Britain, and in November, 1866, died there, thus becoming a martyr for the cause of his Master, and leaving Abel John the eldest of nine children to take the lead in all the hardships which the people of that time were forced to undergo. He had had but very little time to go to school, and indeed the opportunities of those days were but poor for those able to go. He worked on the farm and in the canyons, and at other manual labor, such as he could find to do.

At the age of 21 years, on January 26, 1874, he was ordained to the office of an elder, under the hands of Andrew Smith Johnson, and was married the same day to Louisa Emetine Zimmerman, in the Endowment House at Salt Lake City, Utah. He afterwards became the father of eleven children, three boys and eight girls, seven of whom are still living, namely: Harriet Mindwell (Mrs. Heber Webb), William Erastus, Robert James, Rose Ethel (Mrs. Angus Elmer Peterson), Hazel Julia (Mrs. George F. Holmstead), Vervene June, and Winifred Enna.

Soon after becoming an elder, he was chosen as one of the counselors to Lot Russon, who was president of the elders' quorum at Lehi; on December 30, 1883, was ordained to the office of a seventy under the hands of Andrew A. Peterson; and in April, 1889, went on a mission to Great Britain. On January 15, 1893, he was ordained a high priest, under the hands of Abraham H. Cannon, one of the apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and called to the High   Council in the Utah Stake of Zion. He acted in that position until the Alpine Stake of Zion was organized, on January 13, 1901, at which time he was made one of the stake presidency, the position he now occupies, having been set apart by Apostle Teasdale.

In the industrial line, Mr. Evans has always been a strong advocate of home industry and local institutions, being a stock-holder in the following companies: Provo Woolen Mills, Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, Utah Banking Company, State Bank of Lehi, Bank of American Fork, American Fork Co-op., Intermountain Life Insurance Company, Provo Reservoir Company, Utah Lake Irrigation Company, Salt Lake & Utah Railroad Company, and many other minor enterprises.

Mr. Evans was a member of the City Council four terms, 1881-1888; during the last three terms was alderman, which included the duties of justice of the peace, and in 1891 was elected mayor, this time running on a Democratic ticket, being the first election since the division of the people on national party lines. He has always been a strong Democrat in politics. He served as a member of the county court for four years, 1892-1896, at which time he was elected a member of the Utah Constitutional Convention and   there   took   a prominent part in framing the state constitution. He served as a senator in the first, second, third, and fourth State Legislatures of the State of Utah, and at the last session was chosen president of the senate by the unanimous vote of his party.

Although Mr. Evans had very few educational opportunities in his youth, by determination and study, pursued at odd times, he has risen into the ranks of professional men. Although he never attended a high school nor a law school a day in his life, yet on May 13, 1901, he was the happy recipient of a certificate from the Supreme Court of the State of Utah, which entitles him to practice law in all of the courts of the State.

 

WILLIAM SAMUEL EVANS was born at Lehi, February 1, 1855. He was the second son of Abel and Mary Jones Evans. He spent his boyhood days helping on his mother's farm and doing other odd jobs until 1874, when he married Geneva Clark, daughter of William and Jane Clark.

They then moved on to a homestead in what is now known as New Survey. There on the farm they raised their family of twelve children, four boys   and eight girls, ten of whom are now living. About 1900 he built him a home, on Fourth North and Second West, which he still owns.

He has followed various occupations, such as running a threshing machine, shearing sheep, and general   contracting.    He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; was ordained an elder in 1874, and joined the quorum a little later. When the Alpine Stake was organized, he became the president of the Sixth quorum of elders, and held that office until he was released to become a seventy.

He has held several civil offices Serving one term in the City Council, one term as member of the Irrigation Company, and, at different times, nine years as a member of the School Board. During his terms of office, they built the Franklin School, the Primary School, the Grammar School, the new Franklin School, and the Sego Lily addition. He also served two years as vice president of the Alpine High School Board. He served on the committee that erected the new High School building in American Fork. At the last election he was elected City Councilor on the Peoples' ticket.

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BISHOP DAVID EVANS, son of Israel and Abigail Evans, was born in Cecil County, Maryland, October 27, 1804.

His early training in life was on the frontier in Pennsylvania. He was of a rugged character, such as to fit him for the events which were to follow. His career was remarkable for his great industry, frugality, and charity to the poor, his public-spiritedness and broad, self-acquired education.

In 1826 he married Mary Beck and moved to Richland County, Ohio. Here he bought and opened up a new farm, where he lived until he was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, April 6, 1833. On the 11th of the same month he was ordained a priest and immediately commenced traveling and preaching, selling his farm to enable him to perform his missionary labors. He was ordained to the office of an elder July 21, 1833. He went with Zion's camp from Ohio to Missouri in 1834, and received ordination to the First quorum of Seventy under the hands of the Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, April 29, 1835.

He attended the "School of the Prophets" in Kirtland, and then left Ohio for Missouri in charge of a company of Saints, most of whom he had baptized himself. Here he bought land and again made a home. He was with the Saint's through all their persecutions in Missouri, among which was the terrible massacre at Haun's Mill.

In December, 1838, he and family were compelled to flee from the state of Missouri, leaving all their property behind He then went to Adams County, Illinois, and commenced preaching and baptizing many.

He lost his wife, after which he moved to Nauvoo and married Barbara Ann Ewell November, 1841. In 1842 when Nauvoo was organized into wards he was ordained bishop of the Eleventh Ward. He remained here until the Saints were driven out, when he was appointed captain of a company to cross the plains, and arrived in the valleys September 15, 1850.   He moved to Lehi the following February, over which place he was appointed to preside as bishop, the duties of which he faithfully performed for 28 years, tendering his resignation on account of old age and failing health, August 24, 1879.

He located the city of Lehi and laid it off into blocks and lots with a pocket compass, tape line, and square, he was elected to the first Legislature of Utah and acted for many years as a member of that body. He was Colonel of Militia, served as Major of the Lehi Military District several terms and was Mayor of Lehi City three terms.

He married Climena Gibson in 1854, Rebecca Coleman in 1856, and Christina Holm in 1861; and was the father of 41 children and a good provider for all his family. His death occurred June 23, 1883, and the following day a special train was dispatched from Salt Lake City which brought President Woodruff. Bishop Hunter and several other leading men to attend the funeral. The cortege to the cemetery was the largest ever formed in Lehi, 115 vehicles being in line.

 

BARBARA ANN EWELL EVANS, the daughter of Pleasant and Barbara Ewell, was born the 16th day of May, 1821, in the state of Virginia, Albemarl County. My father and mother left that state when I was nine years old, and moved to Bedford County, state of Tennessee, where we remained three years. In 1833 we moved to Ray County, Missouri. There I witnessed the falling of the stars, November 13, 1833.

It was in my father's house that I first heard the sound of the everlasting gospel, preached by Brother Jacob Foutz. The next elder I heard was David Evans. My mother being first to believe, she was baptized by David Evans, and the family soon followed.

We remained in Missouri until the Saints were driven from that state. My mother and sister being very sick when we left, they both died shortly after our arrival in  Illinois, and in the course of a few months another of my sisters died, each leaving a small child which I had charge of in connection with my father's family, which consisted of two brothers, two sisters, my father, myself, and the two small babies of my sisters, all of whom I had charge of, and I being only 18 years of age.

I was baptized by Elder David Evans, and confirmed by him June 10, 1837, and I was married to him on the 23rd of November, 1841.

I saw Joseph and Hyrum Smith after their martyrdom. It was a solemn day among the Saints.   We felt like a flock of sheep without a shepherd, but the Lord had another shepherd to lead his Saints. It was Brigham Young. I was present the day he was set apart to lead the church. No Saint could dispute it, for it did seem when he spoke as though it was Joseph's own voice that was addressing us. I never shall forget that day nor how the Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon the people; it came so mild, yet so penetrating that every heart beat with joy to know we had a man of God to lead the Saints. Oh, what a consolation it was to know we were not forgotten.

I remained in Illinois until the exodus from  that state, which was in 1846. Some of the Saints had neither teams nor wagons. The brethren united  together and  made wagons for those that had none; by that means all had wagons, but not teams, and we were obliged to get away, as the mob was howling around, and Nauvoo was threatened. So my husband, being bishop of the Eleventh Ward, concluded to take the teams they had and move as many as they could. We made a start with what teams we had, crossed the Mississippi River, went a day's journey, and set the families down on the prairie. The next day they took the teams and brought the rest. Soon after the men got employment breaking prairie and other   work.    We   took oxen and milk cows, so in the fall all had teams and provisions for winter. I did considerable spinning in the tent, also quilted several quilts. One great blessing, we were generally well. We did not have many luxuries, still we felt thankful for what we had. We then started for Council Bluffs, but it was late in the fall, winter had set in, and we stopped on the head waters of the Nodaway. The men cut hay and put up log huts. My husband made a side loom, and I did considerable weaving that winter. The cattle could not live on the frost-bitten hay so they commenced to die; our provisions began to get short; and we were obliged to leave in the month of February, 1847. We started for Missouri, lost our way, our teams that were left gave out, and we had to kill and eat them to save our lives.

My husband and two other men, Joseph Smith (Lehi) and Shaw, went down to Missouri to get fresh teams and provisions, while they left their families camped on a small stream which was called Starvation Creek. We suffered from hunger and cold, but we did not complain, for we were united; we truly lived the order; we all shared alike. My husband came with fresh teams and provisions. I tell you it was a day of rejoicing. We had not heard from them since they left. They had hard work to get teams. The people were so prejudiced against the Mormons, they were almost to return without anything. My husband told the people he would return and die with the rest of the people. One gentleman spoke and said, 'Can't you do something for these men; they seem to be honest?' The men began to volunteer, and he soon had all the provisions and teams he wanted. We then made another start for Missouri. The snow had fallen to a great depth, and we could not keep on the divide. After wallowing in the snow for four or five days, camping on the prairie without fire, we arrived in Nodaway County, Missouri, March 1, 1847. My son, Joseph, was born April 7th, in a house without doors, windows, chimneys or floor. My food was corn bread ground on a hand mill; we had bran for coffee. We stayed there three years, had plenty of work, made a good outfit and started for Utah, May 15th, 1850. My baby was ten days old when we started.

After the company got together, Bishop Evans was appointed captain. They were organized, and on June 15 we made a start for Utah. The cholera soon broke out in camp. People were stricken down on every side. There were five deaths in our company,    my    husband's oldest daughter, Mrs. Ira Hinckley, was one among them. That was a trying time. I had six small children, but none of them had the horrible disease. Had it not been for that we should have had a pleasant journey. After we arrived at Laramie, we allenjoyed good health.

In the year 1850, September 15th, we arrived at Salt Lake Valley, and lived there until February 15, 1851. We then moved to what was then called Dry Creek. We have made our home in Lehi ever since.

My husband was appointed bishop of Lehi, also postmaster and served several terms in the Legislature. Our son, Hyrum, was drowned at Pelican Point, in Utah Lake, July 29, 1862, age 9 years, 21 days.

I had been baptized. and served as Second Counselor in the Relief Society for eleven years, I have done work in three temples, and have a little more to do, but my health would not permit. If I cannot do it, some of my family will attend to it.

My son, Eleazer Evans, was called on a mission to Germany. He left October 16, 1883, took a severe cold while in London; still he would not give up until he arrived in Berlin. He remained sick all winter. The president released him to return home. He lived just three weeks after his return, when his noble spirit took its flight to God who gave it.

I am the mother of fifteen children, seven boys and eight girls, ten of whom are living besides one adopted child, the daughter of Louise and John Beck; grandchildren 101, 86 living, 21 dead; great-grandchildren 51, 43 living, 8 are dead. I was 75 years old May 16, 1896. All my children living are married and have families, and live in Utah. I have been a widow 13 years, was left with three children. I feel thankful through all the meandering and shifting scenes of mortal life.   I have been preserved thus far in the faith of the gospel, and can testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.

 

REBECCA COLEMAN EVANS, born October 4, 1838, in Bedfordshire. England, came to Lehi February 15, 1851. She was married to Bishop David Evans in 1856. She is the mother of eight children as follows: George Prime, Harriet, Sarah (Mrs. Samuel J. Taylor), Rebecca, Emma Jane (Mrs John Roberts, Jr.), Martha Ann, and Ella.

 

 

MARGARET CHRISTINA HOLM EVANS was born September 5, 1843. She was married to Bishop David Evans May 4. 1861. She became the mother of six children, one son and five daughters. Her children are John Holm, died in infancy; Margaret Christine   (Mrs.   James J. Turner), Jane (Mrs. Richard W. Bradshaw), Hannah (Mrs. Andrew B, Anderson), Rachel (Mrs.John W. Wing, Jr.), Clara (Mrs.Joseph Goates, Jr.) She died June 17, 1898. at the age of 54 years, 10 months, and 12 days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ISRAEL EVANS. was born in Hanover, Columbus County, Ohio, October 2, 1828, his parents being David and Mary Beck Evans. At the age of five years he went with his parents to Missouri, and four years later to Nauvoo, Illinois. As his father's earnings were no more than sufficient for the support of the family, Israel's education was limited to the simple studies taught in the district schools.

In July, 1846, he enlisted in the Mormon Battalion at Council Bluffs, hoping that his enlistment might save some older man of family from service. He received his discharge after a year of severe duty in California,    he then went to work at Sutter's Mill and was employed in the company which discovered gold. He worked in the gold fields long enough to fit himself to return to Utah, in a party under the command of Captain Ira J. Willes.

He arrived in Salt Lake City October 1, 1848, and was married January 1, 1849, to Matilda A. Thomas. In the fall of 1850 he came to Lehi, where a few families had already settled at Snow's Springs. He assisted in surveying the first farm lands and townsite, and in locating and digging the first irrigating ditches, including the ditch from American Fork Canyon, which was a great undertaking for that time.

In 1853 he was assigned to a four-year mission to England, which he honorably filled. On his return he had charge of one of the hand cart companies, which he brought successfully across the plains. In 1868 he went upon a second mission to the eastern states. He was one of the presidents of the 68^th quorum of seventies, was Mayor of Lehi for one term, and upon several occasions was elected to the City Council. He was also appointed major in the local division of the Territorial militia. He was ever a public-spirited man. It was largely owing to him that a bill was passed establishing the Agricultural College and he was instrumental in the location of the sugar factory at Lehi, maintaining and proving the suitability of the proposed site, in spite of discouraging conditions.

He died May 31, 1896, in Lehi, respected by all who knew him. His belief in the faith of his choice was unshaken through life, and he left behind him the unblemished record of an honest, loyal, and generous citizen.

 

MATILDA  A. THOMAS EVANS, daughter of Daniel S. and Martha P. Thomas, was born in Calloway County, Kentucky, Feb. 5, 1830 was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when eight years of age. In her youth her parents moved into Missouri, and from there into Illinois. She was in the expulsion from Nauvoo and in 1847 she, with her brother Isaac, crossed the plains in the first company of emigrants after the pioneers. They drove teams for John Van Cott in order to get an outfit to return for the rest of her father's family. They arrived in Salt Lake City on September 4, 1847. The next year, her brother returned, bringing out the family in 1849.

She was married to Israel Evans, January 1, 1849. After living in Salt Lake City for a short time they moved In Lehi, settling at Snow's Springs. Afterward they moved up on the creek into what was known as Evansville, and still later into Lehi proper. In 1853 her husband was called upon a mission to England. He left her with two small children, remaining away between four and five years. During this time she passed through all the trials incident to opening up a new country, often going into the harvest field to glean wheat to provide for herself and children She did much toward building her first little home within the fort wall. Her entire life was a busy one, identified with the people of Lehi.

She was the mother of nine children:    Mary Abigail (Mrs. Benjamin S. Lott), Elgiva (Mrs. D. J. Thurman), Martha, Israel, Matilda (Mrs. Thomas Skalley), Morgan, Rachel (Mrs. E. J. Campbell), Lyda (Mrs. O. A. Slade), and Henry. She died March 11, 1905, a firm believer in the gospel taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith, having heard it preached from his own lips in her youth. She was a patient and willing worker all her life, always ready to give help to those in need.

 

DAVID EVANS, JR. son of Bishop David Evans and Barbara Ann Ewell Evans, was born in Lehi January 28. 1852. His early life was spent in his native city working on his father's farm in the summer and attending the district school in the winter.

After reaching his majority, he taught school for a time in the Franklin School "over the creek" and, in connection with Samuel R. Thurman, commenced reading law. He went to Ann Arbor in 1884 and after his return moved to Provo, where he and Thurman conducted a law firm until 1887. As United States Deputy Marshal, Mr. Evans effected the arrest of John D. Lee and during 1887-1891, he was Assistant United States District Attorney under C. S. Varian at Provo. About this time he moved to Ogden. He was in the Utah Legislature in 1892 and an active member of the Constitutional convention in 1895.

In 1896, Mr. Evans was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Chicago, where William Jennings Bryan received his first nomination for President of the United States. He lived in Salt Lake City for a time and moved to California about 1902. where he has been interested in some large enterprises near Los Angeles. He is now a prominent attorney in the "City of the Angels' He has been interested in mining to some extent in Utah and has been quite successful in this line.

In 1881 he married Leah M. Nagle. a daughter of John C. and Louisa Nagle. Three daughters have been born to them, one dying in infancy,-the other two are Lucile and Irma, who are receiving a liberal education. Although Mr. Evans has risen to fame and fortune, he has shown on many occasions that he has a tender feeling for the place of his nativity and for the friends of his youth.