My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH EVANS, retired farmer; P. O. Chenoa; was born in Worcestershire, England, March 26, 1811. He learned his father’s trade of a glover, but on becoming of age, engaged in merchandising. In 1844, he came to this country and settled in Morton, Tazewell Co., Ill., seven miles from Peoria. He began life in this State poor, and, though land in those days was cheap, was able to purchase but forty acres, but by industry and economy he gradually accumulated some money, which he invested in land, selling it when he could do so at a profit; he continued this on a more extended scale, as his means increased, making it a rule, however, never to buy more than he could pay for. Three years after Mr. Evans’ settlement in Morton, Mr. Lincoln then in Congress, secured his appointment as Postmaster, which position he held eleven years. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1850, serving eight years. In 1864, he purchased a farm of 160 acres, in Chenoa Township, whither he moved in 1866; in February, 1877, he moved into the city; he served as Justice of the Peace from 1870 to 1874, and for the past three years has been Commissioner of Highways. He was married in April, 1836, to Miss Harriet Holloway, Worcester, England, and has seven children living — Harriet, now Mrs. Griesser, of Tazewell Co.; Mary, wife of Francis Webb, of Tazewell Co.; Alfred; Jane, now Mrs. William Roberts, of Ringgold Co., Iowa; Herbert, Ralph and Dora.