My Genealogy Hound

JAMES J. BEVAN, the Supervising Principal of the public schools of Mauch Chunk, is a native of Carbon County, and is at present (1894) thirty-two years of age. His parents, William E. and Ann Bevan, were well known and highly respected residents of the county for many years. William E. Bevan held many positions of public trust at various times, the last being that of Treasurer of Carbon County in 1872. He was widely known throughout this section of the state as a man of sterling worth and high character. His death occurred at Catasauqua, Pa., in 1884, and that of his wife at Mauch Chunk, in 1892.

James J. Bevan is the sixth in a family of nine children. His boyhood was spent in his native county, where he attended the public schools until his fifteenth year, acquiring therein a sound common-school education. In 1876 he accompanied his parents to Alabama, whither his father went to invest in and develop some mining interests owned and operated by several Pennsylvania capitalists in and around Helena, Shelby County. During his four years’ residence in the south he continued his studies in the Shelby Collegiate Institute, one of the best schools in the state. He pursued a Latin and scientific course, and completed the same with credit and high rank as a student.

Shortly after the return of his family to Pennsylvania, in 1880, Mr. Bevan entered the examination before the State Board of Examiners, under State Superintendent Higbee, as a candidate for the state teachers’ diploma. He passed a thorough and satisfactory examination, and received this diploma in 1885. He then engaged in the profession of teaching as Principal of the Second Ward schools of Mauch Chunk. The following year, in recognition of his ability and work in this position, he was elected Principal of the high school, a position which he still holds. Under his capable and progressive management the schools of Mauch Chunk have been steadily improved, and today they rank among the best of those in eastern Pennsylvania for thoroughness and efficiency. Through his perseverance and energy the high school of Mauch Chunk has one of the most complete libraries and best equipped physical laboratories connected with any public school in the state; and it was one of the first to introduce separate courses of study for students who find special studies best adapted to their needs.

In his profession Mr. Bevan immediately took a prominent position as a teacher, and is to-day one of the best known educators in this section. He takes an active part in all educational meetings, and has earned a reputation as a forcible, practical, and thoughtful speaker. He has always been a close and enthusiastic student of the science and history of education, on which subjects he has frequently addressed teachers’ institutes and other assemblies. He is a graduate of the National Summer School of Methods and of the Chautauqua Teachers’ Retreat.

In 1889 Mr. Bevan was united in marriage with Miss Frances L. Cole, of Mauch Chunk, a daughter of Reuben and Francesca A. Cole, who came from two of the oldest and best families in Lehigh County. Their only child, Mary Francesca, is a bright little girl of four years. In social circles, where true worth and intelligence are passports, they hold a respected position, and in the community at large have many friends.

Principal Bevan takes an active interest in all enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit. He is a member of the Young Men’s Christian Association, before whom he has several times lectured on scientific subjects. As Secretary of the Marion Hose Company, a well known and efficient organization, he takes an active part in all matters pertaining to the Fire Department. He is a prominent member of Mauch Chunk Lodge No. 76, I. O. O. F., has passed all the chairs, and has held various high offices of trust and honor as representative of his lodge. His family are all members of the First Presbyterian Church of Mauch Chunk. Mr. Bevan is a pleasant, genial gentleman, and is everywhere regarded as a man of good judgment and strict morality.