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Date: 1884
John D. Evans, a prominent citizen, of this county, died after a lingering illness, at two o'clock this morning, at his home at
Paoli. Mr. Evans belonged to one of the older families in the country, and his ancestors were all influential, public-spirited citizens. His great-grandfather. William Evans, was born in Wales, and came here and purchased in 1719 a large tract of land in Tredyffrin township. The famous Paoli Tavern was afterwards built upon a part of this tract, and its old swinging sign was first put in place, about 1760, by Joshua Evans, Sr.. son of the old Welshman, and grandfather of Joshua D. He early espoused the American cause, served with Anthony Wayne (afterwards General Wayne) upon several important provincial and county committees, and was a leading locale spirit of those troubles times.
Joshua Evans, Jr., father of John D. Evans, was a Brigadier General of militia for many years and participated in the reception tendered to General Lafayette by the county on his second visit to America in 1825. He was elected Representative to the Legislature in 1820, and represented his district in Congress from 1829 to 1833. His wife, Lydia Davis, was a daughter of Dr. John Davis, Surgeon-in-Chief of the Pennsylvania Battalions in the struggle for independence. He died October 2, 1846. He was the father of six children, of which John D. was the last survivor.
John D. Evans was born October 18, 1811 and was, consequently in the 70th year of his age. He succeeded his father in the possession of the ancestral estate and was for many years proprietor of the ancient hostelry; but advancing years and the desire for rest induced him to part with it three years ago, and the original deed which conveyed it to his family in the early part of the last century passed out of his hands.
After disposing of the hotel property he purchased and fitted up handsomely the residence where he died, intending there to and his days. It stands just east of the tavern. and on a part of the original purchase of his Welsh relative.
He was, like his father. a man of marked ability, sound judgment and strict integrity, just and honorable, with a kindly love and regard for his fellow-man. He took a lively interest in public affairs of which he was a close student; was an uncompromising Democrat of the Jefferson Jackson school, and exerted a wide influence in his county. Without having held any prominent position he was probably, one of the best-known men in the State, and numbered among his friends and acquaintances many distinguished men. He almost reached the allotted "threescore years and ten" and was up to within a few months of his death, apparently in the full vigor of his manhood. His mind never wandered, though his strength diminished daily. And death came almost painlessly. It was the writer’s privilege to have been very intimate with him in the last years of his life, and it was a privilege to know him. Though death has claimed him his judicious counsel, ready, manly sympathy, his cheering and encouraging words still live, and will until we too shall cross the dark river and enter the great unknown. His life is a monument that none need despise, for, in the words of the poet, he loved so well
"His worth, his honor, all the world approve.”
References
Evans Family Tree
Early History of Paoli by Mike Bertram, TEHS Quarterly, April 2014, Volume 51, Number 1.
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