Descendants of Robert Evans

Evans.

The Evans family of Johnstown, New York, descend from Robert Evans, born in Ross, Herefordshire, England. He came to the United States in 1815 and located in Boston, Massachusetts. He married, in England, Susanna Harper, and brought with him to Boston a family of eight children. He was for several years a business man of that city and became well known. He was a member of the Masonic order, and at the dedication of Bunker Hill Monument participated in the Masonic portion of the ceremonies. He was unfortunate in his business affairs, and closing up his Boston operations removed to Lynn, Massachusetts where he became interested in glue manufacture, a business he learned in England.

(II) Robert (2), son of Robert and Susanna (Harper) Evans, was born in England, August 1799, died June 15, 1864, aged sixty-five years. He came to Gloversville, New York in the early forties, and in company with John McNab, engaged in in glue manufacturing. He was one of the liberal contributors to the fund for the seminary in Gloversville. Politically he was a Republican. He married Mary Lois Phillips, of Rockwood, New York; born 1821. Children:

1. Sarah Jane, born in Gloversville, March 18, 1845.
Married George Fraser, and has a daughter, Catherine, who married Mr. Meyer and had one child, Portia Meyer.
2. Robert J., son of Robert (2) and Mary Lois (Phillips) Evans, was born July 21, 1846, died October 14, 1898. He came to Johnstown from Gloversville, in 1866, and engaged in the manufacture of gloves in an old barn on William street. On January 1, 1874, he formed a partnership with his brother Richard under the name of R. J. & R Evans. They manufactured high grade gloves which found a ready sale. Robert J. Evans continued to be actively engaged in the business until January 1, 1898, when he retired, leaving the business to his brother and his two sons. He was one of the founders of the First National Bank., was a director in the People's Bank from its organization until 1897, and was the largest stockholder in the Johnstown Electric Light Company. He was a member and vestryman of St. John's Episcopal Church, and a member of the Lotus Club. Mr. Evans was a man of honor and integretity, respected and esteemed fro his many excellent qualities, and was devoted to his home and family, preferring to spend his leisure time with them to holding membership in clubs or societies. Mr. Evans married January 10, 1877, Mary B. Younglove, born November 23, 1855, daughter of James and Mary Ann (Davies) Younglove. Children:

1. Robert Y., born November 3, 1877; married December 9, 1900 to Minnie Louise Sommers.
2. Arthur, born February 1, 1880, died April 11, 1886.
3. George Herbert, born August 18, 1882, died August 10, 1903.
4. Lillian, born August 20, 1885
5. Edwin, born August 2, 1887, died August 28, 1889.

3. Richard, son of Robert (2) and Mary Lois (Phillips) Evans, was born in Gloversville, Fulton county, New York, November 11, 1852, died December 20, 1908. He was educated in the public schools, Gloversville Seminary, Johnstown Academy and under private tutors, all of which was preparatory to his admission to Cornell University, being a member of the first freshman class ever admitted to that now famous institution (1868). After leaving the university, his associated with his brother, Robert J. Evans and began the manufacture of gloves. In 1874, the firm of R. J. & R. Evans was formed and continued in successful operation until January 1898, when Robert J. Evans retired from the firm. His place was taken by two sons of Richard Evans, whom he admitted with himself, constituted the new company, Richard Evans & Sons. Mr. Evans Sr., continued in active business until his death. The sons have succeeded him and continue the business. He was interested in other affairs of Johnstown. He was one of the promoters and treasurer of the Johnstown Electric Light and Power Company; trustee of the Presbyterian Church; member of school board for many years; and a director of the People's Bank. He was a liberal supporter of the Young Men's Christian Association. He was an able business man and polished gentleman, having many warm friends. He married, October 15, 1874, Caroline, daughter of James I. and Mary Ann (Pierson) McMartin, of Johnstown, grand-daughter of Daniel, and great-granddaughter of Peter McMartin, born in Scotland. Children of Caroline and Richard:

1. Richard Malcom, eldest son of Richard and Caroline (McMartin) Evans, was born November 11, 1875. He prepared for college at Johnstown Academy and then entered Cornell University, graduating in class of 1897. He then entered the firm of which his father was a member, and January 1, 1898, was admitted to membership, as was also his brother, James McMartin, still holding the old name which had become known in connection with the glove industry all over the country. The brothers are conducting the business at the present time. meeting with well-merited success, and in addition to this, Richard M. Evans is serving in the capacity of director in the People's Bank. He is a member and trustee of the Presbyterian church of Johnstown, and is a Republican in politics,. He holds membership in St. Patrick's Lodge, No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons, Johnstown Chapter No. 78, Royal Arch Masons and the Colonial Club. He married April 5, 1905, Mildred Elisabeth Burt, of Terra Haute, Indiana, born June 16, 1881, the only child of Lucius and Mary (Dowling) Burt. Children:

1. Elisabeth, born July 23, 1906
2. Richard, born March 31, 1909

2. James McMartin, born July 21, 1877, graduated from Cornell, class of 1897, youngest member of his class at graduation, selected as pipe custodian; in 1898 was admitted a partner in the firm of Richard Evans & Sons; member of Free and Accepted Masons, St. Patrick's Lodge, No. 4, Johnstown Chapter No. 78, Royal Arch Masons, and Colonial Club; married Nellie P. Ireland, February 18, 1902 and has a son, John Ireland, born October 8, 1904.

3. Archibald, born July 27, 1882, died January 31, 1883.

4. Charles Phillips, born September 2, 1891, died November 17, 1896.

5. Caroline Lois, born October 26, 1894.

Source: Cuyler Reynolds, "Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical and Family Memoirs", Vol. III (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co.)1911, pgs. 949-950.

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