Biography - John S. Evey
JOHN S. EVEY. It is not necessary for the traveler to understand the details
of farm life in order to determine the status of the owner of any particular
tract of land. It is easy to form a conclusion from the general appearance of
the property, the improvements that have been made upon it and the order or
disorder that reigns supreme. No one looking at the farm of Mr. Evey on section
21, Tower Hill Township, would have the least doubt that its owner understands
his business and is able to obtain good results from tilling the soil. The farm
consists of one hundred and eighty fertile acres, in whose pastures good stock
is found, in the sheds modern machinery, and in the storehouses farm produce of
excellent quality. About the dwelling are the manifestations of the refining
hand of woman.
Mr. Evey is a native of Maryland, born in Hagerstown, October 15, 1833. His
father, whose given name was Henry, and his mother, whose maiden name was
Rebecca Livers, were also born in Maryland. The parents removed to Shelby
County, Ill., about 1836, and located near Shelbyville, where she died. After
her decease the father came to Tower Hill Township and settled on section 21,
where he died in 1865. He was a good citizen, an upright man and a devoted
husband and father. His family comprised three children, our subject being the
eldest.
When he was three years old our subject was brought by his parents to this
county, where he grew to manhood on his father's farm. He was early initiated
into the mysteries of farming and when he became a man he naturally chose
agriculture as his life vocation. December 25, 1856 he was married in Tower Hill
Township to Miss Caroline M. Jones, a native of Tennessee. This estimable lady
was brought by her parents to Indiana, whence, after her father's death, she
came to Shelby County with a family named Listen. The congenial union of Mr. and
Mrs. Evey has been blessed by the birth of six living children, viz: William E.,
David H., Captolia, Hattie, Charles F. and John M. William E. is a farmer in
Kansas; David H. is a successful dentist at Monmouth, Ill.; Captolia follows the
profession of teaching.
A man of striking common sense, keen foresight and marked capability, Mr. Evey
has been selected by his fellow-citizens as one well qualified to fill public
offices of importance. He formerly took an active part in politics and in his
political affiliations is independent, voting for the man whom he considers best
fitted to serve the interests of the people. He has been Highway Commissioner
several years, in which position he has accomplished much for the good of the
community. Socially, he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and
the Farmer's Mutual Benefit Association.
Extracted 29 May 2017 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 270-271.
