Father: John Thomas Evans
Mother: Elizabeth Miller
Spouse: Sarah Francis McGuire - b: 21/May/1850 - Gentry
Co., MO
d: 1/Oct/1945 - County Infirmary, Athens Twp.,
Gentry Co., MO - bur: King City Cem.
m: 26/Dec/1877 - Huggins Twp., Gentry Co.,
MO
Child-1: James Earl
2: Claude
Miller
3: Samuel
Emmett
4: (unnamed
daughter)
Biographical Details:
Thomas Jefferson Evans, known familiarly as "Jeff", was the older son and third known child of John T. and Elizabeth Miller Evans. He was born on April 26, 1851, in Missouri, and was, it would seem, to have been their first child born after they arrived in Gentry County. Indeed, it is clear that John T. and Elizabeth Evans were still living in Casey County, Kentucky, in the late summer of 1850 when they were enumerated for the census. As a practical matter, it seems unlikely that the family would have left Kentucky during the winter months and, therefore, it is probable that they came to Missouri in the spring of 1851. Furthermore, this chronology implies that Elizabeth Miller Evans would have been in the late stages of pregnancy at the time that they moved. It is not known how they traveled nor where they settled at the time of their arrival; however, it is plausible that they lived for some time with relatives or friends already resident in Gentry County. Unfortunately, it would seem that by 1864 both John T. and Elizabeth Miller had died leaving their six minor children as orphans. Moreover, none of these children appear anywhere in the population schedule of the 1860 US Census for Gentry County. This suggests that the household may have been broken up by the summer of 1860 and that the children may have boarding with relatives or neighbors. Alternatively, the household may simply have been overlooked by the enumerator. As indicated elsewhere, four siblings of Thomas Jefferson Evans, can be identified with reasonable confidence in the 1870 US Census for Gentry County. These are Martha C. Ireland, Mary M. Norris, and James and Emma Evans; however, neither Thomas Jefferson nor Mahala Jane Evans can be definitely identified in the population schedule. Within this context, census records do indicate that there were several apparently unrelated minors living in the household of John S. Hazlewood in Bogle Township, one of which was named Thomas Evans. However, the age of this individual was indicated as eleven years which would have been much too young for Thomas Jefferson Evans, who would have been nineteen years of age in April of 1870. Moreover, it is apparent from the population schedule of the 1880 US Census for Gentry County that this same individual remained in the Hazlewood household and, thus, definitely should not be identified with Thomas Jefferson Evans.Source Notes and Citations:Sarah Francis McGuire was the daughter of James E. and Nancy Sale McGuire and was living with her parents and siblings in Huggins Township at the time of the census in 1870.1 She and Thomas Jefferson Evans were married on December 26, 1877, probably at the home of her parents as was the custom of the time. It is reported that their first home was in the "McGuire neighborhood". Indeed, Sarah's father, James McGuire, owned one hundred and sixty acres in Huggins Township, which at present can be identified with a location on the north side of combined US Routes 136 and 169 about a mile and a quarter east of the highway crossing of West Fork, i.e., approximately five miles east northeast of the town of Stanberry. This is further supported by the population schedule of the 1880 US Census in which the households of James McGuire and Thomas J. Evans appear in immediate succession. Even so, it is believed that about 1885 Jeff and Sarah Evans and their children moved to a substantial farm of four hundred acres in "Section Eight in Township Sixty-one of Range Thirty-one", located about three miles east of the village of Ford City at the western edge of Miller Township, which they rented from his uncle, Elijah Johnson Miller. Indeed, it is family tradition that both Jeff Evans and his brother, J. J., were established on large farms by "Uncle Jonse", i.e., Elijah Johnson Miller, a bachelor brother of their mother. He had immigrated to Gentry County from Casey County, Kentucky, about 1850 and had subsequently become a prosperous businessman in the town of Albany. However, census records indicate that by 1880 Elijah Johnson Miller had returned to Casey County where he was living with his elderly mother and an older brother. Even so, Uncle Jonse evidently retained full title to the land until his death. Accordingly, to settle E. J. Miller's estate, Jeff "bought out" all the other heirs in 1899 for the sum of $10,400.2 Indeed, both Jeff and J. J. Evans eventually owned these large farms free and clear.3 Jeff Evans became a member of the Round Spring Presbyterian Church in the fall of 1893.4 Thomas Jefferson Evans died at his home on October 11, 1915.5,6 The cause of his death was said to have been an "abscess on the lungs", which is one of those quaint, old-fashioned medical terms that might imply a severe pulmonary infection, pneumonia, emphysema, etc. His funeral was held at the Maple Grove Church, which is also east of Ford City and near to his farm. During his life Jeff Evans was a Democrat and member of the Presbyterian Church. He was affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and the Knights of Pythias, which are well known fraternal organizations.7 In his obituaries, Jeff Evans was portrayed as a friendly and gregarious man interested in the welfare and improvement of his community. This is consistent with family tradition in which he was remembered as a source of humorous stories and ever ready for a fishing trip to the Grand River. Nevertheless, it is also clear that he was responsible to his wife and children as well as an enterprising and successful farmer. In addition to their three sons, Thomas J. and Sarah McGuire Evans also cared for a foster daughter, Mattie James, whose father was a Gentry County Judge (an executive rather than a judicial office). She later married L. A. Jacoby. Sarah Evans survived her husband for nearly thirty years. In later life she was cared for in her own home by two of her daughter-in-laws. When she could no longer remain at home, she entered the Gentry County Home, located just south of Albany, where she passed away on October 1, 1945, at the age of ninety-five.
1. Anonymous, The History of Gentry and Worth Counties, Missouri, National Historical Company, St. Joseph, MO, 1882: pgs. 363-4. (Available electronically at cdm16795.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/mocohist/id/42794)
"JAMES E. McGUIRE, farmer, section 24, the son of William and Rebecca McGuire, was born in Floyd County, Kentucky, April 24, 1825. His parents moved to Morgan County, that state, when James E. was quite young, and here he was educated, and remained until he was about seventeen years of age, when his people emigrated to Missouri, he coming with them. After spending twelve months in Saline and DeKalb Counties, he finally settled in Gentry County, Missouri, where he has since resided. On February 19, 1845, he was married to Miss Nancy Sale, whose people came from Michigan to Gentry County in an early day. Ten children were the fruits of this marriage, of whom seven are now living: Lucinda, Sarah, Frances, Samuel W., Rebecca, James P. and George F. Those deceased were named William H., John F. and Charles R. He owns 214 acres of good land with fair house, barn, orchard and other improvements. Mr. McGuire is a member of Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 312, A. F. and A. M., and Buckeye Grange, No. 1043. He has been school director and road supervisor in his district, and served in Company M, Missouri State Militia, First Regiment, two years during the war. He also took part in the removal of the Fox Indians from this country in February, 1846." Contemporaneous civil records indicate that James McGuire owned one hundred and sixty acres corresponding to the "Southwest quarter of Section Twenty-four in Township Sixty-three of Range Thirty-two".
back to bio.2. Warranty Deed
This Indenture, Made on the Seventh day of July A. D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety-Nine, by and between Eliza Toms (a widow) of Casey County, Kentucky, by James J. Toms of Casey County, Kentucky, her attorney in fact, and Sarah E. Marsh and husband James A. Marsh, Martha C. Ireland and husband Thomas A. Ireland, Mahala J. Hunter and husband J. T. Hunter, Mary M. Norris (a widow), James J. Evans and wife Mary E. Evans, John H. Austin and wife Hila E. Austin, Almira P. Birch (a widow), and Samuel G. Clark and wife Florence Clark, all of Gentry County, Missouri, and Mary J. Graves (a widow) of Harrison County, Missouri, and Sarah F. Thomas and husband Junius C. Thomas of Cass County, Missouri, and and Nancy E. Baldock and husband John W. Baldock of Oklahoma County Oklahoma Territory, and Ulysses S. Clark (single) and Charles C. Clark (single) of Jackson County Missouri, and Perry J. Clark (a widower) of Washington County, Nebraska, and Robert J. Austin and wife Leona S. Austin of Fairfax County Virginia, and Hester Marsh and husband Willard S. Marsh of Buchanan County, Missouri, parties of the First Part,, and Thomas J. Evans of the County of Gentry and State of Missouri, party of the Second Part. Witnesseth, that the said parties of the First Part, in consideration of the sum of Ten Thousand Four Hundred /100 Dollars, to them paid by the said party of the Second Part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged do by these presents, Grant, Bargain and Sell, Convey and Confirm unto the said party of the Second Part his heirs and assigns, the following described Lots, Tracts or Parcels of Land, lying, being and situate n the County of Gentry and State of Missouri, to wit:
All their right, title, interest and estate of in and to the South Half of the South West quarter of Section Five (5) and the North half of Section Eight (8), all in Township Sixty-one (61) of Range Thirty-one (31), containing Four Hundred acres More or less. Subject to the taxes thereon for the year 1899 and thereafter. To Have and To Hold the premises aforesaid with all and singular the rights, privileges, appurtennances and immunities thereto belonginmg, or in anywise appertaining, unto the said party of the Second Part, and unto his heirs [and assigns, the said parties of the First Part hereby covenanting that they are lawfully seized of an indefeasible title estate in Fee in the premises herein con]veyed: that they have good right to convey the same; and that the premises are free and clear of any incumbrance done or suffered by them or those under whom they claim, and that they will Warrant and Defend the title of the said premises unto the said party of the second Part, and unto his heirs and assigns, Forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever. In Witness Whereof, the said parties of the First Part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
/s/Eliza Toms by James J. Toms, her atty in fact (seal)
/s/Williard S. Marsh (seal) /s/Sarah F. Thomas (seal) /s/James J. Evans (seal)
/s/Hester Marsh (seal) /s/Junius C. Thomas (seal) /s/Mary E. Evans (seal)
/s/John H. Austin (seal) /s/Perry J. Clark (seal) /s/Martha C. Ireland (seal)
/s/Hila E. Austin (seal) /s/Samuel G. Clark (seal) /s/Thomas A. Ireland (seal)
___________ /s/Robert J. Austin (seal) /s/Florence Clark (seal) /s/Almira P. Birch (seal)
|U.S.I.R.| /s/Leona S. Austin (seal) /s/James A. Marsh (seal) /s/Ulysses S. Clark (seal)
| Stamps | /s/Mary J. Graves (seal) /s/Sarah E. Marsh (seal) /s/Charles C. Clark (seal)
| $1000 | /s/Mary M. Norris (seal) /s/J. T. Hunter (seal) /s/Nancy E. Baldock (seal)
|________| /s/Mahala J. Hunter (seal) /s/John W. Baldock (seal)State of Missouri County of Gentry} ss.
On this 7th day of July 1899, before me personally appeared James J. Evans, Martha C. Ireland and husband Thomas A. Ireland, Samuel G. Clark and wife Florence Clark, Sarah E. Marsh and husband James A. Marsh, Mahala J. Hunter and husband J. T. Hunter, Hester Marsh and husband Willard S. Marsh, John H. Austin, Robert J. Austin Perry J. Clark (single), Mary J. Graves, (single), Almira P. Birch (single) and Mary M. Norris (single), to me known to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same as their free act and deed. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at my office in Albany, Mo., the day and year first above written. My term expires April 29#, 1903.
(L S) /s/D. D. Kingsborough Notary PublicState of Missouri County of Gentry} ss.
On this 7th day of July 1899, before me personally appeared James J. Toms to me known to be the person who executed the foregoing instrument in behalf of Eliza Toms, as attorney in fact and acknowledged that he executed the same as the free act and deed of the said Eliza Toms. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, at my office in Albany Mo. the day and year first above written. My term expires April 29#, 1903.
(L S) /s/D. D. Kingsborough Notary PublicState of Missouri County of Jackson} ss.
On this 8th day of July 1899, before me personally appeared Ulysses S. Clark and Charles C. Clark, to me known to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged that they executed the same as their free act and deed. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, at my office in Kansas City, Mo. The day and year first above written. My term expires July 29# 1900.
(L S) /s/Nora L. Shannon Notary PublicTerritory of Oklahoma Oklahoma County} ss.
Before me, F. H. Shelley, a notary public in and for said County and Territory on this 10th day of July 1899 personally appeared Nancy E. Baldock and John W. Baldock wife and husband to me known to be the identical persons who executed the within and foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that they executed the same as their free and voluntary act and deed for the use and purposes therein set forth. Witness my hand and official seal the day and year above set forth: My commision expires April 11, 1901.
(L S) /s/F. H. Shelley Notary PublicState of Missouri County of Gentry} ss.
On this 11# day of July 1899 before me personally appeared Hila E. Austin the wife of John H. Austin, to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that she executed the same as her free act and deed. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at my office in Albany, Mo., the day and year first above written. My term of office expires April 29 1903.
(L S) /s/D. D. Kingsborough Notary PublicState of Missouri County of Gentry} ss.
On this 12# day of July 1899 before me personally appeared Mary E. Evans, wife of James J. Evans, to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that she executed the same as her free act and deed. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at my office in Stanberry, Missouri, the day and year first above written My term of office expires February 22# 1901.
(L S) /s/Sam H. Benson, Notary PublicDistrict of Columbia ss.
On this 15# day of July 1899, before me personally appeared Leona S. Austin wife of Robert J. Austin, to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that she executed the same as her free act and deed. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at my office in said District; the day and year first above written. My term of office expires Drc. 24# 1902.
(L S) /s/Jno. Y. Worthington Notary Public D. C.
Erasure and correction of Mr, Austin's middle initial made by me, Jno. Y. WorthingtonState of Missouri County of Gentry} ss.
On this 12# day of July 1899 before me personally appeared Sarah F. Thomas and Junius C. Thomas, her husband to me Known to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged that they executed the same as their free act and deed. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at my office in Albany, Mo. the day and year first above written. My term expires April 29 1903.
(L S) /s/D. D. Kingsborough Notary PublicFiled July 24# 1899 at 1115 A. M. /s/Dale Flowers Recorder (filed: 24 Jul 1899, Bk. 99, Gentry Co., MO, pgs. 482-4.)
back to bio.3. Anonymous, Standard Atlas of Gentry County, Missouri, Geo A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, IL, 1914.
T. J. Evans: 1) Twp. 61 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 5; S½ of SW¼ - 80 acres. 2) Twp. 61 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 8; N½ - 320 acres.
back to bio.4. "Thomas J. Evans was born in Gentry county, Mo., April 26, 1851. Died at his home, two and one-half miles east of Ford City, of abscess of the lungs, October 11, 1915, aged 64 years, 5 months and 15 days. He was married to Frances McGuire, December 26, 1877, and to this union were born four children, three sons and one daughter, the daughter dying in infancy. He is survived by his wife and three sons: J. E. Evans, of Stanberry; S. E. Evans, of St. Joseph; and Claude Evans, of Ford City, five grandchildren, one brother, James Evans, of Stanberry; and four sisters, Mrs. Levi Spainhower, Mrs. Thos. Hunter and Mrs. Jas. Marsh, of Albany; and Mrs. Thos. Ireland, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
At an early age he was left an orphan and thus missed the care and advice of parents in his youthful years. In the fall of 1893, he was converted and united with the Round Spring Presbyterian church and lived a consistent Christian life until death. The evening before death relieved him of his intense sufferings he called the family to his bed and told them 'he was not afraid to die' and passed quietly from this world at 8:45 the next morning.
The funeral service was held at the Maple Grove church Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Layman of Bethany, paying a beautiful tribute to the memory of the deceased. The casket was covered with beautiful flowers which spoke of peace, purity and immortality. He was a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father, and to his friends the soul of fellowship, but greatest of all -- he was a man." (obituary: Albany Ledger; Albany, MO, Thur., Oct. 14, 1915.)
back to bio.5. "Death of Well-Known Citizen News of the death of Jeff Evans, at his home near Ford City, came as a shock to his many friends over Gentry county. Mr. Evans had been feeling poorly for a time, but it was not generally known that he was sick in bed, and even his physician and family had not been alarmed as to his condition until a few days ago. He died last Monday morning at 8:45 o'clock. Death was caused by an abscess on his lungs.
Thomas Jefferson Evans was born in Gentry county, Missouri, April 2, 1851, and he resided in this county all his life. He was married to Miss Frances McGuire, Dec. 26, 1877. The wife, with three sons who were born to their union, survive. The sons are: Earl Evans of near Stanberry, Emmett Evans of St. Joseph and Claud Evans, who lives in a house on the fine Evans farm near Ford City. One daughter died in infancy. Mr. Evans is also survived by one brother, J. J. Evans of Island City, Mo., and by four sisters -- Mrs. Jas. A. Marsh, Mrs. Levi Spainhower and Mrs. J. T. Hunter of Albany, and Mrs. T. A. Ireland of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Mr. Evans was known as a citizen of highest integrity, a true husband and father. He had for many years been a member of Gentryville Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He was active in public movements for the betterment of his home community, and his genial smile and warm greeting will be missed by friends in all parts of Gentry county.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Layman of Bethany at the Maple Grove Church yesterday. Following these services, the remains were taken in charge by Mr. Evans' Masonic brethren and taken to King City, where they were laid to rest with the last rites of Free Masonry."
Clearly, the incorrect birth date given in this obituary is due to a typographical error. (obituary: Albany Capital; Albany, MO, Thur., Oct. 14, 1915.)
back to bio.6. "Old Resident Dead T. J. Evans died at his home three miles east of Ford City, Monday morning, at the age of 64 years. He had been complaining for several years, but the end came rather unexpectedly. He leaves a wife and three grown sons: Earl, of Darlington, Emmett, of St. Joseph, and Claude, who lives on the farm at home. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning, at Maple Grove church, conducted by Rev. Laymon of the Presbyterian church, of New Hampton. A. F. and A. M. Lodge had charge of ceremonies. The remains were laid to rest in the King City cemetery." (obituary: King City Democrat; King City, MO, Fri., Oct. 15, 1915.)
back to bio.7. John C. Leopard and Buel Leopard (Daviess Co.), R. M. McCammon and Mary McCammon Hillman (Gentry Co.), History of Daviess and Gentry Counties, Historical Publishing Company, Topeka, KS, 1922: pg. 641. (Reprint available from the Higginson Book Co., 148 Wash. St., P. O. B. 778, Salem, MA, 01970)
back to bio.
Additional Citations:
8. 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 561A, (microfilm: roll M593_776; img. 341).9. 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 517B, (microfilm: roll T9_687; img. 366).
10. 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 298A, (microfilm: roll T623_855; img. 603).
11. 1910 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 284B, (microfilm: roll T624_781; img. 568).
12. Death Certificates, Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO, (Death Certificate No. 30311 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO, & Death Certificate No. 37143 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO).
13. Ben Glick,"King City Cemetery", unpublished. (Gentry County MOGenWeb Archives, www.dropbox.com/sh/slhfvw5i4zjmxft/AADFHFKYeygjNy1x_AvsBUJga/KingCity.pdf?dl=0, 2014.)
14. King City Cemetery, Gentry County, Missouri (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=702237&CScn=King+City&CScntry=4&CSst=26&CScnty=1434&, continuously updated).
15. Robert L. Evans, "Our Family's History", November 9, 2001.