Janis' Genealogy Site

Abner Evans

Summary

Born: 28 October 1801
Died: 9 April 1893
Father: George Evans
Mother: (first name unknown) Thomas
Spouse: Anna May Potts

Obituary

Pottstown Daily Ledger

Death of an Old Citizen
Abner Evans, in his 92nd Year, Passes Away.
Close of a Long and Well Spent Life - The Oldest Inhabitant and Oldest Merchant in Pottstown

Abner Evans departed this life on Sunday evening, at the residence of the family, No. 71 Hanover street, aged 91 years, 5 months, and 12 days. He had an attack of paralysis some five or six weeks ago, but partially recovered, though much enfeebled by the stroke; on Friday night last a second attack prostrated him and he gradually grew weaker until he sank peacefully into the sleep that knows no waking. Thus has passed away one whose life journey spanned nearly the whole of the present century, most of whose years were spent in this community, and who stood very high indeed in the esteem of all.

Abner Evans, son of George Evans, was born Oct 28, 1801, in East Nantmeal, Chester county, (his birthplace in now in Warwick township, which was part of East Nantmeal until 1842.) The father of George Evans, and grandfather of Abner Evans, was Abner Evans, who emigrated from Wales prior to 1755. This Abner Evans had six children, Jesse, George, Owen, Mary, Griffith, and Rachel. George, the second son, was twice married: Abner Evans, now deceased, was born of the first marriage; subsequently George Evans married Mrs. VanLeer, who, by a previous marriage had a son, Isaac Wayne VanLeer, who is still living at Downingtown. Though no blood relatives whatever, the two men, raised together and nearly the same age, (Mr. VanLeer a few months younger,) were like brothers all their lives. The late John Hunter Evans and Mrs. William Mintzer, were half-brother and half-sister of Abner Evans.

The subject of this sketch passed his early years upon his father's farm; afterward he engaged in the lumber business in Pottstown, with his brother-in-law, the late William Mintzer. Nearly forty years ago he established the Evans book and stationery house in Pottstown, and was associated with Aaron L. Custer, a partnership which existed a long time. He became later sole proprietor and the business is still conducted in his name, his son, George Evans, manager. He was the first express agent in Pottstown and was Notary Public many years since for the Bank of Pottstown. At the time of his decease he was the oldest resident of Pottstown and was probably the oldest merchant in Pennsylvania. Although reaching such a venerable age, the hair of the deceased was but slightly gray. He was a man whose long life was a most exemplary one - as to honorable dealing, neighborly kindness and Christian deportment, his record was as nearly as possible without blemish. He was a member and regular attendant of Christ P. E. Church.

The family of the deceased, who survive him, consist of his wife, two sons and one daughter. The children are George Evans, merchant; Horace Evans, Cashier of the National Bank of Pottstown and Joanna Potts Evans, all residing in Pottstown. The funeral will take place on Wednesday next, at 11:30 a.m.; interment private, at Edgewood Cemetery.

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Page Last Modified: Sunday, 02-Dec-2007 21:52:51 MST