John R. Evans (1806-1887) Age 80
Ellenor Williams (1805-1893) Age 87
John R. Evans was born about 1807 in Wales. He and Eleanor had 8 known children:
-Rev. Rowland H. Evans (1828-1907) -Catharine Evans (1833-____) -David T. Evans (1837-1924) -Elizabeth Evans (1840-____) -Mary Ann Evans (1841-bef 1850____) -Rev. William R. Evans (1845-1913) -Frances Ellen (Evans) Evans (1846-1878) -John E. Evans (1858-____) From the History of Welsh Settlements in Jackson and Gallia Counties of Ohio by The Reverend William R. Evans, Peniel, Gallia County, Ohio (1896): pg. 24 - Sardis Church "In June, 1843, the Sardis church was established. The persons who made the incorporation were the Rev. R. Williams of Moriah, Mrs. David Wynne of Centreville, and William Evans of Moriah. The number of full members was 13. The names of the heads of families were: George D. Williams and his sons, David, William, George, and Benjamin; William Griffiths, John R. Evans, Evan D. Jones, and Thomas Jones (Yr Ynys) (The Island.) Quickly after that a chapel of larger size was built, and within some years afterwards a structure was built of hewed logs which was considered to be a beautiful one at the time." "About this time a very exciting thing happened: One Sunday evening when the Rev. J.W. Evans was speaking, two scoundrelish men who were half drunk came in, colliers as to their calling, and sat by the door and because the Welsh language seemed very strange to their ears, they quickly caused considerable commotion. They started to imitate the preacher, some half-shouting and screaming out "Amen." Then there was a little quietness until the meeting ended. At the end of the meeting one nearly stabbed Mr. J.R. Evans with a knife because he commanded him to leave. The heroic George D. Williams rebuked them strongly. They departed with a scornful smile, but when they were about fifty steps from the door of the chapel, one of them took hold of the gun which he had hidden near the stable and shot it toward the door of the chapel, and the bullet whistled past the head of one of the women. The next day old man Williams and John R. Evans secured a warrant to bring them in front of the civil court, but it happened that they failed because nobody knew who the two men were." pg. 34 - Peniel Church "This church was established on December 17, 1870, with 26 members. The names of the heads of families were: Evan Phillips, John R. Evans, D.T. Evans, David George, D.T. Davies, William G. Williams, William Lewis, John E. Edwards, R.D. Evans, R.R. Jones, John D. Jones, Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Jenkins, and Edward Edwards. Misters E. Phillips and J.R. Evans were chosen to care for the church until regular deacons were chosen. J.R. Evans and his family had been of assistance at the start of the religious groups at Centreville, Sardis, and Peniel. In 1873 Mr. Evans moved to the Sardis district and his son, W.R. Evans, was chosen in his place to oversee the group. In 1875, Evan Phillips and W.R. Evans were elected to be regular deacons. In 1878, after W.R. Evans began his work as a minister, R.D. Evans was elected as a deacon. This brother was the only official for some years after Evan Phillips left. In 1895, William G. Williams was chosen for the office of deacon and he and R.D. Evans are the officials now." |
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