This file portion of www.watertownhistory.org website

 

Evans Livery

116 N First

 

Edward R Evans

George W Evans

 

In the days before rental cars every town had a livery stable or two where one could rent a horse and buggy for a business trip or a Sunday drive. The livery stables were frequent hangouts for juveniles.

 

Derived from: The History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin by C. W. Butterfield, 1879

 

Edward R. Evans, proprietor of livery stable; born in Cardiganshire, South Wales, Nov. 21, 1822; came to America in 1840; located in Utica, N.Y., one year; spent two years in Lexington, Ky., and some time in St. Louis and other places before coming to Watertown in the spring of 1846; engaged in blacksmith and wagon-making business here until 1870, when he engaged in livery business.  He was married in Delafield, Waukesha Co., Wis., Nov. 13, 1846, to Sarah Jones; she was born in Cardiganshire, South Wales; they have six children – George W. (associated with his father), Sade (now Mrs. Eugene Bradbury, of Watertown), Gomer E. (a resident of Chicago), Eliza, John Quincy (telegraph operator for the C., M. & St. P. R. R. Co. at this place) and David C. (who resides with his parents).

 

1881

IN MEMORIAM

 

Another of Watertown’s best citizens has passed away.  On Tuesday evening, October 25, 1881, E. R. Evans departed this life, at his residence in the 3d ward.  His death was the result of injuries received in a runaway on last Saturday afternoon at Hubbleton,

 

Mr. Evans hitched up a team of horses and took a traveling man to Waterloo on said day, and while returning in the evening his horses were frightened and dashed along the road at Hubbleton at a furious rate of speed, throwing Mr. Evans on the ground, injuring him fatally internally. 

 

He was found in a helpless condition and taken to a neighboring house, where he was kindly cared for until Sunday evening, when he was taken to this city on a hand-car.

 

Dr. M. N. Barber was called to the assistance of the injured man and did all in his power to comfort him, but all to no purpose. He suffered great pain from the time of the accident until he lay cold in death.

 

The deceased was a native of Wales and at the time of his death was in his 59th year. For 35 years Watertown has been his home, and up to 10 years ago he was engaged in the blacksmith business, since which time he has been carrying on a livery stable.

 

Mr. Evans was the father of eight children, four boys and four girls, six of whom, together with his wife, survive him. He was a man of sterling worth, always clear in his apprehension of truth, and very decided in his convictions of duty, in business, politics, and all the transactions of every day life; was prompt and energetic in action, and in all his relations a courteous gentleman - honored and beloved by his family, and respected and esteemed by all who knew him.

 

A good citizen, a true friend, a loving husband and father, was taken from our midst by the death of Mr. Evans. 

 

Funeral this afternoon, at 2 o‘clock, from his late residence, in the 4th ward.

 

Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery.

 

Other family burials in Oak Hill are:

Evans, David, b. 1861, d. 1884

Evans, George, b. 1848, d. 1908

Evans, Gomer E., no dates

Evans, Mother, b. 1827, d. 1882