Biography of David O. Evans

David O. Evans
Company I
1834-1903

A SAD DEATH

Mr. David O. Evans was born in Cardigan Co., South Wales, March 5, 1834. When trying to frighten a chicken from his favorite horse's noon repast of April 20, the horse became alarmed and unexpectedly kicked him which caused his death. He suffered untold agony until he succumbed to the inevitable at 3 a.m. Apr. 23, 1903, being at the time of his death 69 years, one month and 18 days. He emigrated with his parents to this county at the age of five and settled near Centerville, Ohio. His boyhood days were spent on the farm at home, faithful in the discharge of the duties of pioneer life. He was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Morgan Aug. 26, 1858, to this happy union 11 children were born. The mother and two children, Johnny and Mrs. Elizabeth Davis having proceeded him to the better world. William Edward, David and Charles Evans, Mrs. Barbara Davis, Mrs. Bertha Macomber, Maud, Iva and Gracie Evans all living in this immediate vicinity, were present during his short affliction and did all that loving hands could do to alleviate his sufferings. Early in the year of 1864, when our country was undergoing the strains of a civil war which was necessary to overthrow one of the greatest curses of humanity, slavery, he gladly offered his service to his country, and as an old comrade has said, "Whenever he undertook to do a thing he went at it in earnest." When Pres. Lincoln issued a call for volunteers, Mr. Evans answered the call bidding his wife and little one a hasty farewell, offered his service and life in defense of his country. He was mustered into the U.S. service at Camp Chase, Ohio, May 1864 as a private in Company I, 60th regiment of the Ohio Volunteers.

Although in the war but the two last years he was in some of the hottest contests of the war. He was at almost every engagement in Grant's campaign against Richmond beginning at the battle of the Wilderness to the capture of Richmond some of the most noted of which was Wilderness, Spottsylvania C.H., Cold Harbor, Gaines' Mill, before Petersburg when the mine there exploded; Weldon R.R.; Ft. Steadman and charge on the rebel works before Petersburg April 2 and his regiment was the second that marched into the city of Petersburg, Virginia, and the second to place the flag on the dome of the Court House. At the charge on the rebel works before Petersburg one of his comrades was wounded and unable to retire in safety, implored Mr. Evans' assistance as the means of saving his life. He hesitated but a moment and plunged into the peril amidst the flying bullets of the enemy and got his comrade on his back and crawled back into our lines in safety, thus saving the life of his comrade at the greatest risk of his own; similar instances having occurred in his life in the great struggle, so great was the tenderness of his heart.

At the close of the war he received an honorable discharge, returned home and devoted his attentions to his loved ones. He settled on the farm which was his home at the time of his death. He was a good neighbor, always ready to accommodate his neighbors and very sympathetic in times of affliction. He was a member of the Baptist Church at Ebenezer up to the time the church ceased to hold services, and he was a constant reader of his Bible and other good books. He was a true and loyal husband, a kind and generous father who will be greatly missed by his children, friends and neighbors.

A special thanks to Linda J. Dudick for contributing this information.