Like many of his fellow citizens in Pomona, John P. Evans had varied and interesting experiences, in travel and business, before settling down in this peaceful and prosperous Valley. He is a native of Lexington, Davidson County, N. C., born August 27, 1877. His parents were Alexander and Eliza (Clodfelter) Evans, farmer folk in the Southern state; the father entered the Southern army when sixteen years old and served with Lee three and one half years; he is still living.
The youngest of eight children born to his parents, John P. Evans received his education in the rural schools of North Carolina, and in the school of experience. At the age of twenty he followed in his patriotic father's footsteps and enlisted in Company F, Second Missouri Volunteer Infantry, at Clinton, Mo., to serve in the Spanish War as a private; he was made a corporal and later received his honorable discharge from the service. On his return to business life the young man went into the shipping room of a wholesale grocery house, and when twenty-one years of age worked ten hours a day and then attended night school and took a business course; an example of ambition and industry which speaks for the character of the man.
In 1900 Mr. Evans came West and settled for a time at Colorado Springs; for one year he worked in a grocery store, then was interested in mining for a few months, and later worked for the Colorado Midland Railway, in the bridge and building department, remaining in that employment fourteen months. He found his natural leaning to be toward mercantile pursuits, however, and for four years worked for B. G. Robbins Clothing Company; then for three years was with Giddings Brothers Dry Goods Company, and with a partner maintained a clothing store under the firm name of Evans & Gorton for one year. This business he sold out and in 1910 came to Corona, and here purchased an orange grove. February 15, 1911, Mr. Evans opened his present business, a men's clothing and furnishing establishment, in Pomona, and has met with success in the line he had spent years of experience in learning.
The marriage of Mr. Evans, on October 4, 1905, united him with Miss Mary Grace Combe, and one son has been born to them, John Alexander. During his business career Mr. Evans has found time to take part in fraternal organizations: he is a member of Pomona Lodge, No. 789, B. P. O. Elks, and past exalted ruler of that order; is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodman, and in business and civic affairs belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, in which he is a director. He was active in war work during the years of the World War, and was second lieutenant of the Pomona Home Guards. Since his first residence here Mr. Evans has shown himself a man of public spirit and progressive ideas, and has won the respect of his community in his willingness to cooperate in advancing the welfare of this section along all lines of endeavor.
History of Pomona Valley, California, with Biographical Sketches
of The Leading Men and Women of the Valley Who Have Been
Identified With Its Growth and Development from the Early Days
to the Present
Published in Los Angeles, Cal., by the Historic Record Company
1920
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 10/30/08, Pages 642-643
Los Angeles County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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