THIRD GENERATION

4. Martin Bunyan Evans ⁽¹⁾ was born on 24 Feb 1872 in Winn Parish, LA. He died on 16 Oct 1951 in Natchitoches Parish, LA. He has reference number C001.

1804: Born perhaps in Barnwell County or Edgefield, S.C. "Tabernacle Baptist Church, the old family church of my grandfather Evans. Was my father's church until one year after he married he brout his letter to Edgefield to Old Salem Church of which he became a decon and remained untill his death in the year of 1864 July 4." (from diary of Nancy Evans, his daughter)

1832?: Married Sarah Wheeler (E2).

1833: John Calhoun; born Feb.22 (D1).

1833: April; moved membership from Tabernacle Baptist Church to Salem Baptist Church along with his wife, Sarah Wheeler. Salem was the home church of Sarah, her parents and family. Minutes of the April Church Meeting include: "Martin Evans and his wife Sarah came forward, and put themselves under the watch care of the church, untill they could obtain letters from their church." Their letters were received in June, 1883. (Salem Church records note that Sarah was baptised here in Aug. 1832.)

1834: Daughter Mary Elizabeth born July 30; married Jabe Kitchens; had 5 children: Bargelis, Julius, Ella, Anna, Ida Bell. Mary was baptised in Salem Church in 1850. She was dismissed in 1860. (However, she is listed in the 1867 membership roll of Salem Church.) Jabe Kitching's father was Jake; his son was named Jake Jabe after them both. (Told by one of his descendents; also Pat Lokey in Aiken, S.C. runs Pat's Kitchen resturant and has a history of the Kitchings.) Died June 19, 1912; Mary Eliz. is buried in Good Hope Cemetary.

1835: Casandra Amanda born May 4; married Johathan Herring; had 2 or more children, including Joe and Ida Bell; one grandson was named John Evans Herring. Amanda was baptised at Salem Church in 1854 and is listed as a member of Salem Baptist Church in the 1867 membership list. Died 12/1918.

1837: Daughter Julia born July 14; married John A. Walton; had 3 sons: Luther, John, and Bennie. Died Nov. 27, 1913. "This sister was buried at Old Gason Cemetary; there is no marker there, but I know which one it is." (Told by one of his descendents). (Is this correct; or is she buried at Red Bank?) (In 1870 census; see E2)

1840: Daughter Sarah born; was baptised in Salem Church in Sept. 1856; married John Gregory; had several children, one named Florence. Died 1/12/1910. Nancy called her "Sister Sallie."

1840: "A true list of the Salem Male Members attendance at their Church Meetings" lists Martin Evans present in July, August, September, October, and November.

1840: U.S. Census of Edgefield District: "Martin Evans; 1 male, 5-10; 1 male, 30-40; 2 females, 0-5; 2 females, 5-10; 1 female, 15-20; no slaves." This same census includes in Edgefield District: Daniel, John, and Thomas Evans. John Evans' family included: 1 male under 5, 1 male 5-10, 1 male 20-30, 2 females under 5, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 20-30, no slaves. Gidian Evans is listed in Barnwell District.

1841: "A correct table of the attendance of the male members of Salem Church during the year 1841 at their Regular monthly conferences" lists Martin Evans present in February, March, May, July, August, and October.

1843: Daughter Marthena born; married Bill Walton; had 3 children: Lula, Willie, and Turien. Died 6/17/1911. Nancy called her "Sister Marthenia." She is buried in Red Bank Cemetary.

1843: "11th March Conference...Brother Giles Martin said he saw brother Evans that morning, who stated that he could not be with us for several meetings, and gave as his excuse that his present engagements would prevent."

1847: Nancy Isabelle; born Nov. 22; joined Red Bank Baptist Church in S.C. in 1864 and kept her membership there all her life. She married Baz Peterson whose father, Rev. Peterson, was pastor of that church for 42 years without pay. When Rev. Peterson died the church erected a monument to him. Nancy and Baz Peterson had 3 children: Bazzie Martin, Maude Alymer who married a Matthews, and Nannie Rebecca who married a Padget. Died 1943. ("This is the Aunt Nancy that Martin Bunyan Evans corresponded with. He and sons Sidney and Owen visited these people in 1925. Went in a T Model Ford." Coker Evans) (See file for further info on Nancy). In 1930, Nancy recalled in her diary: "to day is centenial day at old Tabernacle Church in Eidistoe association. My GrandFather and grandmother ware charter members. John Evans and Pheby Kitchen Evans was & my father was a member of that church when he maried my mother they lived 2 years down thare then moved to Edgefield District now Saluda Co. They joined Old Salem Church and he was a Decan of that church at his deathe in 1864. I well remember thare goin to Salem each on horse Back & would carie me in his lap on a Pillow go on Sat spend the night at my Mother's old home Sampson Wheeler Old home place. Oh them was good old days..."

Nancy also notes this about her husband's family: "Rev James Foy Peterson Son of Thoms & Abigil Richardson. Thair Parent was of Welch decent came from the King of Wales. Rev James Foy maried Rebie Williams had Isrus thus Elizabeth Lewis, Abner maried White, Abigill married Jinnings, Baz married Nancy Evans. James married Burnett byt he was older than Baz. Rev James Foy preached for Red Bank Church 42 years without a salery when he dide they buried him and placed a grand monument to him."

1850: "March Church Meeting. Bro. Martin Evans ordained Deacon of the Church by the Rev. ? Watkins & A.S. Dozier, By order of the Church in Conference." Also, daughter Mary Elizabeth was baptised.

1850: U.S. Census of Edgefield District, S.C. ennumerated on Nov. 7th lists: "Martin Evans, 45, Farmer, Real Estate value $173; Sarah, 31; John C., 17, farmer (C1); Mary E., 15; Amanda, 14; Julia A., 12; Sarah, 10; Matherne, 5; Nancy, 3." Listed near by are the Abner and James Peterson families.

1850: Agriculture Census of S.C.: Edgefield; includes: Martin Evans; Acres improved-25; Acres unimproved-173; Cash value of farm-$173; Value of farm imp-$12; Horses-3; Milk cows-4; Other cattle-7; Sheep-8; Swine-50; Value of livestock-$250; Wheat-8 bus; Indian Corn-200 bus; Oats-90 bus; cotton-2 bales; Wool-16; Sweet potatoes-50 bus; Butter 52 lbs; value of home made-$20; Value of ? $50. (On same page are listed: Crouch, Gregory, Peterson, and Mobley.)

1851: Apparently the family moved about this time from Perry's Cross Roads to Red Bank. From Nancy Evans diary: "I was borned 1847 in Old Edgefield Co now Saluda River or neare on a farm neare the Negro Church out a few miles from Saluda Church and my father and mother ware Baptist. Thare membership was at Old Salem Church and he sold out down there and bought neare Red Bank Church."

The site of the Evans Land in Red Bank (now Saluda) is East of town on Hwy 178 across from the Fire Tower, across road from Saluda Baptist Church, just outside city limits, behind Bane's Food Ct. (see pictures in book)

1854: Daughter Amanda baptisted at Salem Church in September.

1855; Nov. 30: Deed in III, 214; Martin Evans to Thos. Jones of Edgefield Dist for 28 A., $160, on waters of Burnetts Creek of Little Saluda River, adjoining Middleton Graham; "is a part of the tract on which I live."

1860: Census of Saluda Regiment, Edgefield District, Richardsonville Post Office: "Martin 56, Farmer, Real Estate value $1300, Personal Estate $815; Sarah, 50; Amanda, 24; Sarah, 18; Matherney, 16; Nancy, 12; all born in S.C. This census was ennumerated on August 21.
Richardson Cemetary Saluda: "Located on site of Richardsonville Township near Red Bank Creek. In 1871 Richardsonville was a thriving town, wheras Saluda or Red Bank, as it was called at the time was only a dot on the map. Richardsonville was located at cross road of Old Charleston Rd. and Old Chapple Ferry Rd. These were the main roads in this section of the country at this time." (From book on cemetaries). Post Office Data for S.C. 1789-1861 notes: "Richardson's Tavern was established 1 Nov 1802, discontinued about 1819; David Richardson, first postmaster; changed to Richard's Tavern in 1819 until about 1825; then changed to Richardsonville about 1831; then back to Richardson's Tavern. It was still operating in 1861.

1860: Agriculture Census of S.C. includes: Martin Evans; Post Office, Perry's Cross Roads; Saluda Reg.; Edgefield Dist: Acres improved - 75; Acres unimp. -55; cash value of farm -$1300; Val of Farm equip -$50; Horses -3; Milk Cows -5; Other cattle -5; Sheep -11; Swine -20; Value of livestock -$515; Wheat bushels -24; corn -200 bus; oats -75 bus; cotton -3 bales; wool -20; Peas and beans - 5 bus; Potatoes -10 bus; Sweet Potatoes -30 bus; Butter 156 lbs; value of home made equip -$30; Value of animals slaughtered -$100. (At same post office are listed J.C. Walton -$3500; M.P. Walton -$4500; and M. Graham -$9000.

1864: John Martin Evans died on July 4th. "All the men were gone to war so the slave Darkies made his coffin, covered it with soot, and drove the wagon to burry him. He was a deacon of Old Salem Baptist Church in S.C. all his life after he was grown. They were all Baptist on both sides." (Delilah Cloud)

No will was recorded but there is a record of the administration of his estate in the Edgefield Court House.

1864: Administration of Estate of Martin Evans: (Recorded in Edgefield Courthouse; See copies in file)

1864: Oct. 8: Sarah Evans was appointed Administratrix of the Estate of Martin Evans, deceased, "It is ordered that she do seel at the late residence of the deceased on Thursday the 27th day of October, all the Personal Estate of said deceased..."

"...Whereas Martin Evans late of the District and State aforesaid deceased, lately died intestate..." She also obtained a bond for $10, 000. Signed X "her mark", Sarah Evans, also ? Wheeler and Jacob McCarty.

1864: Oct 27 day 1864; Apprais Bill of the Property of Martin Evens Deceased:

Coubbound (?) 2 ct $10.00
2 chest 10.
1 clock 10.
1 table 4.
1 shot gun 10.
1 bed and sead and furn 50.
Teaster bedsted 5.
Lot of Setting chairs 16.
Table and Sundrys 70.
Dary and contents 15.
2 fans 4.
2 churns & jug 10.
3 Barrels 10.
1 lot of cooking ut 75.
1 lot of copperware 10.
2 spinning wheels and reel 35.
1 loom and slops 30.
Side sadle 5.
Flour by the cert 30.
2 raw hides 60.
Tray of sifter 8.
Wheat bu 20.
Lot of Bankel & 5.
Lot of farming tools 20.
Lot of plow hoes 10.
Lot of plows 25.
Lot of tools 30.
2 baskets and wash lot 20.
1 syth and cradle 25.
1 mare foul 100.
Mule colt 400.
Teanlin colt 500.
Mare and colt 1200.
Wagon gear 30.
Corn and oats by lot 45.
Fodder and cow feed 30.
Cotton by lot 30.
Corn in field 125.
1 wagon 125.
Black smith tools 50.
Grind stone 25.
Lot cow feed 10.
Barrell Ripe & goat (?) feed 10.
Bu of wheat 3.
4 shoats 200.
8 head cattle 1200.
Lot of hogs 400.
Lot of sheep 30.

(Not on record, but this totals: $5145.00; page opposite is not legible at this time; note also, 1860 Agriculture Census shows he owned 130 acre farm valued at $1300)

"We three of the assaisor do certify the written to be a correct appraisment of the goods and chatales of M. Evans, desese, shown us by the Administrators to be best of our knowledge in the presence of M. Graham, Indians Ranks, Calam gauge." (Recorded on pages 686-687)

Oct 11, 1864 Mr. Durso Dr dir I have advatised the sale of Martin Evans sale on the 27th of the month I wi ??man to you the appraisers Middletom Graham (Hulas Banks) 1 pe Little Calvin B aighn ,Yours with respect S. Wheeler

Oct 27 day 1864
Sale Bill of Martin Evans
Decase

Sarah Evins Table of (?) Sancage grunt $5.00
" Lot of crochery 20.
" Dary & contents 10.
" 2 churns 5.
" 2 chairs 4.
" 1 lot of barrels 7.
" Lot of cooking utns 50.
" Coppersware 15.
" 2 spinning wheels & reel 20.
" Loom & contents 10.
" Side sadle 5.
" Lot of flour 30.
" 2 raw hides 50.
" Tray & sifter 5.
" Barel & jugs 5.
" Plow stock & hoes 5.
" Fork & shovel 3.
Sarah Evins 2 axes 7.
I H. Peterson 3 plow hoes 12.50
A Chamer 4 plow hoes 20.
Pate herring Lot of old irons ? 6.
Sarah Evins Lot of plows 20.
" Lot of plows 15.
" 5 ? bed stens 3.
" Pair stel ?yards 1.
" Hand axe 6.50
D. Punfory Lot of old tools 3.
Sarah Evins 3 Augers & drawing nife 8.50
" 2 hammers & pinchers 5.35
.... Henderson Jack plain ? 8.00
S. Evens Wash pot & baskets 20.00
S. Evens Sythe & cradle 35.00
Millidge Bledso 1 tan mare 625.00
Eldred Mobley 1 filly 505.00
Sarah Evans mare & colt 1200.00
Mobley 1 pair geon 51.00
E Mobley 1 pair geon 70.00
S. Evens Geon collars bridles lines 56.00
S. Evens Corn by the lot 30.00
S Evens Oats by the lot 30.00
S. Evens fodder shocks by the lot 30.00
S. Evens Cotton by the lot 20.00
S. Evens Corn in the field 100.00
W. Richardson Grindstone 90.00
Sarah Evens Waggon 80.00
J. Banks .... of Shifh tools 50.00
S. Evans` Lot of Cow food in barn 5.00
Amekes Barrel rie grap.... 13.00
S. Evens Barrel of ... 12.00
S. Evens Lot hogs 4 100.00
Jery Joy 1 sow 75.00
S. Evns 7 head hogs, 35.50/head 248.50
S. Evns 5 first choise sheep, 45.25/head 227.25
Sarah Evans 5 secon choice per head 34.00 170.00
S. Evens cow stan? 260.00
S. Evens Cow olph? 300.00
S. Evens Red Jeaslie 100.00
Wm. Wheeler know horn cow 425.00
Mary Kitchen Red cow 400.00
Leathony? 1 curying knife 12.50
E.P. Coleman Breast chairs 4.50
M. Gregory 97 pounds cotton 87.30
S. Evens house pig 20.00

(This sale is not totaled on the original document but comes to: $5, 831.30)

(See copy of Letter of Administration, Administration Bond, Warrant of Appraisement, and copy of Appraisal and Sale in file)

Sarah Evans letters of
Administration on the
Estate of Martin
Evans
(Recorded in Book of letters pg 149)
He was married to Delitia Delilah Cloud on 20 Nov 1895 in Creston, LA.

5. Delitia Delilah Cloud ⁽¹⁾ was born on 15 Nov 1869 in Cloud's Crossing, Black Lake, LA. She died on 26 Jan 1948 in Natchitoches Parish, LA. She has reference number C002.

1869: Born at Cloud's Crossing on Black Lake near Creston, La. on November 15; second daughter of Noah Cloud Jr. and Mary Izora Smith.

1884? She attended Mt. Lebanon College and then went to Mansfield when the female part of the college, called Keachi College, was moved there.

1885-87: See pages from Delilah Cloud's art sketch book at Keachi College. Others have been framed and are in possession of Mrs. J.O. Evans, Bruce Evans, Melisa Gallison (1988). After graduation she came back to teach at the Line School on the line between Bienville and Natchitoches parish. She was very popular and had many boy friends. While teaching she met Martin Bunyan Evans who was in one of her classes.

1887: See "Report of the standing of Miss Mollie Cloud" at Keachi College, Keachi, La.

1890: See letters beginning at this date. They were saved among her things and recovered by Constance Evans after her death. Other letters from boy friends who were not known wer destroyed at this time.

July 4: "School Mistress Delila Cloud" was boarding with Cornelia Fickling Thomas (See D1 letter, 7/4/1890)

Aug 13: Envelope to "Miss Delilah Cloud, Campti, La. from Pleasant Hill.
Sept. 15: See her letter from Bunyan Evans in C1.

1891: See letters to Bunyan, including Dear John on May 12, in C1 file.

1892: April 8th: See letter from dress maker Mrs. Terence Chaler. May 6 and June 18: Letters from R.B. Matthews, Pleasant Hill.
July 23: Letter from John Holman, Carterville, La.
Dec. 14: Letter from R.B. Matthews.

1893: May 9: Letter from R.B. Matthews: Notes been seeing Delilah for 7 years. See letter for medical treatments and love.
June 18: Letter from R.B. Matthews.
Aug. 12: " ...Of course I will come to see you if you get sick, but will not promise that I will not kiss you if I get the chance.."
Oct. 2: Letter from C.R. Cook: "...I am no hand to flater any one I think you are the Best looking Girl I ever seen in my life and I loved you the first time I ever saw you. I have never saw a Girl that I loved before you. I know you dont believe me but it so and I hope you want get offendid at what I have sed..."
Dec. 12: Envelope from South Bend, Ind.
Dec. 26: Letter from C.R. Cook from Sugar Creek, La.

1894: Jan.30: Envelope fo "Miss Delilah Cloud, Campti," from Olla, La.

Feb. 18: Letter from C.R. Cook, at Simsboro, La.: "...Since I left down there you know how I enjoy that kind of a life there is no sosiety up here of any king. I would like to be down there with the class and sing one more time in life There is 4 grone girls here at this place and none of them can sing at all but then I have a good time with them...but there is one that I dont get to see that I think of more than any and it would make me happy if I onely new she thought of me once in awhile...as I have sed before you are the onely Girl that I love..."

Mar. 4: Letter from J.T. Boone, "Dear Miss, Your letter of 23re at hand & noted. I think your certificate is good for this Bienville Parish. I am not in position to say about the Line School...(goes on to tell her who to tact; apparently she was wanting to teach there.)
Mar. 5: Letter from E.E. Stewart, Sebastopol, Miss.
Mar. 8: Letter from R.B. Matthews, Belmont, La.
April 11: Letter from R.B. Matthews: "...You certainly have no excuse for being an old maid...because you know if you never marry it is because you would not accept the hand of one who truly loved you...."
April 15: Letter from sister Viola in Brown, La.
April 19: Letter from E.E.Stewart, Sebastopol Miss.
May 23: Letter from sister Emma C.
Oct 10: Letter from Clarence Thomas at Saline to Delilah at Brown, La.: "...please not let any one see this letter."
Nov. 13: Letter from Clarence Thomas.
Nov. 18: Letter from D.E. Averett, Gibsland, La.
Nov. 19: Letter from Mary Enloe, Saline.
Nov. 20: Letter from M.B. Evans (See C1 file).
Dec. 1: Part of note from Saline: "pleas dont let any one see this for you knoe this is a secret yes. I will do same and in addressing your letters try and change your han as much as posable and I will do the same. B. I will not put my name for fear it wll be broke and you do the same. As Ever your True Friend." (Bunyan)
Dec. 9: Letter from D.E. Averett.

1895: Mar. 1: Letter from D.E. Averett, Gibbs, La.

June 7: Letter from "best cousin Buben R. Cloud, Mulberry, La. "...pardon the liberty that I have taken in addressing you this note and if what I am a bout to say displeases you that youll at least give me the credit of sincerity and on that acount forgive my personanal presumption Dear Delilah I have long wished to express personally my feelings towards you and I have at last resolved to write to releave my mind to say that from friendship I have grown to feel the most ardent love for you ..."
June 24: Letter from D.E. Everett, Gibsland, La.
June : Letter from M.B. Evans (See C1).
July 20: Letter from D.E. Everett.
Aug. 2: Letter from S.F. Thomas about payments for teaching.
Aug. 8: Letter from D.E. Everett.
Aug. 22: Letter from M.B. Evans (See C1).
Aug. 29: Letter from D.E. Everett.
Aug. 30: Letter from Eugene Thomas: "...I no there is no use bet I do love you and dont think it any harm to tell you so and hope you will have the same thought..."

Undated letter to Delilah, apparently from M.B. Evans' mother: "...Made some grape wine. School will be out friday. Will have my daughters home and nothing for them to do only to cook and keep house...(At end of page: "Miss Delilah Ma says close this short letter for her as she dont fll well...for ever yours to depend on...c y s k"

Oct. 6: Letter from D.E. Everett.
Oct. 12: Letter from Bunyan (See C001).

(For remainder of information on Delilah's life, see C001.)
Children were:

i. Effie Esther Evans⁽¹⁾ was born on 13 Sep 1896 in Natchitoches Parish, LA. She died on 29 Sep 1899. She has reference number B003a.
ii. Noah Otto Evans⁽¹⁾ was born on 25 Mar 1898. He died in May 1983 in Natchitoches, LA. He has reference number B003.
iii. Hansford Herman Evans⁽¹⁾ was born on 6 Nov 1900 in Natchitoches Parish, LA. He died in Jul 1980 in Shreveport, LA. He has reference number B004.
iv. Ruth Evans⁽¹⁾ was born on 17 Mar 1903 in Natchitoches Parish, LA. She died on 19 Jan 1968. She has reference number B005.
v. Sidney Bucklew Evans⁽¹⁾ was born on 26 May 1904. He has reference number B006.
2 vi. John Owen Evans.