arch g. evans
1904-1979
Life Story
Early Life and Family Background
Arch G. Evans was born on August 12, 1904, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Scott Evans (1874–1925) and Nancy Bolton Evans (1865–1965). He was raised in the Bethel–Altare community, where the Evans family had long-established roots. Like many children of his generation, Arch began working at an early age, contributing to the family’s livelihood as a farm laborer on the home place.
Education
According to census records, Arch completed the 8th grade, placing him among the higher-educated African American rural youth of his era, as educational advancement was often limited by work demands and unequal school access.
Marriage and Family Life
By 1930, Arch had married Ludie Chapman (1909–1989), daughter of the Chapman and Mitchell family lines. Together they built a large and close-knit family. Their known children include:
- Murphy Evans (1926–?)
- Johnny Evans (1933–?)
- Titus Evans (1934–?)
- Ludee Mae Evans (1936–?)
- Yvonnia Evans (1941–?)
- Doris Nell Evans (1943–?)
- Nancy Mae Evans (1945–?)
- Franklin D. Evans (1947–1994)
- Albert G. Evans (1949–?)
- James Evans (dates unknown)
Arch and Ludie raised their children within the traditions of hard work, faith, and community responsibility that defined generations of Evans and Chapman descendants.
Work and Community Service
During the 1930s, Arch worked as a laborer for the highway department while continuing seasonal and regular farm work. His work life reflected the economic realities of rural Mississippi: balancing agricultural labor with road, timber, or public works jobs to support a large family.
Arch was deeply devoted to his church and community. He joined Pilgrim Grove Presbyterian Church at an early age and served faithfully for many years. His roles included:
- Deacon
- Ruling Elder
- Member of the church session until his death
He was also a long-standing member of Tuscon Lodge No. 163, under the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. of Mississippi, Prince Hall Affiliation—an organization central to African American civic and community leadership.
Passing and Burial
Arch G. Evans passed away on January 26, 1979, at Newton Hospital. Funeral services were held on February 3, 1979, at Pilgrim Grove Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Joe W. Rigsby officiating. He was laid to rest in the Evans Cemetery in Newton County, Mississippi.
Legacy
Arch left behind a large and loving family, including his wife Ludie, ten surviving children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and many relatives and friends. His life reflects the strength of the rural Black community in Newton County—rooted in family, faith, labor, and service.
Through his roles as a father, church elder, and Prince Hall Mason, Arch G. Evans helped shape the legacy of the Evans family for future generations.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, A.G. Evans Obituary, Wed, Feb 07, 1979 ·Page 14
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
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