cisero evans
1908-1968
Life Story
Early Life and Family Background
Cisero Evans was born about 1908 in Newton County, Mississippi, to Benjamin Evans (1876–before 1910) and Maggie Rigsby Evans (1893–?). By the 1910 census, Cisero’s father had died, and Maggie was listed as a widow residing in the household of her parents with four small children, including Cisero.
By 1920, Maggie had remarried Will Evans (1888–1951), and the family remained in Newton County. At that time, Cisero was listed as a farm hand, working on the home farm—an early indication of the agricultural labor that shaped his youth.
Education
Cisero completed the fifth grade of elementary school, reflecting the limited educational opportunities available to African American children in rural Newton County during the early twentieth century.
Marriage and Children
By 1930, Cisero was married to Susie Anna Hill (1910–?). From this union, the following children were born:
- Maggie Evans (b. 1929)
- Edward Evans (b. 1931)
- Mayola Evans (1932–1998)
- Elizabeth Evans (b. 1936)
- Edith Evans (b. 1938)
After the death of Susie Anna Hill, Cisero later married Viola Mitchell (1913–1984). One child was born from this second marriage:
- Arthur Evans (b. 1949)
The obituary also notes that Viola brought children from a prior relationship into the household, making Cisero a stepfather as well.
Work and Migration
In 1950, Cisero and his second wife Viola had relocated to Franklin County, Mississippi, where he was employed at a sawmill cutting logs. This work aligns with broader labor patterns of the period, as many Black men transitioned between farming and timber-related industries.
At a later point—documented in his obituary—Cisero migrated north to Detroit, Michigan, part of the larger Great Migration. While in Detroit, he became affiliated with Russell Street Baptist Church, maintaining strong church ties even after leaving Newton County.
Religious Life
Cisero spent the early part of his life in the St. John community and became a member of St. John Baptist Church at a young age. Despite relocating out of state, his spiritual and familial identity remained closely connected to Newton County.
Death and Burial
Cisero Evans passed away on January 20, 1968, in Detroit, Michigan, after several weeks of illness. In keeping with family tradition and long-standing community ties, he was returned to Newton County and laid to rest at St. John M.B. Church graveyard.
Historical Note
Cisero’s life reflects several defining themes of twentieth-century Black rural history in Newton County: early paternal loss, blended families, limited formal education, agricultural and industrial labor, church-centered identity, and eventual migration north—while maintaining burial and kinship ties to home.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- The Newton Record, Report on Cotton Blooms, Thu, Jun 17, 1937 ·Page 5
- U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
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