james a. evans
1891-1969
Life Story
A Life of Labor, Faith, and Family Continuity
The life of James A. Evans reflects the steady endurance of a man rooted in land, faith, and family. Born on November 11 in the early 1890s (records vary between 1890 and 1892), in the Lawrence community of Newton County, Mississippi, he was the son of Robert Thomas “Bob” Evans and Alsena “Sena” Williams Evans.
Raised in one of the prominent Evans households of Beat 4, James grew up in a large farming family whose labor and stability shaped the community for generations.
Early Life and Young Adulthood
By his late teens, James was already contributing to the family’s livelihood as a farm laborer on the home farm in Newton County. Census and draft records indicate that he was literate, reflecting access to education during a time when such opportunities were limited for many African Americans in the rural South.
He was one of a large sibling group that included:
- Mattie Evans Blalock
- Sarah Evans
- Oliva Evans
- Rena Bell Evans
- Fannie Evans
- Albirdia Evans
- Wess Evans
- Lindsey (Lenzay) Evans
- Charlie Evans
- Annie Laura Evans
- Lucille Mary Evans
This close-knit family structure formed the foundation of his early life and long-term support network.
Marriage and Migration
Around 1913, at approximately 21 years old, James married Frankie Curry. Shortly after their marriage, the couple relocated to Taylor, Columbia County, Arkansas, joining a broader pattern of mobility among Southern Black families seeking economic opportunity.
On June 5, 1917, James registered for the World War I draft in Columbia County. His registration card provides a vivid physical description:
- Height: Tall
- Build: Medium
- Hair: Black
- Eyes: Dark brown
At that time, he was employed as a section hand for the Louisiana & Arkansas Railroad Company, performing demanding labor that supported the region’s expanding rail infrastructure.
Return to Mississippi and Farming Life
By 1920, James and Frankie were living in Taylor, Arkansas, where James’s brother, Charlie, was also noted as residing in their home. However, by 1930, they had returned to their roots in Beat 4, Newton County, Mississippi.
Back in Mississippi, James transitioned from railroad labor to agriculture, establishing himself as a self-employed farmer. Unlike earlier generations who often worked land owned by others, records indicate that James owned his farm, marking a significant level of independence and stability.
By 1950, James and Frankie continued to live on their farm along what was described as the “Heading North Left First Road” near Lawrence. Also residing with them was four-year-old Bessie Lee Smith, whom they had adopted.
Faith and Community Life
A defining feature of James’s life was his deep commitment to his faith. At an early age, he joined Union Chapel Methodist Church in Lawrence.
He remained a faithful and devoted Christian worker throughout his life, actively participating in the church community for decades. His spiritual life was not separate from his daily existence—it was woven into his work, family life, and community relationships.
Final Years and Legacy
James A. Evans passed away on March 8, 1969, at the age of 77. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frankie Curry Evans.
He left behind a legacy that reflected both family continuity and geographic expansion:
- Two children:
- Pinkie Evans (Los Angeles, California)
- Philip Evans (Los Angeles, California)
- Five grandchildren
- His mother:
- Alsena “Sena” Williams Evans, who survived him
- Seven siblings:
- Alberta Kidd
- Lucile Johnson
- Rena B. Simons
- Sarah Johnson
- Wess Evans
- Lenzie Evans
- Charlie Evans
His funeral was held on March 13, 1969, at Union Chapel Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. L. R. McMillian, with additional ministers present. He was laid to rest in the Union Chapel Church Cemetery, returning to the same ground that had shaped his life.
Enduring Significance
James A. Evans represents a generation that bridged rural Southern life and early twentieth-century mobility. His journey—from farm laborer to railroad worker and back to landowner—illustrates both adaptability and a deep connection to place.
Through his labor, his faith, and his role within a large extended family, he contributed to the continuity of the Evans lineage and the strength of the Lawrence community.
Summary of Life Events
| Period | Location | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 1891–1912 | Newton County, Mississippi | Farm Laborer (Family Farm) |
| 1917–1920 | Columbia County, Arkansas | Section Hand (Louisiana & Arkansas Railroad) |
| 1930–1969 | Newton County, Mississippi | General Farmer (Self-Employed) |
Resting Place
Union Chapel United Methodist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1950 Federal Censuses
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
- The Newton Record, James A. Evans Obituary, Wed, Mar 26, 1969 ·Page 11
- The Newton Record, Alsena Williams Obituary, Wed, Oct 18, 1972 ·Page 16
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