james evans
1922-1922
Life Story
Stillborn – Likely Laid to Rest at Evans Cemetery, Newton County, Mississippi
Birth and Family
James Evans was stillborn on October 11, 1922, in Newton County, Mississippi. He was the son of Harry Evans (1883–1941) and Leila Walker Evans (1894–1969), members of two long-rooted family lines in the Bethel–Altare–Mt. Moriah communities.
Harry and Leila’s household was part of the large, interconnected Evans family whose children, grandchildren, and extended kin made up a significant portion of the local community during the early 20th century.
Passing and Documentation
James was stillborn, a tragic but common occurrence in rural Mississippi during the 1920s, when medical resources were scarce and most births took place at home under the care of family members or midwives.
His father, Harry Evans, served as the informant on the death certificate, personally ensuring that his son’s brief life was recorded. His involvement speaks to the deep sense of responsibility and familial care that characterized the Evans family.
Burial
The burial place was listed simply as “Newton,” a general notation frequently used in early records when specific cemetery names were omitted. Based on:
- Family burial patterns
- Geographic proximity
- The burial practices for Evans infants during this era
it is highly likely that James was laid to rest in the Evans Cemetery, the family burial ground where numerous relatives from the same generation and household are interred.
Legacy
Though his life did not begin in the traditional sense, James Evans remains an important part of the Evans family story. His birth and passing illustrate the challenges faced by rural African American families in the early 1900s, including:
- High infant mortality
- Limited medical access
- Dependence on home births and midwives
- Sparse or incomplete burial documentation
By including him in the family’s historical record, his presence is acknowledged and honored, ensuring that every life connected to the Evans lineage is remembered.
SIDEBAR: Infant & Child Losses in the Family of Harry and Leila Evans
A Glimpse into Early Childhood Mortality in Rural Mississippi
The family of Harry Evans (1883–1941) and Leila Walker Evans (1894–1969) experienced two infant losses during the early 20th century—an era when infant mortality was tragically common in rural African American communities. These losses reflect the medical limitations of the time and the realities faced by families living far from adequate healthcare.
1. Cora Evans (1913)
- Born: January 1913
- Died: October 31, 1913
- Age: 9 months
- Cause of Death: Possible colitis
- Informant: Coyt Evans
- Burial: Evans Cemetery
Cora’s death from intestinal illness reflects one of the leading causes of death among infants during that era, when clean water access, sanitation, and medical treatment were extremely limited.
2. James Evans (1922)
- Stillborn: October 11, 1922
- Father/Husband Informant: Harry Evans
- Burial Listed As: “Newton” (almost certainly Evans Cemetery)
James was stillborn, a heartbreaking but frequent occurrence in home births before modern prenatal care. His father’s role as informant shows how deeply involved families were in documenting such losses.
Why Infant Loss Was So Common
In the early 1900s, Black families in Newton County faced numerous obstacles:
Limited medical access
Hospitals were segregated, far away, or unaffordable for most rural families.
Home births
Most births took place at home, often aided by midwives rather than physicians.
Untreatable diseases
Colitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, and infections were often fatal to infants.
Economic and environmental hardships
Poor sanitation, crowded homes, and limited nutrition increased risks.
The Support of Midwives and Family
Families like Harry and Leila’s relied on community midwives such as:
These women provided essential care, comfort, and record-keeping during births and losses.
Legacy of Remembrance
Though Cora and James Evans lived only briefly, remembering them ensures that their lives remain part of the Evans family legacy. Their stories reflect not only personal family loss but also the broader experiences of early 20th-century Black rural life.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- Mississippi, U.S., Index to Deaths, 1912-1943
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
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