jane chapman evans
1862-1896
Life Story
Jane Chapman Evans was born between 1859 and 1862 in Newton County, Mississippi, to Isaac Chapman (1841–?) and Charity Chapman (1841–?), members of early post-emancipation Black families whose labor and land use helped anchor the Altare–Bethel–Newton communities.
In the 1870 U.S. Census, Jane was listed as Mulatto and working as a farm laborer at approximately eleven years old, reflecting the early transition of formerly enslaved families into agricultural wage and share labor during Reconstruction.
### Marriage & Family
Sometime after 1870, Jane married Harry Evans (1862–1901). Together, they established a household in Newton County and became part of a growing network of Black landholders and farmers.
Children born to this union include:
- Cornelia Evans (1884–1923)
- Calvin Evans (1887–?)
- Rinnie Evans (1889–?)
- Mollie Evans (1894–1919)
- Charley Evans (1896–?)
These children link Jane directly to later generations buried at Evans Cemetery, Altare Cemetery, and Saint John M.B. Church graveyard.
### Economic Activity & Land Records
Between 1890 and 1896, Jane appears alongside Harry Evans in five deeds of trust and one deed to Allen Rigsby, demonstrating active participation in land-based credit arrangements. These records show the Evans family operating within the post-Reconstruction farm economy, using land, crops, livestock, and equipment as collateral to sustain agricultural production.
By 1897, Harry Evans is recorded signing deeds of trust with a second wife, Caroline Thompson (1867–1939). Jane’s absence from records after 1896 strongly suggests her death occurred that year.
▢ Sidebar: Why These Deeds Matter
Deeds of trust involving Jane Chapman Evans are critical historical evidence.
They document Black landholding families navigating credit systems in the late 19th century—often under exploitative conditions—yet still maintaining ownership, productivity, and intergenerational stability. Jane’s presence on these legal instruments confirms her role not only as a wife and mother, but as a legally recognized participant in family property and economic decision-making.
### Death & Burial
Jane Chapman Evans is believed to have passed away in 1896, possibly due to childbirth complications, as her youngest son, Charley, was born that same year. No death certificate exists, as Mississippi did not require them at that time.
Her burial location is unknown, but based on family connections and proximity, she is most likely laid to rest in either Evans Cemetery or Altare Cemetery, alongside relatives and descendants.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1870 Federal Census
- Newton County, Mississippi, Deed Book 9:522, 1891
- Newton County, Mississippi, Deed Book 12:139, 1892
- Newton County, Mississippi, Deed Book 12:386, 1893
- Newton County, Mississippi, Deed Book 12:733, 1894
- Newton County, Mississippi, Deed Book 13: 73, 1890
- Newton County, Mississippi, Deed Book 15:123
- Author’s analysis based on Newton County land records, 1890–1897.
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