shelby evans
1893-1976
Life Story
Newton County, Mississippi & Chicago, Illinois
Shelby Evans was born on November 25, 1893, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Arch Evans (1871–1942) and Cora Walker Evans (1875–1929). He was raised in the tight-knit Evans and Walker families, rooted in the rural communities surrounding Altare, St. John, and Mt. Moriah. In his early years, Shelby worked as a farm laborer on his parents’ land, learning the rhythms of agriculture that sustained many Black families in Newton County during the early 20th century.
Early Adulthood & First Marriage
On December 23, 1915, Shelby married Mollie Evans (1894–1919). Their union was brief and marred by tragedy. Mollie passed away on January 3, 1919, shortly after giving birth to their daughter Cora Jane Evans, who also died six months later from tuberculosis. Shelby was left with their three-year-old son, Virty Evans, to raise.
Second Marriage & Growing Family
In 1922, Shelby married Mary Wesley- Moncrief (1900–1934). Together they built a family through difficult economic times. Their children were:
- Curtis Evans (1923–1994)
- S. Evans (infant, 1924–1924)
- Bernice Evans (1926–?)
- Lena M. Evans (1929–?)
Mary Wesley Evans passed away in 1934, leaving Shelby a widower with young children during the Great Depression.
Third Marriage & Later Years in Newton County
In 1936, Shelby married Corine Cox (1904–1972). From this union came:
- E. A. Evans (1935–?)
Shelby continued to farm during these years and gradually built up his own place. In the 1940 census, he reported completing the 7th grade, a notable achievement for rural African American men of his era. That same year, he listed himself as a farm owner, with his home and property valued at $150, reflecting the pride he took in maintaining an independent household.
He was deeply connected to the religious life of the community and served for many years as a deacon of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, one of the anchor institutions in the Black community of Newton County.
Migration & Final Years
Like many Southerners of his generation, Shelby eventually migrated north, settling in Chicago, where several of his children also lived. He continued his commitment to faith and community even after leaving Mississippi.
Shelby Evans passed away at the age of 82 in Chicago at St. Bernard Hospital in 1976.
Funeral services were held on May 16, 1976, at St. John Missionary Baptist Church of Newton, with Rev. Purvis Moore officiating. He was laid to rest in Green Grove Cemetery.
Surviving Family (as listed in 1976 obituary)
Children:
- Virty Evans
- Curtis Evans
- L. A. Adkins
- Elisah Evans
- Jimmy Evans
- Mrs. Sarah Sanders
- Mrs. Bernice Thomas
- Mrs. Lena Hardy
- Annie M. Adkins
Siblings:
- Mrs. Ida Jordan
- Mrs. Iley Tumbling
- Dudley Evans
- Elbert Evans
- Leavy Evans
Grandchildren: 30
Great-grandchildren: 14
Resting Place
Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- Cook County, Illinois Death Index, 1908-1988
- The Newton Record, Complete Draft List for Newton County, Thu, Aug 02, 1917 ·Page 1
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Lists of Men Ordered to Report to Local Board for Military Duty, 1917–1918
- Scott County Times, Shelby Evans Obituary, Wed, May 19, 1976 ·Page 12
- Sun Herald, Curtis Evans Obituary, Fri, Jun 03, 1994 ·Page 2
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., World War I Civilian Draft Registrations, 1917-1918
- U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
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