Joseph Harvey Evans
Decatur County Journal-Iowa
September 24, 1914
Uncle Harve Evans, as he was generally known by the people of this section, died on last Friday morning about 2 o'clock at the home of Mrs. Mollie Evans, his daughter-in-law, in the north part of town, at the age of 97 years, 6 months and 3 days. His death was not due to any illness, but simply the failure of vital forces, and was without pain and was as quiet and gentle as that of a child falling asleep.
He was one of the pioneer citizens of this section, having moved with his wife and parents to Morgan Township, Decatur County, in 1842, where he settled on and improved the land now known as the Gatliff farm, west of Lineville, where he tilled the farm and worked at his trade of blacksmithing. Later he sold the place and bought the place three miles north of Lineville, now belonging to his son, G. M. Evans, of Allerton. Here his wife died in January, 1879, and he continued to live on the farm, in later years making his home with his son, G. M. Evans, and with his elder son and daughter in this vicinity and with his grandson, Charles Evans, of Mercer County, Missouri.
Nearly a year ago, an effort was made by his two sons, Tom and G. M. Evans, to have the old gentleman sent to the State Insane Hospital at Clarinda and the trial before Judge Maxwell, at Corydon, attracted wide attention and aroused much sympathy for the old man who had turned all of his ample means over to his two sons, who were the only survivors of his family of six children. The court rendered a proper decision in the case by finding the old man not insane or a fit subject for the asylum and by appointing W. O. Mullinix, of this place, his guardian. The two sons then paid the costs of the case and depositied $1,500 in the hands of the guardian for his maintenance. Uncle Harve was then given over to the care of Mrs. Mollie Evans, of this place, widow of his son, the late J. G. Evans, and her daughter, Miss. Ida Evans, by whom he was devotedly cared for and the last months of his life made the most peaceful and comfortable of his later years. In this work and care they were greatly assisted by Charley Evans, his grandson, who left nothing undone to add to the care and comfort of his aged grandfather.
His funeral was held from his late home on Saturday morning, services being conducted by his old neighbor and pioneer friend, J. W. Judd, and the remains laid to rest at the Shields Graveyard in Woodland Township, by the side of his wife and near the last resting place of his father and mother and several of his children.
Joseph Harvey Evans was born in Knoxville, Tenn., March 8, 1817, and died at his home in Lineville, Ia., September 11, 1914, aged 97 years, 6 months and 3 days. He was the father of six children. He also leaves fifteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a true and upright citizen. When the end came he was willing and ready to go, and said: "I will soon be with all of them over yonder," and went to sleep.
-Linville Tribune
Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"