Person:Robert Evans (46)

Biography of Robert Evans

"From History of Gibson County, Indiana", by Gil. Stormont, pub. 1914:

Gen. Robert M. Evans was one of the most conspicuous men in the early history of Gibson county, being clerk and agent, and, in fact, managing all of the affairs of the county for several years. He was born in Frederick county, Virginia, in 1783. When a small boy, his parents removed to Kentucky, and in 1790 to Tennessee, where, at the age of seventeen, he acted as deputy county clerk in the county in which he was reared. He was married in Kentucky in 1803, to Jane Trimble, sister to Judge Robert Trimble, of the United States supreme court. In 1805 his family removed to Indiana territory settling two miles north of where Princeton now stands. At the first sale of government land in 1807, he purchased the tract upon which he had settled, and continued to reside there until 1809, when he moved to Vincennes and kept a hotel on Market street. This was the favorite stopping place for all of the old pioneers of Indiana. After two years he returned to the old settlement. At the breaking out of the Indian war in 1811 he joined General Harrison's army, and participated in the battles of Tippecanoe, Thomas and other less important engagements, and acquired the reputation of a brave and sagacious commander. He was comissioned brigadier general and commanded a large body of militia. His brother, William, was killed by Indians at the battle of Tippecanoe. After the war he returned to his old improvements and it was very soon after that Gibson county was organized. The value of one with his experience and education was realized in the manipulation of affairs of government, and he was elected county clerk and appointed agent for the transaction of the county's business. He continued to hold these positions for several years with satisfaction to the people and honor to himself. He was one of the original proprietors of Evansville and did much toward the early building up and progress of the place. In 1824 he left Princeton and made his home in Evansville. He was, however, a resident of New Harmony for a short time. He returned to Evansville and was a resident there until his death in 1844. His wife passed from this earth in 1840.

In 1810 James, Alexander Lile and Thomas Jefferson Evans, brothers of Gen. Robert M., became residents of the county and afterward of Princeton, where they engaged in business. Thomas J. moved to Iowa in 1840 and was appointed to a judgeship. He died there in the same year. Alexander L. was engaged in the cooper business in Princeton until 1836 when he removed to Evansville. He died there in 1844. Herman S., a printer in Illinois, is another son. James Evans built and operated a wood carding mill on Main street in 1818, and which business he continued until his death in 1832. He was also largely engaged in farming, and owned the land upon which the southwestern portion of Princeton now stands. He was for many years justice of the peace. Eliza A. married Dr. Andrew Lewis. She died in 1878. W. L. Evans was a merchant in Princeton from 1853 to 1873, and afterward president of the Princeton National Bank, which position he held until his death, which occurred in 1899.

1. ↑ v15t0604.FTW.

   Date of Import: Jul 20, 2002

2. ↑ ^2.0 2.1 Stormont, Gil R. History of Gibson County, Indiana: her people, industries and institutions. (Indianapolis, Ind.: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914).