MR. CADWALADER EVANS. GWYNEDD, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Cadwalader Evans, of Gwynedd, son of Evan ap Evan, youngest of the four brothers, immigrant 1698, b. in Merionethshire, Wales, in 1664, d. at Gwynedd, 3d mo. 30, 1745. He m. in Wales, Ellen, daughter of John Morris, of Bryn Gwyn (White Hill), Denbighshire.He was a preacher, after joining the Friends. A memorial concerning him, by Gwynedd monthly meeting, can be seen on page 85.
Children of Cadwallader and Ellen:
1. John, b. 1689, d. 1756, m. Ellen Ellis.
2. Sarah, m. at Gwynedd m. h., l0th mo. 11, 1711, John Hanke, of Whitemarsh, yeoman; and had issue several children : John, b. 1712; William, b. 1720; Samuel, b. 1723; Joseph, b. 1725; Jane, b. 17 14, m. John Roberts (see Roberts Genealogy); Elizabeth, b. 1716; Sarah, b. 1728. John Hanke made his will Dec. 12th, 1730, and it was proved in May, 1731; he leaves his wife, Sarah, executrix, and mentions his "seven children," all named above; also his cousin John Hank, to whom he leaves 8 pounds.
He appoints his brother [in-law] John Evans, and his friends, Thomas Evans, son of Owen, of Gwynedd, and Jonathan Robeson, trustees. His will indicates that he had real estate in Whitemarsh.
Historical Collections of Gwynedd.
MR. CADWALADER EVANS. GWYNEDD, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
HE was a native of the principality of Wales, and arrived in Pennsylvania in the year 1698. And altho' he was not then in profession with friends, yet he soon after entered into close fellowship with them, and continued stedfast to his end. He was a diligent and seasonable attender of our religious meetings: On first days particularly, he was ready an hour before the time appointed, and then read several chapters in the bible or some religious book: As the time approached, he would frequently observe the time of day, and by means of such watchful care, he was seated in meetings one of the first, and scarcely ever after the time appointed.The gravity and composure of his countenance as he sat in silence, was no less remarkable than his punctual attendance, and bespoke such inward recollection and divine engagement of mind, as often attracted the eyes and affected the hearts of others.
He received a gift in the ministry, in the exercise whereof, he was generally led to speak of his own experience in religion and the christian warfare; and his testimony, tho' short, was instructive, lively, and ma|nifestly attended with divine sweetness: Notwithstanding it was always acceptable, he was very cautious of appearing, lest any, as he often said, should be drawn from a right concern of mind, to place their dependance on words.
He was zealously concerned for the honour and promotion of truth, and support of our christian discipline; and being endued with discerning, and clear judgment tempered with charity, he was very useful in many services of the church, especially that weighty one of visiting friends in their families. And altho' he was naturally of a warm disposition, yet a tender regard to the service of truth, and a continual awe of the divine presence presided in his heart, insomuch that meekness and condescention were conspicuous in his conduct.
There was a freedom and affability in his behaviour and conversation, which indicated a benevolence of heart, and endeared him, not only to the houshold of faith, but also to the profligate and vain; rendering him serviceable in composing differences, and in comforting the sick and afflicted; and particularly in that skilful and tender office of healing discord in private families, wherein his endeavours were remarkably successful. In such services, he spent much of the latter part of his life, riding about from one house to another; and where no cause of reprehension appeared, he interspersed his discourse on common affairs, with useful hints, solid remarks, and lessons of instruction. But where admonition or comfort were necessary, the propriety of his advice and the uprightness of his life, added weight to his labours, and seldom failed of good effects.
In private life, few had a better claim to the virtues of temperance, justice, industry and frugality, and as he well knew how advantageous it was, "To train up a child in the way he should walk," he took frequent opportunities to drop his experienced advice among those under his care. It was his practice, in winter evenings especially, to read the holy scriptures in his family, and was particularly careful that neither child nor servant should be from home at unseasonable hours being highly sensible how slippery the paths of youth are, and how numerous the snares which attend them.
He was greatly favoured in the use of his natural abilities, and enjoyed an uncommon share of health until his last illness, which was short; during that time, very many came to see him, who showed great marks of esteem and affection; and even libertines whom he had often rebuked and treated with, were deeply affected with sorrow: Indeed it was rare to see so many tears shed at a sick bed, more especially of one of his years, which gave a proof that he had not outlived his services. His soul overflowed with love to God and man, and being favoured in his last moments, with a blessed hope and confidence, he was going to that place which God had prepared for those that love him; he had a happy exit from time to eternity, the 30th of the third month 1745, aged eighty-one.