MR. ROLAND EVANS, MARTINBURG, LEWIS COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Roland Evans, a representative citizen of Martinsburg, now living retired, enjoying a long life of usefulness and activity, is a native of Meirionydd, North Wales. born May 4. 1836, son of Roland and Ann (Jones) Evans.In 1849 Roland Evans, Sr., accompanied by his wife and six children, emigrated to the United States. sailing on the vessel, “Jamestown,” May 6. I849, landing June II, I849. They located in New York state, where the town of Hinkley now stands, and remained one year. Mr. Evans being employed in the old Hinkley mill. He then took up his residence in Turin, Lewis county, New York, where he was employed as a laborer by the day, and there reared and educated his children.
Late in life he removed to Martinsburg, where his death occurred November 19, 1870, and that of his wife December I6, 1872. Their children were: 1. Ann, born October 31, 1832; married E. C. Budds. 2. Roland, see forward. 3. William, November 9, I833; was killed in an accident at Lowville, New York. 4. David, September 10, 1841. 5. Catherine, February 23, 1844; married S. Miller Benedict. 6. Margaret, June 15, 1846, died young. 7. Jane. Trenton, New York, November 29, 1849. 8. Rebecca, Turin. New York, November 7, 1852; married Charles S. Mereness. 9. John, born June 2, 1856.
Mr. Evans was a member of the Presbyterian church, and a Republican in politics.
Roland (2), oldest son and second child of Roland (1) and Ann (Jones) Evans. was fourteen years of age when his parents came to the United States. He gained a practical education in the common schools, and his first employment was in the town of Prospect, New York, his remuneration being one dollar per month and board. For several years he followed agricultural pursuits, and then located on a farm at Martinsburg, Lewis county. New York, making a specialty of dairying, in which particular line he was eminently successful. He not only gained a comfortable livelihood for his family, but was enabled to accumulate a competence adequate for the support of himself and wife when the time should come for them to rest from their labors, this fact proving conclusively that he is a man of sound judgment and rare foresight.
He has taken an active interest in community affairs. and has been chosen to serve in the capacity of highway commissioner and supervisor. His political allegiance is given to the Democratic party, and he is a member of Lowville Lodge. No. I34, Free and Accepted Masons.
Mr. Evans married, September 13, 1865, Mary, born in Martinsburg, New York, May 13, 1841, daughter of Samuel and Lucy (Babcock) Peebles. Children: 1. Minnie, born June 29, 1870; married J. W. Shevalier. 2. Lydia, December 19, 1873. 3. Miller B., June 5, 1876; married Ella Keough. 4. Roland Fay, September 29, 1878. Samuel Peebles, father of Mrs. Evans, was born in New Salem, New York. March 3o. 1799, died June 16, 1860, son of John Peebles, born in New Salem, New York, December 31, 1764, married Deborah Salford, born in Stonington. Connecticut. April 20, 1771. Lucy (Babcock) Peebles, wife of Samuel Peebles, was born January 25. 1807, died June 2, 1882. Samuel and Lucy (Babcock) Peebles had children: Oliver, Orin, Lu cinda, Augusta, Amos, David. Mary. Martha and Albert.