Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-05-04
pEA. JOHN EVANS, FRYEBURG.


Evans. and one OF ten children, nine Oh
whom were boys; but two or the whoie
| number are now living. His grandfather
whose name he inherited, was one OF the
nioneers of "Pickwaket." The deacon
was born July 1, 1909, and deceased Apfii
5. 1880. Having attained the age OF
twelve wears. he went TO an apprenticeship
in New Hampshire, served his time, and AZ
tor n brief period OF business In Sanborn-
ton. returned to his native town, Fryeourg'
where he industrlously and successfully
prosecuted his trade, until falling heai'h
two years ago compelled him 70 retire
Promptness was special factor, resulting
In the successes OF his unpretentious life
industry and integrity were equally con
spicuous. II IL is In any sense true, that
IAN honest mau is thenoblest work God,
then. by the uniform testimony OF those
who have known him longest and best, l
am authorized to say that Dea. John Evans
was one OF the Creators truest nobiemen.
lie became a Christian during the sea
son remembered here by the elderly resi-
dents as the great revival Of 1881, often re-
fsrred TO at the meetings OF the General
Conference, having commenced with the
conference sessions OF that year, holden IN
Fryeburg. He, and tweuty-one others,
united with this Congregational church jan
I. 1882 Among that number was Mrs.
Hannah harrington, whose name Is next 10
his In the records, and whose decease and
burial, as you are aware, occurred on The
same days, 9Th and eth inst. Four OF the
twenty-five survive; eighteen have met, we
trust, on the heavenly shore.
our brother was elected to the Office or
deacon Jan /, 1858, and during the sue
ceedIng twenty-five years has been respect
ed and loved a. worthy oillce-bearer, aud
sincere and devoted Christian man. The
doctrines he subscribed 10, he believed
with all his heart. The great CENTRAL
/ that WAS his fayorite, because around that
all other essentials clustered, and because
It was the rock on which his hope OF sal
yation could rest securcly.--was the atone
ment the doctrine Paul loved to dwell up
on. everywhere making IL his theme,
Christ aud him crucifed.' Nothing
could turn him from that; no preaching
was satisfying which Ignored that; no lib
eralism could have his sympathy which let
70 Of that; no heresy could receive hts toll
Grafton that compromised or perverted or
FILTERED away that; and yet he could al
wavs he kind and charitable towards any
individual who seemed honestly 10 dlner.
In respect 10 the general evangelical doc
trines-thc fact of thcm-hiS mind was
clear and settled; he felt that here was
safe anchorage, and 80 when the storm
beat, aud the foods poured, and othsrS
were going adrifl, he was steadfast. And
so. later. aud at last, when the waters OF
the dark river were eddying mp on the
strand. and already had begun to lave his
feet. he felt no fear. lie, who had abolish
cd death, wrested the scepter from the
hand of the king OF terrors, aud i holding
IL for the benefit OF those for whom he en-
tered the conflict, he believed able To save
even unto the uttermost; and so he com
posed himself and went 10 his rest, 10 re-
ceived the fulhllmcnt Of the Rcdeemer's
pledge.
John Evans and Mary Adams, of Lime
rick. were united in marriage by Rev.
Chas. Freeman, Sept. S, 1885. They were
the parents Of six children; three deceased
In early childhood, and three survive, VIZ,
Mrs. Mary Laird, wife Of m honorei ban
ker in Freehold. y. j.. DIR. Simeon Evans
a physician having M extensive practice
in Conway, n. H., aud having family al
so: Clinton b. Evans, A. NJ, on the edito-
rial staff OF the Springfield Republican.
Dca. Evans was thoroughly loyal to eve
~ true interest OF his country and govern
ment, to the community in which he lived
to the educational and other secular inSti
tutions aud enterprises undertaken for the
common veal. In the Sabbath-schoOl lie
wrought as a teacher, until obliged 10
Weld To- an embarrassing inirmity. The
Congregational church was to him * the
apple Of his eve. Aud 50 IL i easy 10 un-
derstand that he was sal, as no words can
paint. ut the detection and departure oi
members bound and cndcared 10 him by
the most sacred of covenant relations, and
by strong social ties. His sadness was
deep and fearful, often prompting To
prayer but never To an ungodly passion
He appreciated sincerely the neighborly
and sympthIzing attentions OF those life
long friends, some Of whose religious opin-
ions and aiiinties had led them into new
paths; he would most gladly have recipro-
Gated had the opportunity been granted.
In his death we all suffer loss, TO him 1t Is
gain: the SAVIOR OF his life will abide. This,
nv hearers, what the poet has written, Is
true and wise,-
''They who die in Christ are blessed,
Ours be then no thought Of grieving.
Sweetly with their God they rest,
| All their tolls and troubles leaving.
So be ours the faith that saveth,
| Hope. that every trial braveth
Love. that TO the end endureth,
And, through Christ, the crown secureth."
IN MEMORIAM