Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-04-22
Hon. Henry Clay Evans.

While we were south with the Wis
consin Press Association We had the
pleasure of meeting Ir. Evans whom
we found 10 be most cordial genial
gentleman. We append a short sketch
/ Of his life:
The subject of this sketch is a shin
/ ing example of the benefits of free
/ government, wherein the highest posi-
tons are open to the poorest boy.
! Mr. Evans was born in Pennsylvania.
/ in 1913; and when three wears old his
! father moved to the Territory Of Wis
consin, where the son, when old enough
/ to work. labOred on the farm in sum-
mer, and attended the public district
/ school in winter. At the age of sixteen
| he was sent 10 the Plattville, Wiscon-
| sin, for two years: then 10 the Bryant
and StrattOn college at Chicago, where
| he received a splendid business educa-
/ ton, and where was laid the foundation
/ for his wonderful success as q business
man.
The war came on and young Evans
enlisted as a private in the list Regi-
| ment Wisconsin Infantry, but was soon
detailed as q clerk in the Quartermaster
| Department, where he continued in
various grades of positions until the
! close Of the war In every position, he
| performed his duties faithfully and was
! frequently promoted.
When the war closed he was at the
| head of the Quartermasrer's Depart
ment, at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He
closed his official duties and settled in
that city, where he has since remained
engaged IN various kinds Of business
including merchandising, iron manu-
| featuring, banking and on the side,
| politics.
He has always been republican, was
twice elected mayor of Chattanooga; in
| 1888, was elected to congress from d
strong democratic district, overcoming
an adverse majority Of about / 1000, and
had 2SS majority. In 1894, he received
the majority of the votes in the state
for governor of Tennessee, but the
legislature was called in extra session
and succeeded in counting him out. In
1886, he was prominent candidate for
ice-president before the Republican
National convention, and received 2S0J
votes on the first ballot.
Mr.. Evans is six feet tall; weighs 1S5
pounds; has dark hair; keen and very
black eyes. He is q strikingly bright,
intelligent, intellectual man, of great
industry and perfect integrity
President Mckinley rendered him
the position of commissioner of pen
sions, which he was finally persuaded
to accept. This is, notoriouslv, the
most difficult position under the gov
eminent to ill. The pension office
is organized into secret rings, and these
rings have almost always succeeded in
controlling the action Of that bureau !;
but with his splendid business abilities
his knowledge of pension laws; large
experience of men and affairs; together
with a Jacksonian determination, we
predict that no ring will rule him, but
that he viii be the commissioner of pen
sions in fact, as well as III name. He
has strong sympathy for the worthy
soldier and such claims will receive
prompt attention and ready adjudica-
ton; but where we expect most from
him is, that he Willapply business meth
DDS to the work of the office.
His family consists of his wife, one
son, and two daughters, and his home
life is a dream of happiness. Finan-
cially he is we'll to do. We believe the
president has got the right man for this
difficult place.