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Evarts |
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| Henry C. Evarts, farmer on sec. 28, Green tp., was born in Monroe Co., N.Y., Feb. 19, 1833. His father Shadrack Evarts, was born near Saratoga, N.Y.; was a farmer by vocation, and in 1845 came to Grand Rapids and there engaged in agriculture. He is yet living, and in the care of his daughter, Mrs. C.H. Patten. The mother Eunice (Plumb) Evarts was a native of Connecticut, and died in November 1879. Mr. Evart was education in the common and high schools of Grand Rapids, residing with the family of Porter Reed until he reached man’s estate, after which he engaged in summer in the vocation of a farm laborer and taught school two winters. He came to Big Rapids in June 1856, and entered 160 acres of land under the gradation act, and in March, 1858, began to build, and otherwise improve the land on which he has since made his home. He enlisted as a soldier for the Union soon after the outbreak of the rebellion. He was enrolled in the Third Michigan Cavalry Oct.12, 1861, remaining in the service four and a half years. He was in action at Corinth, Iuka, New Madrid, etc. He obtained the commission of Second Lieutenant, serving until the end of the war, in the Fourth U.S.C.C. Cavalry, stationed at Port Hudson, and was mustered out at New Orleans. He came back to his farm and has since personally supervised the same. He is a Republican and has held the posts of Town Clerk and School Inspector. Mr. Evarts was married Jan. 1, 1858, to Martha J. Boynton, native of Jackson Co., Mich., born March 4, 1833, and died June 26, 1867, leaving one child, Mary L., Aug. 28, 1867, Mr. Evarts was married to Hannah A., daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Boynton, natives of Vermont. She was born in Grass Lake, Jackson Co., Mich., June 8, 1843; the following are their children: Edgar C., Lizzie B., George C., and Willie H. |