I have not identified William’s parents, nor found any strong suspects. He was first found in Buncombe County (in the Avery Creek section) in the late 1830's when he married Phoebe Graham. There were no other Evans there, but there were some just over the Henderson County line who may be closely related to him.

One unique identifying feature about William is that he was often listed as "Free Colored" or "Mulatto" on census records. This obviously means that he was dark skinned, and that the census taker didn’t consider him "white". This may help in identifying his family. Refer to my Ethnic Origins pages and also my Race Codes pages for more on the subject of "Race" on census records. Interestingly, William was listed as white more often than not. Only the 1840 census and the 1870 census list him as "Free Colored" or "Mulatto". All the others (1850, 1860 and 1880) list him as "White".

In Gilliland vs. Board of Education, Daniel Evans (son of William) testified that his father was white.

Some of William Evans' grandchildren claimed to be "Black Dutch". His wife’s family (the Grahams) claimed to be of Portuguese origin (or Melungeon), so we have two classic examples of ethnic origins that were often considered "non-white" by the census takers.

Homer Barnes, a grandson of Fannie Evans Lequire (daughter of William Evans) told me that his grandmother told him a lot about the family, including that the Grahams were from Holland, and that the Evans had come from Spain, and they were all dark skinned. I believe she was mistaken about the countries of origin, but it is interesting anyway.

A photograph of Darthula Jane Evans (daughter of William Evans) shows a woman (then about 70 years old) who looked positively like an Indian to me. However, the few relatives I’ve spoken to who knew her said she was not Indian at all, but that many old people in that day looked Indian.

There is much scholarly debate about what "Black Dutch" really means, or about what "Melungeon" really means. There have been several books written on the subject of the Melungeon people. It is often true that "Black Dutch" and "Melungeon" are used interchangeably to describe the same group of people. The vast majority of the Melungeons live in the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky, Tennessee, South Western Virginia and Western North Carolina. "Evans" is a name associated with Melungeons, so there is a good possibility that our Evans line is tied in.

If you are really interested in this subject, read the book by Dr. Brent Kennedy called "Melungeons, Resurrection of a Proud People". It is excellent, and includes many fascinating theories as to the origin of these dark skinned people.

One problem with Melungeons or "Black Dutch" is that they aren’t always listed as "Free Colored" or "Mulatto" on the census records. Sometimes they are listed as "White".

Now we do not know what ethnic origin William Evans might have claimed for himself, but there is still the matter of his parentage to consider. I've made several assumptions in the search for potential parents. One, I assume that he was born in that region of South Carolina that borders western North Carolina. Two, that his parents were probably also listed as "Free Colored", etc. on the census records. I could be wrong on both accounts, but I have to start somewhere.

Going back to the 1790 census for North Carolina (western counties only), and South Carolina (western counties only), I only found one Evans listed in that entire area who was listed other than "White", and that was a Stephen Evans in Richland District, SC. I have no idea of this is one of our ancestors or not. Richland is where Columbia is located, and although it is reasonably close to western North Carolina, I do not consider it a prime location for our Evans origins.

There were only a few Evans listed in 1790 who were in the extreme western part of NC. There was a John Evans in Rutherford Co, NC that year. In the adjacent area of SC, there were a number of Evans in Greenville District, and several in Pendleton District, and two in Spartanburg District.

The 1800 census shows many Evans in the correct part of South Carolina, but only one in extreme western North Carolina: "William Evans" in Buncombe County, North Carolina. He was listed as "White", aged 45 and up (born before 1755). No one else was in his household. He was the only Evans in Buncombe County that year. In South Carolina there several in Greenville and Pendleton and in Spartanburg. All were listed as "White". Any of these (or none) could be William Evans' father.

By 1810, Buncombe County was full of Evans, with eight households listed. The William Evans who had been there in 1800 was not there anymore, but a younger William was there in his place. Neighboring Haywood County also had several Evans listed, including, I think, the same William Evans who had been in Buncombe in 1800. Haywood was formed in 1808 from the western portion of Buncombe, so he probably lived somewhere in the border region. However, the reason I mention it is because while all the other Buncombe and Haywood County Evans families were white, William Evans’ family was listed as "Free Colored" with a house consisting of 6 members (possibly William, his wife, and 4 children). I have no idea if this William is the father of our William, but he is a very strong suspect. One problem though is that our William Evans was born ca 1813 in South Carolina. He moved to Buncombe County later on. However, this older William Evans disappeared from the area after 1810, so he certainly could have moved to South Carolina in time for our William to be born. However, I’m just making educated guesses here. 

The South Carolina census entries for 1810 show many Evans in the region, including several in Greenville, and only two each in Pendleton and Spartanburg. Of the Greenville entries, two were listed in the "Free Colored" columns, one listed as "G. Evens", the other as "G. Ivens". I'm reasonably sure this is George Evans and Gilbert Evans who were both still in that county in 1820. These two men stand out strongly as suspects for our William Evans' father, though other than being in South Carolina and being "Free Colored", I have no other evidence connecting them to my William.

Now the 1820 census is the first one where our William would be alive and listed. Unfortunately these early census records only listed the head of household by name. This means that little William would be listed only by age group and sex. This makes it nearly impossible to positively place him in any particular household, but we can conjecture. Our William would have been about 7 years old that year, so he should be enumerated in the "Under 10" age group (born ca 1810/20), in either the "White" columns, or in the "Free Colored" column.

In 1820, there were several Evans in Buncombe and Haywood, but none listed as "Free Colored". There were two "Free Colored" Evans families in Greenville District, South Carolina. George and Gilbert Evans who were listed among several "White" Evans families. Only Gilbert had young male children roughly matching our William’s age, so based only on census analysis, it would seem that Gilbert Evans is our prime suspect in South Carolina for William’s father, assuming our William actually was from Greenville. That older William who had been in Buncombe and later in Haywood was not found in 1820.

So, based only on the census records, our William Evans (c1813) may be closely connected to William Evans (bef 1755) of Buncombe and Haywood Co, NC, and / or Gilbert Evans of Greenville District, SC. This is by no means conclusive.

In 1830, our William would have been about 17 years old, so he should be enumerated in the age 15-19 age group (if in the White columns), or in the 10-23 age group, if enumerated in the Free Colored columns.

In 1830, there are eight Evans families in Buncombe County, though none listed as "Free Colored. Also, none of these had anyone William’s age with them. There are six families in neighboring Haywood County, and none of those are listed as "Free Colored". Only one of them (Jacob) had an apparent son our William’s age. I found no trace of "Gilbert Evans" in Greenville District, SC. (I think I found this same Gilbert Evans in 1830 Greene Co, TN). None of the other Evans in Greenville that year were listed as "Free Colored" either, and only one (Phillip Evans, Esquire) had an apparent son the same age as our William. This tells me that our William probably wasn’t in Greenville anymore by 1830, assuming he was ever there at all.

William moved to the Avery Creek area of Buncombe County before ca 1839. I have no idea what drew him to that area unless he is related to the Evans who lived on neighboring McDowell Creek (much of which is now in Henderson County). One record that might be applicable is in a deed dated 3 Mar 1817 (which I discovered looking for some other relatives, not the Evans). In this deed, Nathaniel Stewart sold property to Edward Stewart, being 450 acres on the French Broad River, adjoining "Evans", George Penland and Jacob Stewart. Now I'm also a Stewart researcher, and I know that all of these Stewarts owned land in the Avery Creek region. I wonder who the "Evans" was who was a neighboring land owner? I'd wager he is somehow related to our William Evans. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 11 page 434)

William Evans married Phoebe Edith Graham sometime before 1839 in the Avery Creek region of Buncombe County, North Carolina. Phoebe was born ca 1813/14 in that same region, a daughter of Jeffrey Graham and Fanny Eastridge.

The 1840 census revealed something interesting. All of those numerous Evans’ who had been in Buncombe in 1830 and earlier were now gone. Our William and a Daniel Evans, (listed far away from him) were the only Evans in Buncombe County for the 1840 census. Some of these can easily be explained by having lived in the part of Buncombe that was cut off to form Henderson County in 1838 and some fell into Yancey County which was formed in 1833. However, I don’t know what happened to all the other Evans that were in Buncombe before 1840. The 1830's was a period of westward migration. Those folks may have all moved away.

William Evans was listed on the 1840 census next door to Phoebe’s parents, and also next door to Lewis Grimes (her  Uncle).

1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

William and family were still in Buncombe County for the 1850 census. They were not listed near any known relatives. I’m not sure if they were still in the Avery Creek area or somewhere else in Buncombe County. All of William’s family was listed as "White" on this census. They were next door to L. F. Berry (c1828 NC) and his apparent wife Sarah (c1820 SC). Since Sarah was also born in SC, I’ve wondered if she might be a sister of William, but that is just speculation. Neighbors on the other side was the James Sharp (c1803 NC) and Margaret Sharp (c1803 SC) family. Daniel Evans (c1801 SC) was still in Buncombe in 1850, but not listed near William. Daniel lived in that part of Buncombe that became Madison County in 1851. However, since Daniel was also born in South Carolina, and since William named his oldest son "Daniel", I've often wondered if they were related. William A. Evans (c1828) was also listed in Buncombe, though not near our William either.

Sometime in the 1850's, the Evans family moved west just a few miles to Jackson County, settling in the Ocunalufty River valley (present Swain-Jackson County border area). They seemed to move around a lot, so I don’t now where they were precisely, but their neighbors for the 1860 census were names I recognize as living in that region.

In 1860, their neighbors on either side were S. J. Mull (c1831) and wife M. T. Mull (c1832). On the other side was H. F. Gibbs (c1825) and wife N. Gibbs (c1822). Unfortunately, the census taker only listed everyone by initial, so this is makes it difficult to identify everyone. Everyone in the household (except Phoebe) was listed as White. She was listed as "Mulatto".

They moved a little further west in the 1860's, a little deeper into what is now Swain County. They settled on land now called "Evans Knob" and "Evans Gap" (named after them of course) nestled in the junction of the Tuckasegee River and the Tennessee River. This area is on the mountain range known as "Jackson Line" because that is the old Jackson-Macon County boundary (now this area is completely in Swain County).

They were listed on the 1870 census in Welch’s Township of Macon County. The entire family was listed as "Mulatto" on this census. William Evans was listed with $125 worth of real estate, so he must have purchased land, or been granted some. I have found no land records for him in this time frame. Their neighbors on one side were Jesse McClure (c1810) and Isabella (c1830), and on the other was W. R. Millsap (c1843) and Jane Millsap (c1802). Most of the neighbors were names I recognize as living in the same region of present Swain County.

In 1871, Swain County was formed from portions of Jackson and Macon County, including the section where the Evans lived.

For the 1880 census, William and family were listed in Swain County in Nantahala Township. They were next door to son Wick Evans, and just two houses from son Jefferson. William was listed as "White", while his wife and daughter were both listed as "Mulatto".

William Evans died in November 1882 (per his tombstone) in Swain County. He was buried at Judson Cemetery, but his grave was later moved to Lauada Cemetery to make way for Fontana Lake which covered the Judson area. William was named in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) cemetery removal records. He was listed as "William Evans", age 72, buried at Judson, moved to Lauada, as reported by "F. L. Lequire", daughter. He was moved on 25 May 1943. His tombstone says "Wm Evans 1810 - Nov 1882 gone home". (Thanks to Carolyn Miller for the tombstone data).

Phoebe Edith Graham Evans died in 1899 (per tombstone). She was also buried at Judson and later moved to Lauada Cemetery. Her removal record gave her name as "Pheobe Evans", died 1899, aged 81 years. Her tombstone says "Phoebe Evans 1818 1899". (Thanks to Carolyn Miller for the tombstone data).

William and Phoebe had 10 children as proven by the various census records. Homer Barnes also gave me a list of their names that matches what I found in the public records. He knew many of them personally, or knew their children at least.

In 1907, Phoebe’s cousin Albert Graham died in Buncombe County, and his estate settlement included named most of the heirs of Jeffrey Graham (Phoebe’s father). The record dividing his estate included Phoebe's heirs: "1/7th to Luellin Leakwire, James Evans, Daniel Evans, Wexler Evans, Mary Evans, Dorthula Grant, Viola Evans, Mary Breedlove, Dolph Evans, John Evans, Martha Dehart entitled to 1/7 (of 1/2) as children and grand children of Phoebe Graham". Some of those named in this record were grandchildren of William and Phoebe. (Buncombe Co, NC Loose Estates - Albert Graham 1907)

Daniel E. Evans (1840)

Mary Elizabeth Evans (c1841)

Darthula Jane Evans (1843)

Viola Evans (1845)

Emaline Evans (c1846)

Margaret Elminia Evans (c1848)

James R. Evans (1851)

William Wexley "Wick" Evans (1853)

Jefferson M. "Samuel" Evans (1856)

Fannie Lou Ellender Evans (1859)

Daniel E. Evans was born May 1840 (per 1900 census) in Buncombe County, North Carolina, probably in the Avery Creek region. I don’t know what his middle initial of "E" stands for. Perhaps "Eastridge" after his mother's mother. That is just a guess though.

He was apparently home with his parents for the 1840 census ("under 10", born ca 1830/40), and was home with them in 1850 ("Daniel" age 10, born NC, race = "W").

In the 1850's, He moved with his family west into present day Swain County (then still part of Jackson. He was home with his parents for the 1860 census ("D." age 20, born NC, race = "W").

For the Civil War, Daniel E. Evans enlisted in Company B, 25^th Regiment North Carolina Troops (Confederate) on 30 May 1861 as a Private. He was listed as a resident of Jackson County, and age 21 at enlistment. He was present and accounted for until November-December 1864 when he was reported as Absent Wounded through February 1865. He was wounded at Seven Pines, Virginia in 1862.

By 1870, Daniel’s parents had moved further west (by about 10 miles) into present Swain County, but Daniel was still in the same general area they had been in 1860. He was listed with an apparent wife and children, though research shows that he was not married at this time. He was listed in Jackson County in Deep Creek Township next door to his sister Darthula and her husband John Grant. The people living with Daniel, though listed with the surname of "Evans", were actually John Grant’s sister Rachel Grant, and her children (all born out of wedlock). It is certainly possible that Daniel Evans was the father of at lest one of these children, though that is unproven. Daniel was listed as "Mulatto" on this census.

There is ample evidence that Daniel and Rachel were not married, for she was back to using "Grant" as her surname in records after this. Daniel married 1^st in 1877, and 2^nd in 1888. His 1910 census entry asked for number of marriages, and he reported that he had been married twice, which works perfectly for his 1877 and 1888 marriage, but leaves no room for a marriage to Rachel Grant, so the bottom line was that they were either "living in sin" in 1870, or else they were just in the same household, perhaps she was hired domestic help.

On 10 Feb 1874, D. E. Evans and S. Mashburn, witnessed the marriage of Merrit M. Graham to Martha Jenkins in Swain County. Merrit was Daniel’s 1^st cousin, and from Buncombe County. Merritt went back to Buncombe after his marriage.

On 18 Dec 1874, J. A. Thompson and wife N. A. Thompson sold Daniel E. Evans 100 acres of land on "Flat Branch" for $125. Witnessed by Samuel W. Jenkins. (Swain Co, NC Deed Book 1 page 307)

On 4 Jan 1875, D. Evans and R. Grant (his sister-in-law Rachel Grant) witnessed the marriage of Elisha Sherrill to Isabella Grant in Swain County. Isabella was a sister of John P. Grant (husband of Darthula Evans, Daniel’s sister).

On 27 Dec 1877, Daniel Evens, age 30, of Swain County, married Mary H. Fuller age 25, of Swain County. They married in neighboring Graham County. Mary was born ca 1849/50 in North Carolina, daughter of Samuel P. Fuller and Marium Leathers.

They were listed on the 1880 census in Swain County in Forney Creek Township, which means they were living on the north side of the Tuckasegee River at this point. They had no children.

Mary H. Fuller Evans died sometime between 1880 and ca 1888, for Daniel married again around that latter date.

Daniel E. Evans married ca 1887/88 to Mary Haseltine Lequire, presumably in Swain County, though I found no marriage record. Their 1900 census entry reported they had been married for 12 years, so that is where I get ca 1887/88. Mary was born 15 May 1871 (source?) daughter of William Nathaniel Lequire and Susan Jane Thomasson.

They were listed on the 1900 census in Swain County in Nantahala Township, just a few houses from Daniel’s sister Fannie Evans Lequire (wife of James Merritt Lequire, brother of Daniel’s 2^nd wife).

As mentioned earlier, Albert Graham died ca 1907 in Buncombe County, leaving a large Estate settlement file which named many of his cousins, including "Daniel Evans and wife Tinnie Evans". In a different record in the same file, "Daniel Evans" is named as an heir of "Phoebe Graham". (Buncombe Co, NC Loose Estates - Albert Graham 1907)

For the 1910 census, Daniel and wife are living with his brother James R. Evans in Swain County.

They were still in Swain County for the 1920 census. This time they were in Charleston Township, just a few houses from cousin Daniel F. Graham.

Daniel E. Evans died in 1927 (per tombstone), presumably in Swain County. He was buried at Judson Cemetery, but later removed to Lauada Cemetery. His cemetery removal records gave his name as "Dan Evans", died 1927 age 87. Reported by M. H. Collins, his wife (she had remarried by then). Daniel’s stone says "Dan E. Evans 1840 - 1927" and he has a Civil War Marker also, showing "Daniel Evans Co. B, CSA".

Sometime after 1927, widow Mary Haseltine Lequire Evans married Joseph E. Collins in Swain County.

Mary died on 17 Feb 1945, and is also buried at Lauada Cemetery.

Daniel E. Evans had no children with either of his two wives, though it is possible that he was the father of one of Rachel Grant’s out of wedlock children, however that is not proven.

Mary Elizabeth Evans was born ca 1840/41 (per 1850 census) in Buncombe County, North Carolina, probably in the Avery Creek region. She may have been named (in part) for her Aunt Mary Graham.

She home with her parents for the 1850 census ("Elizabeth" age 9, race = "W").

In the 1850's, She moved with her family west into present day Swain County (then still part of Jackson. She was home with parents for the 1860 census ("E." age 18, born NC, race = "W").

Around 1859, Mary Elizabeth had the first of her six children, all born out of wedlock. By law, they all took their mother’s name as their surname, so they were all "Evans". I have not identified the fathers of any of these children so far.

She was still with her parents for the 1870 census ("Elizabeth Evans" age 28, born NC, race = "M"). She had two children by this time, who were with her and her parents.

Mary Elizabeth was listed as head of her own household for the 1880 census. She was in Swain County in Nantahala Township.

I did not find Mary Elizabeth Evans on the 1900 census, so presumably she had died before then. A cemetery removal record shows someone that is probably her, but the facts seem somewhat off, but it is probably her nonetheless. If so, this confirms that she died in "1897".

Apparently, she was buried at Judson Cemetery, and later removed to Lauada Cemetery to make way for Fontana Lake which inundated the Judson community in the 1940's. Her removal record gave her name as "Mary Evans", died 1897, aged 40 (which is way off). Reported by Tolvin Evans of Bryson City, listed as her "brother". (He was actually her nephew).

Her tombstone at Lauada says "Mary Evans 1857 - 1897". The birth year is way off, and probably was based on her reported age of "40" at death.

Even though she was dead by then, she was mentioned in the Albert Graham Estate of 1907 in Buncombe County. She was named in one record as "Mary Evans" and in another as "Mary Evans", an heir of "Phoebe Graham". The same record named some of Mary’s children, though didn’t say specifically that they were Mary’s children, but that they were also heirs of Phoebe: Mary Breedlove, Dolph Evans, John Evans and Martha Dehart.

Mary Elizabeth Evans' known children were: Adolphus E. Evans, Mary Emaline Evans (married Andrew Jackson Breedlove), James Evans, William P. Evans, John Hyman Evans, and Martha Evans (married unknown Dehart). I have no data on who the fathers were for any of these children.

Darthula Jane Evans was born 11 Sep 1843 (per tombstone) in Buncombe County, North Carolina, probably in the Avery Creek region. I don’t know who, if anyone, she was named after. Her middle name is probably after her aunt Jane Graham.

She home with her parents for the 1850 census ("Darthula" age 7, race = "W").

In the 1850's, She moved with her family west into present day Swain County (then still part of Jackson. She was home with parents for the 1860 census ("D." age 16, born NC, race = "W").

On 5 Nov 1868, Darthula married John Patton Grant in Jackson County. They lived in the part of Jackson that became Swain County in 1871. See their own page for more on them.

Viola Evans was born July 1845 (per census analysis) in Buncombe County, North Carolina, probably in the Avery Creek region. I don’t know who, if anyone, she was named after.

Her birth date on the 1900 census was given as "Jul 1849", and her age given as "50" that year (which works with that birth date), however, her two earliest census records giver her as older than that, and born ca 1845. I’ve just taken the month given in 1900 and attached it to a year that supports her earliest census entries, which are probably more accurate than her later ones.

She home with her parents for the 1850 census ("Viola" age 5, race = "W").

In the 1850's, She moved with her family west into present day Swain County (then still part of Jackson. She was home with parents for the 1860 census ("V." age 14, born NC, race = "W").

She was home with her parents for the 1870 census ("Viola" age 24, race = "M").

In September of 1870, Viola had a child out of wedlock (Nora Evans), and as far as I know, this is the only child she had.

For the 1880 census, Viola and her daughter were home with Viola’s parents.

For the 1900 census, Viola was listed as head of household in Charleston Township, with her nephew Adophus Evans living with her.

Viola was mentioned in the Albert Graham Estate of 1907 in Buncombe County. She was named in one record as "Viola Evans" and in another as "Viola Evans", an heir of "Phoebe Graham".

For the 1910 census, Viola was still in Charleston Township, and nephew Adolphus was still living with her.

I was unable to locate Viola on the 1920 census, though she should have been in Swain County somewhere.

Viola Evans died on 27 Jan 1931 in Swain County. Her death record gave her name as "Viola Evans", aged 83 years and 2 months. Parents were both listed as "Unknown". (Swain Co, NC Death Records Book 14 page 53)

She is buried at Lauada Cemetery. Her stone says "Viola Evans 1840 - 1900", both dates are wrong.

Viola Evans had one child: Nora Evans (married James A. Duvall). I don't know who Nora's father was.

Emaline Evans was born ca 1845/45 (per 1850 census) in Buncombe County, North Carolina, probably in the Avery Creek region. I don’t know who, if anyone, she was named after.

She home with her parents for the 1850 census ("Emaline" age 4, race = "W").

She died sometime in the 1850-1860 time frame, though I don’t know whether in Buncombe or Jackson County.

Homer Barnes told me that one of the young Evans girls died when a tree fell on her, and since this is the only one I know of who died young, it must be her.

Margaret Elminia Evans was born 1847/48 (per 1850 census) in Buncombe County, North Carolina, probably in the Avery Creek region. She was probably named (in part) for her aunt Margaret Graham. Her middle name might be Elvira instead of Elminia (I’m basing this on her 1880 census entry, which is a little difficult to decipher). If it is Elvira, then she was named for two of her Aunts, Margaret and Elvira Graham.

She home with her parents for the 1850 census ("Margaret" age 2, race = "W").

In the 1850's, She moved with her family west into present day Swain County (then still part of Jackson. She was home with parents for the 1860 census ("M." age 12, born NC, race = "W").

She was not home with her parents for the 1870 census, and I didn’t find her elsewhere that year. She may have been in Georgia, based on the birth place of her son born ca 1871.

It was at some point around 1870 that she married a Mr. Sharpsier, for she had a child born ca 1870/71 named "Joseph Sharpsier". Based on certain evidence, it seems to me that she wasn’t actually married, but that this child was born out of wedlock. The primary evidence for that is that her marriage record (dated 1879) gave her surname as "Evans".

On 7 Dec 1879, John S. Jenkins, age 19 of Swain County, married M. E. Evans, age 21, also of Swain. They were married by J. S. Smiley, Justice of the Peace at Thomas Jenkins’ home in Nantahala Township. Witnesses were Thomas Southards and W. H. T. Jenkins. John S. Jenkins was born ca 1860/61 presumably in Jackson or Macon County, now Swain County. John was a son of John and Elizabeth (Bain) Jenkins.

John and wife were listed on the 1880 census in Swain County in Nantahala Township next door to Margaret’s sister Darthula Evans Grant and family. They were also next to W. H. T. Jenkins (John’s brother) and John and Elizabeth Jenkins, John’s parents.

I did not find them on the 1900 or later census records. Also, Margaret Elminia was not named in the 1907 estate record of Albert Graham, so perhaps she was dead by then.

I don't know if John Jenkins and wife had any children, but Margaret E. Evans Jenkins seems to have had at least one child before her marriage: Joseph Sharpsier. I've found no additional data on him.

James R. Evans was born May 1851 (per 1900 census) in Buncombe County, North Carolina, or possibly in Jackson County, depending on when the family moved to Jackson (some point in the 1850's.) He was probably named for his uncle James Rufus Graham. I don’t know what the "R" initial stands for in James R. Evans, perhaps also Rufus.

He home with parents for the 1860 census ("Jas" age 10, race = "W").

He was still home with parents for the 1870 census ("James R." age 19, race = "M").

James was not in Swain County with his relatives for the 1880 census. I found an "S. J. R. Evans" age 27 in neighboring Macon County that year, and he had a wife and young daughter, but I don’t know if this is him or not. In fact, I don’t think it is him, but it certainly could be him. Just in case, here is the record:

On 21 May 1881, J. R. Evans, age 30 of Swain, married E. O. Fuller (Alpha Omega Fuller), aged 24 of Swain. They were married at W. W. Evans’ home (James’ brother) in Nantahala Township. Witnesses were J. A. Thomasson and Samuel Evans (James’ brother). The marriage record gave James’ parents as "William and P. C. Evans", both living, and gave Omega’s parents as "S. P. and Marum Fuller", both living.

Alpha Omega Fuller ("Meg") was born June 1853 in North Carolina, daughter of Samuel P. Fuller and Marium Leathers. She was a sister to Mary H. Fuller who had married James’ brother Daniel E. Evans in 1877.

They were listed on the 1900 census in Swain County, in Forney Creek Township.

James R. Evans was listed on the 1902 Voter list in Swain County, as age 51, and that he was qualified to vote because his father William Evans had been a voter in 1867. (These voter qualifications were the state governments attempt to exclude blacks from voting, and it is interesting to note that this family which was often considered "Mulatto" for census records was qualified to vote in such a racist time period).

As mentioned earlier, Albert Graham died ca 1907 in Buncombe County, leaving a large Estate settlement file which named many of his cousins, including "James Evans and wife Meg Evans". In a different record in the same file, "James Evans" is named as an heir of "Phoebe Graham".

James and family were listed on the 1910 census in Swain County, with his brother Daniel and wife living with them.

James and family were listed on the 1920 census in Swain County.

I don’t know when James R. Evans died, but he is buried at Payne Town Cemetery in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, according Carolyn Miller.

Alpha Omega Fuller Evans died on 20 Jun 1930 according to her death record. It gave her name as "A. O. Evans" age 83 years, 2 months. Her parents were given as "Samu Fuller" and "Mary Luther". (Swain Co, NC Death Records Book 14 page 35.)

She is buried with James.

James and Meg had 6 children, only four of which are identified. Presumably the other 2 died young. Their children are: Arthur Edwin Evans, James C. Evans, Caroline A. Evans and Mary E. Evans.

William Wexley "Wick" Evans was born June 1853 (per 1900 census) in Buncombe County, North Carolina, or possibly in Jackson County, depending on when the family moved to Jackson (some point in the 1850's.) He was presumably named (in part) for his father William Evans. His middle name is unique, and he was called "Wick" for short.

He home with parents for the 1860 census ("W" age 8, race = "W").

He was still home with parents for the 1870 census ("William W." age 16, race = "M").

On 9 Mar 1875, William M. Evans, age 22 of Swain, married Martha Fuller, age 22, also of Swain. They were married by E. Collins, (Eli Collins, I think), Justice of the Peace at Mary Bains’ house in Nantahala Township. Witnesses were Taylor Burns, John Grant, and W. A. Collins. Martha A. Fuller was born December 1852 in South Carolina, daughter of Samuel P. Fuller and Marium Leathers. She was one of four sisters to marry into the Evans family.

They were listed on the 1880 census in Swain County next door to his parents.

They were still in Swain County for the 1900 census, just a few houses from sister Darthula Evans Grant.

As mentioned earlier, Albert Graham died ca 1907 in Buncombe County, leaving a large Estate settlement file which named many of his cousins, including "Wexler Evans and wife (name not listed)". In a different record in the same file, "Wexler Evans" is named as an heir of "Phoebe Graham".

I was unable to locate them on the 1910 census.

Martha Fuller Evans died sometime between 1900 and 1920, presumably in Swain County. Her tombstone at Lauada Cemetery says "Martha Evans 1853 - 1899", which death date is certainly wrong, as she was still living for the 1900 census.

William was listed on the 1920 census in Swain County just two houses from brother Samuel Evans. He was widowed, and living alone.

William died sometime after 1920, but I don’t know when. I don’t know where he is buried either.

William and Martha had 5 children, only 3 of whom are known, the other two probably having died young. Their children: Laura Ella Evans, Lura Hazeltine Evans and William Albert Evans (married Jennie Margaret Gilbert).

Jefferson M. "Samuel" Evans was born 16 Sep 1856 (per tombstone) in Buncombe County, North Carolina, or possibly in Jackson County, depending on when the family moved to Jackson (some point in the 1850's.) He was presumably named (in part) for his grandfather Jeffrey Graham (listed as "Jefferson" Graham on his tombstone).

He home with parents for the 1860 census ("M" age 5, race = "W").

He was still home with parents for the 1870 census ("Jeff M." age 14, race = "M").

On 12 Mar 1878, J. M. Evans, age 21, married M. C. Fuller (Margaret C. Fuller) age 18, in Macon County, North Carolina. They were married by G. W. Dean, Justice of the Peace. I don’t know why they married in Macon County, since both families were from Swain. Perhaps they didn’t have Margaret’s parents permission (she was only 18). Margaret was born 1 Oct 1860 in South Carolina, daughter of Samuel P. Fuller and Marium Leathers.

They were on the 1880 census in Swain County just two houses from his parents.

They were still in Swain for the 1900 census.

They were still in Swain for the 1910 census and next door to cousin Daniel F. Graham and wife Mary Grant (Sam’s niece).

They were still in Swain for the 1920 census just two houses from brother William W. Evans.

Jefferson M. Samuel Evans died on 19 Feb 1937 (per tombstone) and is buried at Jenkins Cemetery in Bryson City. His stone says "Sam Evans Sep 16 1856 - Feb 19 1937 Father".

Margaret Fuller Evans died on 7 Jul 1949 (per death record). Her death record gave her name as "Margaret Fuller Evans", aged 88 years, 9 months and 6 days. Her parents were both listed as "Unknown". (Swain Co, NC Death Records Book 33 page 370)

Sam and Margaret had ten children, all of whom are known: Elvira Druscilla Evans (married Giltus D. Grant), Myrtle L. Evans, Cansus Evans (married William W. Grant, brother of Giltus), Ida Cordelia Evans, Martha A. Evans, William Tolvin Evans, two infants who died, Harvey Richard Evans and Asey Palmer Evans.

Fannie Lou Ellender Evans was born 9 Jul 1859 (per tombstone) in Jackson County, North Carolina She was presumably named (in part) for her grandmother Fannie Eastridge Graham.

She home with parents for the 1860 census ("L" age 1, race = "W").

She was still home with parents for the 1870 census ("Fannie." age 10, race = "M").

On 27 Oct 1878, James M. Lequire, age 20, married Louelender Evans age 20, both of Swain County. They were married by J. L. Thomasson, Justice of the Peace, at William Evans’ home in Nantahala Township. Witnesses were N. Dehart, J. S. Gibby, and W. H. Thomasson. James Merritt Lequire was born 14 Oct 1858 in Macon County, North Carolina, son of William Nathaniel Lequire and Susan Jane Thomason.

They were on the 1880 census in Swain County just two houses from sister Margaret Elminia Evans Jenkins, and just a few more from sister Darthula Evans Grant.

They were still in Swain for the 1900 census and just two houses from her brother Daniel E. Evans.

As mentioned earlier, Albert Graham died ca 1907 in Buncombe County, leaving a large Estate settlement file which named many of his cousins, including "Luellin Leakwire and husband Joseph Leakwire" (sic). In a different record in the same file, "Luellin Leakwire" is named as an heir of "Phoebe Graham".

They were still in Swain for the 1910 census and near several relatives.

James M. Lequire died on 22 Dec 1911 in Swain County, and is buried at Lauada Cemetery. His stone (shared with his wife) says "James M. Lequire 10-14-1850 to 12-22-1911" and "Louellen Lequire 7-9-1859 to 6-4-1943".

Fannie was still in Swain for the 1920 census near several of her children, now married.

Fannie Lou Ellender Evans Lequire died on 4 Jun 1943 in Swain County, and is buried at Lauada Cemetery. Her stone (shared with her husband) says "James M. Lequire 10-14-1850 to 12-22-1911" and "Louellen Lequire 7-9-1859 to 6-4-1943".

Homer Barnes, a grandson of Fannie, related to me that she told him a lot about the family, including that the Grahams were from Holland, and that the Evans had come from Spain.

James M. Lequire and Fanny Evans Lequire had nine children: Susie C. Lequire (married Carson Luther Grant), William Edwin Lequire, Laura Elizabeth Lequire, Earl Lequire, Mary Artie Lequire, Joseph Harlie Lequire, Jacob Elbert Lequire, Roy Melvin Lequire and Druie T. Lequire.