David Evans
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Bishop David Evans and His Family

From Cecil County Maryland To The Salt Lake Valley, 1804-1850

Ohio, Missouri, Illinois

On the 6th of April 1833, David and his family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly called the Mormons. This was on the third anniversary of the organization of what will hereafter be spoken of as "the Church." With David, this conversion became his way of life. Indeed, there are few people in the stream of humanity that can point to an event and associate it with such commitment or singleness of purpose. It may truly be said of David, and the Mormon religion, that the time, the place and the girl were well met. His lamp was trimmed and filled with oil and the new movement swept him into service, sacrifice, and a life of leadership and colonization.

On the 11th of April 1833, just five days after baptism, he was ordained a Priest. Responding to the call of the Elders, he sold his farm and commenced his missionary labors. On the 21st of July 1833 he was ordained an Elder in the Church and continued his neighborhood missionary endeavors as well as provide for his family.

At this time, members of the Church in Jackson County, Missouri, were experiencing great trial as the result of expulsion from their homes by mobs incited to violence by enemies of the Church. In the spring of 1834 the Prophet and President of the Church called for volunteers to go to Missouri in an effort to aid the "Saints" and to endeavor to relieve them of their sufferings. David joined in this movement which was called "Zion's Camp," and made the long march with wagons of clothing, food and relief materials. The route, about a thousand miles, required roughly thirty days for a team and light wagon. The roads were poor and through areas that were unfriendly to the Church. The men within the Camp were not all ready for the hardships and sickness they would have to endure, and the march became, truly, a test of faith.

While some relief was given to the "Saints" in Missouri, the movement failed to return them to their homes and Zion's Camp was considered a failure and disbanded 3 July 1834. The long trek back to their homes occupied an additional month leaving added feeling of disenchantment for those weak in the faith. So it was that the Zion's Camp movement justified itself in disclosing the willingness of the faithful to service. In November of 1834, final preparations were made for a School of the Elders (invited from the ranks of the Zion's Camp members) which continued through January of 1835. The "Lecture of Faith" given at this time were later compiled for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants of the Church.

In fulfillment of a revelation of June 1829 the Prophet (on 8 Feb 1835) "expressed a desire to see those brethren together who went up to Zion in the camp the previous summer" for, he said, "I had a blessing for them.. " A meeting was appointed for 14 February 1835 at which the Twelve Apostles were chosen and instructed, and from this organization and revelations on the Priesthood the Seventies Quorum was organized 28 Feb 1835. There is every reason to believe that David Evans was in attendance at these events for he was ordained to the first Quorum of Seventy on the 29th of February 1835. Being fired with missionary zeal he went into his area of labor- -writing back to the Kirtland brethren the following:

Perry, April 19th, 1835.
Dear Brother:

As many reports have gone out about the downfall of this church, and that it is decreasing in place of increasing, I have thought it would be encouraging to our brethren to hear from us;

I wrote to you these few lines: the church, where I reside, in the township of Perry, Richland co. numbers at this time 36 members, in good standing; five of whom have been baptized within seven days, and 4 about two months before, and some others that appear to be believing, which we trust and pray may come in. Pray for us, that the work of the Lord may continue to prosper with us, as well as all other places. --This from yours, &c. David Evans."

On May 2, 1835 the Council of Twelve and Seventies, in meeting assembled, were called to their various missionary endeavors. David Evans, in his calling as a Seventy, was there and in a letter dated 24 May 1835 reports the following to the brethren at Kirtland:

Columbiana Co. May 24, 1835.

Dear Brother:--I take this opportunity of writing to you to inform you where I am, and what I am. pursuing.

I left Kirtland on the 3d of May, and came to Georgetown, Columbiana County, before I commenced to proclaim the gladsome news of the everlasting gospel. I endeavored to have a congregation convene to preach to, but could not get one in this place. I was sent by a landlord to a Methodist Preacher, who, he said, managed the preaching in that place. I desired of him to let me preach. He replied, he would not, at the same time making many objections--such as deceivers, false prophets, &c. However, he challenged me for a debate; and finding that I could not get any other way to preach to the people of that place--I thought proper to accept the challenge--feeling confident that after the debate I would get an invitation.

We met on the 11th inst. and held the debate upon the principles of religion. After the debate was over, I was invited to preach, and made an appointment the same evening- -and compared the Methodist Episcopal discipline with the sacred scriptures. Since then I have been informed, that all the citizens of that place decided in my favor, with the exception of two individuals.

From this place I pursued my journey; came to Hanover, and preached several times. Here I found two that I had baptized last spring, who were strong in the faith. From thence I journeyed and came to Manervy, proclaimed on Sabbath on the Sandy planes and was opposed by some of the Campbellites, and was challenged for another debate, which I again accepted: which debate lasted one day. We had our Moderators chosen. The decision was in favor of the Latter Day Saints. A few days after, I preached again in the same place; and after I was through, a Campbellite preacher stood up to oppose my sentiments. After he was through, another of his brother preachers arose and declared, that if there could be no better arguments raised against Mormonism, it would sweep the land. And spoke in favor of many points relative to the fair principles of Mr. Evans' arguments.

I then came to a three days' meeting in Hanover, held by the Campbellites, and on Sabbath the 23d inst. desired the privilege of making a reply to Campbellism, but was refused by the leaders. Notwithstanding this, some of the people requested me to go to the woods (a short distance from this place) which I accepted, and about two-thirds of the assembly followed. After the discourse was ended, I gave an invitation for baptism, and one came forward- -and many were affected, and the Spirit of the Lord fell upon the people, and some were convinced. We have a great range of country to preach in, and large congregations attend our meetings.

DAVID EVANS.
To O. Cowdery, Esq.

During these busy missionary activities the birth of their daughter, Margaret, occurred 3 January 1835 near Perry, Richland Co., Ohio.

On the 24th Sept 1835 at Kirtland, a covenant to work for the redemption of Zion (the area around Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri being so named) was drawn up and subscribed to by the brethren. A prayer was also given for immigrants to go up to Zion the following spring. David responded to this call and with his family, he being called to serve as Captain of the Company, moved to Missouri where they established themselves along Shoal Creek in Caldwell Co. This group was made up largely of converts from David's missionary labors.

The Missouri period was one of persecution and hardship for the settlers. Not only were they molested by ruthless mobsters but sorrowed at the death of their baby Margaret on the 27 August 1836 near Shoal Creek. Harassment of members of the Church by their enemies did not deter David from his missionary labors and after preaching and teaching we find him., on 10 June 1837, baptizing members of the Pleasant Ewell family into the Church. This occurred in Ray Co., Missouri, which was central to the various areas of greatest persecution at that time, namely, Jackson Co., where extermination measures had already been practiced and sanctioned by the State Governor, and Clay and Caldwell Co. where feelings were running high.

As a brief interlude of joy and sorrow prior to the tragedy to follow was the birth of Araminta, a daughter, 21 August 1838. She passed away 1 October 1838.

On 30 October 1838, the Haun's Mill massacre occurred. According to the account of Amanda Smith, "Bro. David Evans made a treaty with the mob that they would not molest us. He came just before the massacre and called the company together and we knelt in prayer."

From Joseph Young's narrative of the massacre:

It was about 4:00 o'clock, while sitting in my cabin, with my babe in my arms, and my wife standing by my side, the door being open, I cast my eyes on the opposite bank of Shoal Creek and saw a large company of armed men, on horses, directing their course towards the mill with all possible speed. As they advanced through the scattering trees that stood on the edge of the prairie they seemed to form themselves into a three square position, forming a vanguard in front.

At this moment David Evans, who had command of the few brethren who had organized for self defense, seeing the superiority of their numbers (there being 240 of them, according to their own account), swung his hat and ran out to meet them crying for peace. This not being heeded they continued to advance.., no peace was granted.

During the ensuing scene of bloodshed, eighteen or nineteen lives were snuffed out. David, his wife and family hid in the wooded area next to the river where they were saved.

Following the massacre, a few of the bereaved families gathered at the home of David Evans some two miles from the scene of the tragedy. It was to his home at this time that Alma Smith was carried. It was also at this time that the extermination order from the Governor of the State of Missouri was issued. And David's family together with many others, left for Illinois, David finding a home near Payson, Adams Co. It was here that their seventh child, Emma, was born 12 Jan 1840.

Early in 1841, David Evans was called on a mission to Iowa by the Council of the Twelve. A receipt dated 18 January 1841 at Nauvoo for six dollars twenty-five cents to apply against a hymn book, a book of covenants and two of the new translation makes one wonder if he were not endeavoring to broaden his missionary talents. These missionary activities, however, appear to have been cut short with the death of his wife, Mary, on 20 June 1841, leaving a family of five (two had predeceased):

Eliza Jane 14 years 2 months
Israel 12 " 9 "
Henry 10 " 8 "
Mary Ann 8 " 10 "
Emma 1 " 5 "

Mary Beck Evans, by the remembrances of her children and pioneer associates, was a woman of courage, resourcefulness and power. She was true to her friends, and always trustworthy.

On the 23 November 1841, David married Barbara Ann Ewell, the daughter of Pleasant and Barbara Fauber Ewell. She, being 20 years 6 months, became the head of two households of children--her father's and her new husband's. On the 20 August 1842, a Committee of the High Council recommended the division of Nauvoo into ten wards, with an Eleventh Ward to the south and east of the townsite. David was asked to accept the bishop's assignment. With this responsibility before him he gave up his place in Adams Co. and purchased, on the 8th of September 1842, some ten acres in Township 6, Range 8 North in Hancock Co., being about three miles south and east of Nauvoo. On 4 December 1842 he was ordained Bishop of the Eleventh Ward.

At this time they were also to have joy in the birth of Barbara Ann's first child--a daughter--Martha 20 Oct 1842. A second daughter to Barbara Ann, Amanda, was born 21 April 1844. With all this, David was called by the High Council to serve a mission to Virginia, 15 May 1844. It is doubtful that he fulfilled any part of this mission as the Expositor Press affair flared into heat, and the mobs began to cry out for the life of the Prophet and to incite any who would join them against any member of the Church.

On the 16th June 1844 a public meeting was held at Nauvoo where a resolution was formed to send delegates into the various precincts throughout the county to lay a true statement of the facts before the public. The Rocky Run precinct was assigned to Anson Call, E. Homer, Nicholas Boscow and David Evans. After their efforts in Rocky Run had proved anything but satisfactory- -on the 19 June 1844, Call, Evans, and Homer submitted an Affidavit regarding treatment of the Nauvoo Committee by Levi Williams et. al. to the effect that General Smith be taken on an Old Writ by the same person who had previously taken him, and that he be tried at the same place where the writ was originally issued. (This was apparently into Missouri as Joseph Smith, through his representation had expressed a willingness to appear in any court except in Missouri. ) Talk of tar and feathers and dipping in the Mississippi were also a part of the report.

On 21 June 1844 the City Council met. The various affidavits already submitted were read, including the one of Call, Evans and Homer, and others were taken from. attending delegates after which all were sent to Governor Thomas Ford at Carthage, Ill.

As early as the 15 June 1844 Anson Call and David Evans had been asked by the Prophet to determine the temper of the mob. After the Prophet was informed of their findings he requested that they make affidavit of their findings, and then to take it to Judge Thomas who was holding court in Knoxville about 80 miles away. After great effort, Call and Evans managed an audience with the judge who, after insistence for a letter from the judge to Joseph Smith, wrote the following--as near as Anson Call could remember:

General Smith, Sir, In perusing your letter I find that you were mistaken in the instructions that I gave you while at Nauvoo, and I know of no course for you to pursue to answer the requirements of the law, but to suffer yourself to be taken by the officer holding the writ and go before the Justice of the Peace who issued the same and have an investigation of the matter. It is the officer's duty to protect you; this the law requires, and I cannot as an officer of the law give you any different instructions. Yours Respectfully, _______________

We (Call and Evans) told the judge that General Smith could not go in safety to Carthage for the trial with the officer who held the writ, for there were five hundred men there who were sworn to take his life - - - The judge replied:

This is nothing but his and your imagination and that will be better understood when tried.

On the afternoon of the 20 June, Anson Call and David Evans returned and went directly to the Mansion House. They were refused audience with the Prophet, or of any information of where he was to be found. (Actually he was on the Iowa side of the river.) Emma, thereafter, talked with them, requested the letter from Judge Thomas and promised to give it to the Prophet as soon as she could. After some thoughtfulness they gave her the letter. She read it in their presence and in the presence of Messrs. Cutler and Cahoon. Call and Evans told her what Judge Thomas had said and wished her to tell it to Joseph. Mrs. Smith again assured them that the Prophet would be informed of the conversation with Judge Thomas.

Anson Call continues his recollections of their mission for the Prophet, with the statement:

I have since understood from Dr. Willard Richards that Messrs. Cahoon and Cutler went over the river the same afternoon, after they had heard the letter read, and persuaded Joseph to give himself up to his enemies. I never had the privilege of speaking to the Prophet again."

Anson records the closing event of their assignment:

Sunday morning, the 28th, I saw O. P. Rockwell come into the city at full speed, with the sweat dripping from his horse, shouting with his stentorian voice pitched in the highest notes of intensified sorrow and wrath, 'Joseph is killed, they have killed him, they have killed him.' Yes, Joseph Smith the Prophet and his brother the Patriarch, Hyrum, had been shot in Carthage jail about 5:00 p.m. on the 27th June 1844."

Barbara Ann Ewell Evans writes in her life sketch the following:

I saw Joseph and Hyrum Smith after their martyrdom. It was a solemn day among the Saints. We felt like a flock of sheep without a shepherd, but the Lord had another shepherd to lead His Saints. It was Brigham Young. I was present the day he was set apart to lead the church. No Saint could dispute it, for it did seem when he spoke as though it was Joseph's own voice that was addressing us. I never shall forget that day nor how the Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon the people; it came so mild, yet so penetrating that every heart beat with joy to know we had a man of God to lead the Saints. Oh, what a consolation it was to know we were not forgotten."

At the October General Conference following the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum, the many church officers then assembled received a sustaining vote from the membership. Bp. David Evans was sustained in his calling in the Eleventh Ward.

In 1845 Bp. David was issued a Certificate to the Membership Abroad. We wonder if this was by way of a mission assignment in an attempt to raise funds for the completion of the temple. If so it is not known that he fulfilled such a mission.

On the 27 January 1846 Amanda, David's #10 child and Barbara Ann's #3, was born.

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