H. M. Evans, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of H. M. Evans
H. M. EVANS, M. D. Talented and cultured, and with a comprehensive knowledge of medicine and surgery, H. M. Evans, M. D., held a noteworthy position among the prominent physicians and surgeons of Porter county, where his large and increasing patronage bespoke his professional skill and ability. He was born, April 15, 1860, in Harrison county, Indiana, which was likewise the birthplace of his father, Prof. Isaac W. Evans. His grandfather, Abraham Evans, was born and reared in Knoxville, Tennessee, of Welsh and Scotch lineage, and as a young man followed the march of civilization westward, becoming an early settler of Harrison county, Indiana.
Isaac W. Evans was a man of ability and worth. Ambitious, and of studious habits, he achieved distinction as a scholar, and as a teacher, and a professor in various institutions became widely known in educational circles. He married Mary C. McRae, who was, born in Harrison county, Indiana, a daughter of William McRae, who was of Scotch descent. Four children blessed their union, three sons and one daughter, H. M. being the eldest child.
Acquiring the rudiments of his education in the public schools of his native county, H. M. Evans continued his studies in the Valparaiso University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886. Immediately after graduation he began teaching in that institution, where he continued until 1896. During this time he secured leave of absence for three winters, which time he spent in the medical department of Northwestern University, at Chicago, and graduated from that institution with the degree of M. D., in 1892. Thereafter until 1896 he engaged in the practice of medicine in connection with his teaching.
From 1896 until 1902, Dr. Evans was president of the Chattanooga Normal University, at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Returning then to Valparaiso, the Doctor devoted his time and energies to the practice of his profession, each year advancing farther and farther along the road to perfection in medical science, his success winning him a large and lucrative patronage. In addition to his regular practice, Dr. Evans was surgeon for the New York, Chicago and Saint Louis Railroad. He was an active member of the Porter County Medical Society, of the Indiana State Medical Society and of the American Medical Association.
An able business man, possessing much financial ability and judgment, the doctor was a vice president and director in both the Valparaiso National Bank and the First Trust Company, and president of the Valparaiso Pure Dairy Product Company. He is especially interested in agriculture, owning several farms. Active in municipal affairs, the Doctor served as health officer a number of years, and for several years was a member of the Board of Education. He also served as president of the Valparaiso Commercial Club, an organization that is doing much towards the improvement and betterment of the city.
In January, 1912, Dr. Evans gave up the practice of medicine to return to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and is now secretary of the Chamber of Commerce of that city. He is also vice president of the G. H. Evans Lumber Co., of Chattanooga, a member of the Manufacturers' Association, and the Commercial Club, and is interested in various enterprises of that city.
On May 30, 1882, Dr. Evans married Anna M. Skinner, who was born in Valparaiso, a daughter of De Forest and Rachel Ann (Maxwell) Skinner. Into their home five children have made their advent, namely: De Forest W., Anna Ruth, Edwin Horace, Maxwell Skinner, and Mary Lucille.
Source: Lewis Publishing Company. 1912. History of Porter County, Indiana: A Narrative Account of its Historical Progress, its People and its Principal Interests. Chicago, Illinois: Lewis Publishing Company. 881 p.
Page(s) in Source: 879-880
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook