Evans, Ann (Thomas) - Biography

Ann Thomas (10 July 1840—10 August 1910)

Married Edward J. Evans 10 March 1863

Written by Ann Ella Price May 1938

Ann Thomas, daughter of William and Elizabeth Thomas, was born in Glenmorganshire, Wales on July 10, 1840. She was the third child in the family, having two sisters older than herself. In a few years a boy came to the family also. When Ann was seven years old, her father was killed in a coal mine accident; then in just six weeks her mother followed him to the great beyond, leaving the little family of four orphans.

Ann was taken into the home of her aunt, Sara Hopkens and other relatives cared for the other children. Very soon after, the Hopkins family decided to come to America, The Land of Zion, bringing Ann and their own won, William, with them. They had all the usual trying experiences of the early pioneers, and Ann never forgot the long hard trip across the plains. She remembered an Indian attack on the wagon train, and before they arrived in Salt Lake City, a great misfortune came to them. WilliamHopkens, Ann’s uncle, died and was buried on the plains. This left the little family without a man to help them make a home in this strange land. Mrs. Hopkins had to work for a living, and Ann was sent out to work also. She worked in several homes as a hired girl. She stayed several years with a Mrs. Loveland. This lady was so good to her that Ann always spoke of her as Mother Loveland.

When she was fifteen or sixteen years old, she started to work in the home of President John Taylor. She stayed there for three or four years.

While still a young girl, she met Edward Evans, also of a Pioneer family, who had settled in Brigham City, Utah. They were married in Brigham City March 10, 1863. They lived there for almost two years and it was there that their oldest child, Janet, was born to them. Then in 1865 (?) they came to Malad, Idaho, and settled on the little place where the old home still stands. After they came to Malad eight more children were born: namely, Sara Ann, Edward, Evan, Mary, Margaret, Alice, William and Annie Evans James.

Coming to Malad in 1865 was another experience in pioneering as they were among the earliest settlers there. They built a little two room home and here they welcomed one and all. Many of the settlers who came to Malad later still tell of the kindness and hospitality of Ed Evans and his wife. They helped to make a good time, giving dances at their home even before a floor could be hauled from Brigham. They often had their neighbors come and visit and as often went to their friends.

Ann Evans joined the first sewing club in Malad and always tried to be of service to her fellow men. She was an active member of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints for many years before her death which occurred February 10, 1910.