John Wesley Evans was born 1827 in Macon, Ga. John was a lawyer and traveled to Murray Co. to attend to business of his father. While here he met and married Lucy Beck. They continued living in Murray County for a few years. Eventually he moved his family to Bainbridge, Ga. where he continued to practice law and became Solicitor General of the Superior Court. He held this office until 1861 when he resigned to enter the Civil War. He enlisted for 1 year and served as Captain of the Bainbridge Independents.

As he left for his tour he sent his pregnant wife and children back to her parents home in Murray County.

At the end of his year, he was released in 1862. At this time he traveled to Murray Co. to find his wife very ill. As she lay dying she placed in his hand the ring she had worn since their marriage. After her death he returned to Bainbridge leaving his small children with their grandparents.

John became a member of the 64th Regiment, Georgia Infantry. He was commissioned a Col. In 1963. This regiment was assigned to the Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The 64th experienced its 1st combat at Olustee, Florida, where they played a prominent role. On Feb. 22,1864 the 64th lost 107 of its 800 men in battle. Casualties of this battle were 17 dead, 88 wounded and 2 missing. Their Col. was among the wounded. After the Battle of Olustee, they were assigned to Northern Virginia.

Col. Evans on furlough to Bainbridge June 1864 married a 2nd time. One month later being involved in the "Battle of the Crater" Col. Evans lost his life July 30, 1864, and was buried in Blanford Cemetery at Petersburg, VA.

Col. Evans only lived in Murray County a few years, but his children were reared here and there are many descendants that call Murray County home.

Murray County Families