Julia Stark Evans

EVANS, STARK, WISE

Posted By: S. Ferrall
Date: 5/3/2013 at 08:24:56

Mrs. Julia Stark Evans of Hampton, a native of Illinois, is yet a true daughter of Iowa in education sympathy and long residence. Her education was completed by a course at the State University and it was here that she met her husband, W.D. Evans, now Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Iowa. The marriage took place in 1879, after Judge Evans' graduation from the collegiate and law departments of the University and one year before the completion of Mrs. Evans' course. After she had been married thirteen years and was the mother of four children she completed her course and received the degree B. Ph. The necessary study was done in her own sitting room surrounded by her children, the examinations being taken at the University at different periods.

Although Mrs. Evans has been prominent in the activities of the Congregational church, a state officer on its Missionary Boards, and a member of the Public Library Board of Hampton, her literary ability much sought, it is yet in her children that the result of her strong and masterful life is felt. A happier home, children more sanely reared it would be hard to find. The family consists of six sons and daughters; all except the youngest have been graduated from college and received advanced training in music and in the professions. Their broad education is expressed in practical industry most valuable in the communities in which they live.

With duties at home so manifold it was not possible that Mrs. Evans should give a great deal of time to clubs, until within the last five years. She is an efficient member of the committee on Legislation of the I.F.W.C. and has rendered a great service in her book "Laws of Iowa Relating to Women and Children." Its appearance is most timely just as Iowa women are stepping into greater political responsibility. Her keen intellect has made her a very sympathetic companion to Judge Evans.

His parents were born in Wales. They came from Wisconsin to Williamsburg in 1858. Here their son received his early education, entering the State University in 1873 and taking the classical and law courses. He was admitted to the bar in 1879 and located at Hampton. From 1886 to 1890 he was attorney of Franklin county. In 1902 he was elected Judge of the district court. In 1907 and 1908 he was law lecturer at the State University. In 1908 he was elected judge of the Supreme Court and in 1909 became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. A series of promotions such as these, tell their own story.

In her general influence Mrs. Evans has been an example at good cheer, an apostle of courage, a minister of faith and love. She has been blest with a clear spiritual vision which sees in every duty an opportunity for building eternal interests.

~The Blue Book of Iowa Women; A History of Contemporary Women; Edited and Compiled by by Winona Evans Reeves; 1914; pgs 44 & 45

Note: parents were Benjamin Stark & Adaline Wise