George S. Evans facts for kids
George Spafford Evans (1826–1883) was an important person in California history. He was a Texas Ranger, a miner, and a businessman. He also worked in government, serving as a county clerk and a state senator.
Early Life and Moving West
George S. Evans was born in Tecumseh, Michigan on August 8, 1826. He moved to California in 1849. Before coming to California, he served as a Texas Ranger. He even fought in the Mexican–American War.
In California, George worked in mining and business. Later, he started working for the government. He worked for both Tuolumne County and the State of California. In 1857, he married Fannie Markham in Sonora. They had six children together.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started, George Evans joined the army. On October 16, 1861, he became part of the California Volunteers. His group was called the "Tuolumne Rangers." They trained at Camp Alert in San Francisco.
His unit later became Company E of the 2nd California Volunteer Cavalry. George Evans was given the rank of major. He was later promoted to lieutenant colonel. He led his regiment in battles during the Owens Valley Indian War. He also led them in Utah Territory. There, he became a colonel. He even received an honorary promotion to brigadier general.
In late 1863, he left the army and returned to California. He was then elected to the California State Senate. In July 1864, he was chosen to be the Adjutant General of California. This meant he was in charge of the state's military forces. He held this important job until May 1, 1868.
Life After the War
George Evans was elected to the state senate again in September 1865. He was still serving as Adjutant General at that time. After his military service, he continued his work in politics.
He became a City Councilman in Stockton in 1869. The next year, in 1870, he became the mayor of Stockton. He was then elected to the California State Senate again. He served several terms from 1871 to 1877. He tried to become the Senate President Pro Tem in 1874 and 1878.
In 1880, he tried to become the Republican Party's candidate for governor, but he was not successful. Later that year, he moved to San Francisco with his family. He was appointed as the State Harbor Commissioner. He worked in this role until he passed away in 1883.
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