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One of the most prominent and progressive of the younger farmers of Des Moines county is Merrett T. Evans, now living in Washington township. Upon the farm where he yet resides he was born Jan. 16, 1876, his parents being Henry and Catherine (Williams) Evans, who are living retired in Mount Pleasant. The family was established here in pioneer times by the grandfather, Thomas T. Evans, a native of Wales.
The subject of this review pursued his early education in the district schools, and afterward entered the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant. He was also a student in the high school, and in the college at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, being a graduate of the former. His education completed, he returned to the old home farm and began its development. He is now in control of an extensive tract of land of nine hundred and eighty acres in Washington and Yellow Springs townships, Des Moines county. Here he is engaged in the breeding and raising of cattle, having about one hundred and fifty head upon his place each year. He also feeds about the same number of hogs, and his stock-dealing interests are bringing him very gratifying success.
Sept. 14, 1897, Mr. Evans was married to Miss Florence Bowman, a daughter of Henry Bowman, and they now have four children: Henry, born Aug. 10, 1898; Dorothy, born Feb. 9, 1900; Tom, born July 12, 1902; and Mary Frances, born Aug. 25, 1904.
Mr. Evans, as the result of his study and consideration of the political issues and questions of the country, has given his support to the Republican party. He belongs to the Alpha Beta society, a Greek letter fraternity with which he became connected while attending college at Mount Pleasant. He also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, and is now serving on its official board. He is a young man of strong purpose, laudable ambition, and determined will, qualities which are always essential in a successful business career, and in the control of extensive farming and stock-raising interests he displays excellent business ability and executive force.
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