Evan John Jones

(1820-1881)

Evan John Jones, son of John Jones and Lucretia Jenkins, was born on September 12, 1820 at Lampeter, Cardiganshire, Wales. As a youth he worked at odd jobs in the summer. In the winter he attended school where he learned to read and write in Welsh and English. His parents were Methodists. The children studied the scriptures in school and at home. When he was sixteen years of age he left home for employment. He went to Dowlais, Glamorganshire, Wales, to work in the underground coal mines. He lived at the home of a relative. Mining of coal was dusty, dirsty, and much hard work. The miners had plenty to eat, but the pay was small for the work required. For six years he lived the life of a typical coal miner, and had little to do with religeous society.

When in his early twenties he became serious in leading a better life, and make a good home for a wife and himself. He courted Catherine Griffiths and they were married on Oct. 8, 1843 at Vynor Church, in Dowlais, Glenmorganshire, Wales. They lived in this city and had a large family of eighteen children. As a coal miner Evan John was able to earn enough to provide his family with the comforts and necessities of life.

In the early 1840's there were a number of religious sects seeking membership in Wales. In 1845 Evan John heard of the Mormon Elders preaching in his neighborhood. Opposition was so great that the Elders had to perform the baptisms at night. This reminded him of the trials of Paul as recorded in the New Testament. There were occasions at meetings where there was speaking in tongues. In the summer of 1846 Elder David John and his companion came to the home of the Jones family. He and his wife accepted the gospel and became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were baptized on Dec. 4, 1846; and they were confirmed members of the Church on the following Sunday by Elder Dan Jones.

At another sacrament meeting branch president Elijah Edwards was presiding. He opened the meeting for the brethern and sisters, and they all experienced the gifts of the Holy Ghost. They heard members speaking in unknown tongues, and others gave the interpretations. An evil spirit also came in like a roving lion, and took possession of one brother. The evil spirit possessed so much power that fear came on all who were present, except President Edwards. Some felt like leaving the meeting since there was so much confusion. President Edwards called for order, and counseled all to pray privately for the spirit of God, then the evil spirit would have to flee. As soon as order was restored President Edwards laid his hands upon the head of the beseiged brother, and commanded the evil spirit in the name of Jeuss Christ to come out of his body. He had no sooner got through with the prayer than everything was restored to order. This was a great testimony for Evan John. He was ready to testify that the power to cast out evil spirits, and to speak in tongues was restored to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He felt convinced that he could convert all his relatives and friends; but was disappointed when some would not accept the truth. He continued to pray to God for more manifestations of the Holy Spirit which he had received in this sacrament meeting. He was always a righteous and spiritual man.

In 1847 Evan John was ordained a priest by Elder William Jones. He fulfilled the duties of this office to the best of his ability. He was ordained an Elder on April 19, 1849. He preached the gospel in Dowlais and vicinity, and served in other positions in his branch in the Church. In 1866 he and his wife and 11 children emigrated to America. The other seven children had died in their infancy and were buried at Dowlais. The family sailed from Wales and landed in the New York harbor. They took the train from New York City to Nebraska. They travelled by handcart and arrived at Salt Lake City on Sept. 15, 1866. They settled for a short time in Lehi, Utah County. He was ordained a High Priest in 1868 while in Lehi. In 1869 he moved his family to Adamsville, Beaver County, Utah. He died on Jan. 19, 1881, at Adamsville; and was buried on Jan. 22, 1881, at Beaver, Beaver County, Utah.