Biography
Volney LuVerne Evans came to Iowa State College from his hometown, Emerson, Iowa. He was the son of Mr. Marion L. Evans.
He graduated in 1917 with a degree in Animal Husbandry and enlisted in the Army August 19, 1918 at Glenwood, Iowa.
The Army assigned him to Central Officers Training Camp at Camp Pike, Arkansas. He was discharged November 27, 1918 and died shortly thereafter in Decorra, Illinois on December 12, 1918 - perhaps from the flu.
SUMMONS CAME SUDDENLY: This community was shocked last Monday morning when the word gained circulation that Volney Evans, who has for the past year been looking after the extensive farming interests in this locality of his father, J. Marion Evans, had passed away during the night at the old Evans homestead near Decorra.
The fact that the young man had been in Stronghurst on Saturday evening apparently well and hearty made the report all the more difficult to believe. Heart failure resulting from indigestion is supposed to have been the cause of death.
Volney L. Evans, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Evans was born at Emerson, Iowa, Oct. 4, 1893. His childhood was spent at Emerson, but at an early age he went to Fairbault, Minn. where he attended Shattuck Military School for seven years. He took a course at Ames, Ia., later, graduating from the agricultural college. On July 3, 1918 he married Miss Dorothy Josephson of LaHarpe, Ill, the wedding taking place at Burlington, Iowa. After a trip East they took up their residence on the farm near Decorra.
About Sept.1st, Volney went to Camp Pike, Ark., where he entered the officers training school, completing the course Dec.1st. He was given his choice between being made a commissioned officer in the army or being mustered out. He chose the latter and returned home last Wednesday, Dec.4th. He took his wife to LaHarpe Saturday, it being her birthday. In the evening he left her there to remain over night and returned home to look after things on the farm. He drove to Stronghurst to get his supper and ate a hearty meal. He was taken ill on his way home and was barely more than able to summon a physician after reaching the house. Dr. Harter arrived in a few minutes and after giving the patient a treatment for indigestion, called his wife at La Harpe, telling her of his illness. She returned home at once. He was still suffering somewhat from the attack on Sunday, but arose in the morning and dressed and came down stairs. He and his wife were alone at home in the evening and as the latter was not feeling well, they retired early. About 10 o'clock, Mrs. Evans was aroused by her husband's groaning and throwing his arms about. She hastily summoned the physician and called Alvah Anderson, who lives nearby. Volney soon sank into a stupor and before any one could reach the house he was dead.
Brief services were conducted at the residence and a funeral party left for Emerson, Iowa in the evening. The funeral was held Wednesday at Emerson.In addition to his bride of but a few months, Volney is survived by his parents, one sister, Mrs. Edith McArthur of Chicago and four brothers, namely, John of Emerson, Iowa; Capt. Frank Evans, who is serving in the Medical Corps of the U.S.Army in England; Marion Evans, Jr., who is with the army in France and Kenneth of Stronghurst.
The deceased had a wide circle of friends who will sincerely mourn his untimely death and sympathize with the bereaved wife, parents, brothers and sister.
Stronghurst Graphic, Dec.12, 1918
World War I