KNOX COUNTY OHIO 
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File contributed for use by Ohio Biographies Project by
jwyoakam@thewavz.com
March 2003
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GEN. WILLIAM BEVANS

Death of Gen. William Bevans

Died At his residence, near the city of Mt. Vernon, O., on Friday, Dec. 5th,
1856, Gen. WILLIAM BEVANS, aged about 78 years. His departure from this
earth was sudden, being occasioned by an attack of Apoplexy.
  Gen. Bevans, being one of the old settlers of central Ohio, and being for
many years prominently identified with public affairs, deserves more  than a
passing notice. He was born in Fayette County, Pa.. and was brought up amid
the hardships and privations incident to the early settlement of Western
Pennsylvania. Like many of the Pioneer youth of that region, he was
destitute of the opportunity of acquiring even a good common education. For
the amount of learning and knowledge he finally acquired, he was chiefly
indebted to his own persevering efforts, amid obstacles and disadvantages
which, by many young men of  the present day, would be regarded as
insurmountable.
    At an early period in his life, Gen. Bevans was apprenticed to the boot
and shoe-making business in Connellsville, Pa., under the care and
instruction of Mr. James Lafferty, of that place. Unlike many modern
apprentices, he faithfully served out his apprenticeship, and became an
accomplished workman.
    In 1808, when James Madison and Charles C. Pinckney were candidates for
President-the former a Republican and the latter, a Federalist, the
excitement between the two parties ran high. At this time, Gen. Bevans
having by reading and study acquired a considerable knowledge of political
affairs, and being an earnest patriot, engaged warmly in the contest,
throwing all his talents and influence in favor of the Republican candidate.
>From that period until his decease, he was ardently attached to Republican
principles, though at different times acting with parties under other names.
   About 1811, he removed to this county and State, and served his country
in the War of 1812.  At the close of his services in the War of 1812, he was
elected to the office of Constable. Subsequently his fellow citizens
elevated him to the office of County Magistrate.  At a later period he was
elected tot the post of Sheriff of the County which he held for two
successive terms, without default or amercement in a single instance. At a
still later period, he received the appointment of Associate Judge of Knox
Common Pleas, which office he held for many years.
   But the object of this notice was honored not only in civil, but in
military life. From a private, he rose through the successive grades of
official station till he became Brigadier General of Ohio Militia. It may
also be mentioned that at an early period in the history of this county, he
was for a length of time, the Editor and proprietor of a public Journal,
which, he conducted with credit to himself and benefit to community.
   The life of the deceased was a long, active and useful one, and presents
one of the many demonstrations of what a young man may become, under
unfavorable circumstances, by honesty, energy and perseverance. By these,
though, born and brought up amid poverty and privation, he gradually rose
from one to another post of honor and usefulness among his fellow men, and
now he has, at a ripe old age, departed from their midst, leaving, as a
legacy to his family and friends, a good name, which is better than precious
ointment. Long and active as his life was, it was one of peace and good will
to men. Like other active and useful men, Gen. Bevans had his failings: but
in view of his many virtues, his strict regard for honesty and general
uprightness, his love for his country and his race, who would not cast a
veil over those errors from which the best of men are not wholly exempt?
Well may community say, ³Requiescat pace.²
   Being a member of the Masonic Order, the funeral of Gen. Bevans, took
place on Sunday the 7th inst., under the auspices and according to the
ritual of the Order.
   The writer of the foregoing penned it not so much with a view to present
a proper tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased, as to present to
the minds of young men, inducements to emulate his many virtues and pursue a
course which will lead  them to honor while trying and consecrate their
memory in the hearts of community when God shall call them hence.
COM.

Mt. Vernon Republican   Mount Vernon, Ohio, Tuesday Morning, Dec. 16, 1856