Colonel James Evans

Like most of the soldiers in the 7th W. Va., James Evans (image) was a farmer by occupation. As a delegate from Morgantown, he attended both the first and second Wheeling conventions in 1861 which began the movement toward West Virginia statehood. Evans received his colonel's commission from Francis Pierpont, Governor of the so-called "restored" government of Virginia, and organized the 7th W. Va. Infantry during the latter half of 1861. However, his command was short-lived. Afflicted by sickness, Evans resigned in August, 1862 and was succeeded by Col. Joseph Snider.