History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, 1887



Evenden Family - GEORGE WASHINGTON EVENDEN

Honored and respected by all, there are few men in the city of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, who occupy a more enviable position than George W. Evenden in business circles, not alone on account of the success he has achieved, but also on account of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is today his.

Thomas Evenden, father of George W. Evenden, was born in Kent, England, September 16, 1823, a son of john and Sarah (Chalklin) Evenden. He was reared, educated and learned the occupation of florist in his native country, and on March 19, 1849, when in his twenty-sixth year, braved the dangers of the Atlantic ocean in order to make for himself self a home in the new world. He first located in New York and Brooklyn, where he was employed in gardening for more than three years, and at the expiration of this period of time returned to England. In 1853 he again came to the United States, locating in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in gardening until 1858, when he established the florist business which is now conducted under the style of Evenden Brothers. He was progressive and enterprising, his business career was alike successful and creditable, and his reputation unassailable.

Thomas Evenden, was married in England, in 1853, to Mary Baldwin, who died July 8, 1879, leaving three children, namely : George W., mentioned at length hereinafter. William J., who married Martha Crossmore, and five children were the issue of the union, as follows John, Madeline, Harry, William T., and Martha. Elizabeth, who became the wife of Richard Painton, and their children are: Edward, Beatrice, Percy, John, and Leslie. On December 23, 188,5, Thomas Evenden married for his second wife Belinda Diller, of Hanover, Pennsylvania. Martha (Crossmore) Evenden, wife of William J. Evenden, was the daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Home) Crossmore, who were the parents of four other children, namely : Molly, who became the wife of William Kraemer, no issue. Georgianna, who became the wife of James Swan, and their children were: George, India, Walter and John. Sally, unmarried, has been serving in the capacity of housekeeper for William J. Evenden since the death of his wife. William, who married Ellen Young, and their children are: Edward and James

In early life George W. Evenden attended the public schools of Williamsport, and his education was completed at a commercial liege. He then entered the business established by his father and learned floriculture in all its branches, later on adding to it the quiet but useful calling of agriculture. He worked hard and faithfully and when his father retired from active pursuits in 1879, George W., being the eldest son, took charge of the business and with the assistance of his brother, William J. Evenden, has brought it to its present extensive proportions, under the style of Evenden Brothers. In the beginning they had three small houses and at the present time (1905) they have twenty-one houses, covering an area of fifty-six thousand six hundred and seventy square feet of land; they run five boilers, and in the near future contemplate having a central heating station for all houses. They have under cultivation eighty-five acres of land, fifty of which is their own property and the remainder is hired. The floriculture, while covering all branches for general use, still makes a specialty of carnations, roses and also flowering plants for the retail, wholesale and jobbing trade, and these receive high commendation for beauty. What is not devoted to floriculture is put down for market produce, and the name of Evenden is a sufficient guarantee of the quality of their productions. Mr. Evenden is well posted regarding the history of this section of the county and its wonderful development, and has been a potent factor in making the business in which lie is engaged one of the most flourishing in Williamsport. His intelligence, good citizenship and fine character entitle him to the esteem of his acquaintances, and his friends are many and sincere. He is a member of the Board of Trade, a member of the Episcopal church, a member of Lodge No. 397, Free and Accepted Masons, and a staunch adherent of the principles of Republicanism. He has always manifested a deep interest in the social and material development of Williamsport, and contributed liberally of his means to the charitable, religious and educational institutions of the city.


Source: Genealogical and Personal History of Lycoming County, John W. Jordan, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1906.










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