Evans, Lott Kryder (1839-1922)

Lott Kryder Evans, son of James G. and Rebecca (Kryder) Evans, was born in Gregg Township near Springmills in Centre County PA. on December 20, 1839. As a youth he was a student at District schools and the Aaronsburg Academy. He then taught school for 2 years in Brush Valley and Zion. In the summer of 1860 he attended Fairview Seminary, Nittany Valley, and in the fall he entered Franklin and Marshall College, graduating in 1864 as valedictorian. In the fall of 1864 he entered the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church, then located in Mercersburg, PA., until the fall of 1856. During the summer of 1863 he taught at the Boalsburg Academy, and in the spring and summer of 1865 he was a teacher in the Oley Academy in Berks County. In September, 1865, went to Europe to study for two years in the Universities of Bonn, Berlin, and Tubingen in Germany. Returning to America in 1867 he was licensed by West Susquehanna Classis at Boalsburg in September of 1867, and ordained by the same Classis in January of 1868. Pastorates included: Williamsport Charge (1867-1871) and at the same time serving as supply to the Nipponese, White Deer, and Black Hole Valley congregations; Trinity Church, Pottstown, PA. (1871-1912). Upon his retirement, he was named Pastor Emeritus of Trinity Church, after 41 years of service there. During his pastorate at Pottstown, Rev. Evans organized a congregation at Stowe, PA., and served it as supply until his retirement. In 1899 Franklin and Marshall College conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. He served for a number of years as President of the Pennsylvania German Society. He was married to Ella F. Longaker of Norristown, PA. on October 28, 1875. They had a son and a daughter. Mrs. Evans died in August, 1918. Rev. Evans died in his home in Pottstown on March 2, 1922, at the age of 82.