Joseph W. Evans and his wife Emily (nee Scott) owned the Evans & Company cotton buyers and exporters which was organized in 1908. Evans & Company was a major business in Houston throughout the early 20th century and was located in the eminent Houston Cotton Exchange Building.
As president of the Houston Cotton Exchange and Board of Trade, Mr. Evans worked to establish the Port of Houston's Houston Ship Channel as a main throughfare for cotton producers. His work was crucial in developing the ship channel into its present status as the center of international trade.
Until his death in 1962 Mr. Evans remained active in advancing Houston's local economy and promoting awareness in other areas. Among other posts, locally he was chairman of the Houston War Work campaign during World War I. He served as president for the Houston Chamber of Commerce and helped organize the Houston Community Chest.
Sources: King, John.
The Joseph W. Evans Collection is comprised of financial records from Evans & Company between 1912 and 1962. There are also two boxes of correspondence related to the business. Bibliographic materials which were dedicated in Mr. Evans' name are located at the University of Houston.
The Joseph W. Evans Collection is comprised of two series. The series are organized by subject and then either alphabetically (correspondence) or chronologically.
None.
Permission to publish or reproduce materials from the Joseph W. Evans Collection must be obtained from the Houston Metropolitan Research Center or the appropriate copyright holder.
The Joseph W. Evans Collection. Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library.
Donated by: Alice Evans Pratt, daughter of Joseph W. Evans, July 14, 1975.