Bolton, Evan W.

Evan W Bolton, an almost forgotten pioneer, settled at Pleasant Valley sometime during 1857. Evan was born in Humphres County, Tennessee on March 8, 1833. His parents were William and Jane Cooly Bolton.

William was born in Virginia and served as Captain of a company during the War of 1812. Jane was a native of North Carolina.

William was twice married, having four children by his first wife, and five children by the second wife, Jane Cooly Bolton. William died in 1840 and Jane departed this life in 1850 at the age of forty-five.

Evan remained with his mother and supported the family up until the time of her death when the younger children found homes with other relatives.

It was March 11, 1856 that Evan married Frances J. Parker while still living in Tennessee. Frances was the daughter of James M. and Anna Carnell Parker.

It was 1857 when Evan Bolton, his wife and her father and brother all headed south-west and settled at Pleasant Valley. His wife's father was soon a well-known Methodist preacher in the area and his wife's brother founded the first general merchandise store at what was then known as Old Decator (Murphy).

Evan and Frances purchased 100 acres of land and built a nice little home where he took up farming near Pleasant Valley. They had a total of twelve children, but Frances died during childbirth June 1, 1884. The other eleven children were still reported as living in 1892. Their names were as follows: Permelia A, wife of J. G. Drake; James W; William H; Amanda J. wife of A. J. Berriman; Malana T. wife of C. J. Mayers; Mary L. wife of James A. Wilson; Sarah E. wife of J. G. Hutson; Hattie B. wife of J H Hutson; Lucy A; Margaret P, and Benjamin L.