Researching Henry Evans

A supporter of progressive causes such as the Lodge Bill, Evans frequently found himself at odds with the Southern Democrat-controlled state legislature. His district was gerrymandered to ensure his defeat in the 1890 congressional elections, and the state legislature tossed thousands of votes in the 1894 gubernatorial election to allow his opponent, Peter Turney, to win. He also consistently quarreled with fellow Tennessee Republicans, initially Congressman Leonidas C. Houk, and later the faction led by Congressman Walter P. Brownlow. Brownlow helped thwart Evans's bid for the vice presidential nomination at the 1896 Republican National Convention.

Evans was also active in local politics in his adopted hometown of Chattanooga, where he championed education. He served two terms as Mayor of Chattanooga (1882–1883), and in his later years served as the city's Commissioner of Education.

Evans was born in Stoneyford (near Heanor), Derbyshire the son of Thomas Evans, a farmer. He became a clerk with the Midland Railway. Evans made his first-class debut for Derbyshire in the 1878 season against Yorkshire. He next played three matches during the 1881 season. In the 1882 season he played one further first-class match, against the touring Australian team.

Evans was a right-arm medium-fast bowler and took 19 wickets at an average of 13.26 and had a best performance of 7-47. He was a right-handed middle order batsman and played 10 innings in 5 matches. His top score was 10 and his average 4.10.

In 1888 Evans moved to Glasgow, as an assistant traffic manager for a railway company. He died in Spondon.

His brother Thomas Evans, played for Derbyshire during the 1883 season.