Born 21 April 1849 at Llantrisant, Glamorganshire, son of Thomas and Anne Evans, Glan-y-mychyd, he belonged to a family who for generations resided in Glamorgan, carrying on business as brewers and maltsters. Educated at Merton (Surrey) and in France, he entered the business of his uncle, Sir Richard Evans, and at 21 was elected a partner, later becoming head of the firm. In 1875 he became a common councilman, and in 1884 an alderman of the City of London. He was senior sheriff of London and Middlesex in 1885-6, and in 1891 became lord mayor of London, the first Welshman for nearly seventy years to occupy that position [see Waithman, Robert ]. On leaving office he was created K.C.M.G. He was connected with several city guilds, whose mastership he held in due course. A leading member of the Conservative Party, he might have represented the City in Parliament, but declined all overtures. He was a magistrate for Glamorgan and Surrey, and one of H.M. lieutenants for the City of London. He married, 1874, Emily (died 1903), daughter of Lawrence Boakes, and had four sons and four daughters. He resided at Ewell Grove, Surrey, where he died 14 August 1907.
Published date: 1959
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