At the age of fifteen he moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he worked in a factory for one year.

[1] In 1854 he helped found the Boston Five Cent Savings Bank and was its first treasurer.

[5] In 1892 he was a member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council, representing the sixth district.

On November 21, 1892, the Town Committee acting on the petition of 506, held a general caucus to nominate candidates for the office of mayor.

Evans and George E. Smith were chosen to run in the general election to be held on December 13.