Ephraim Evans (1825 – 6 April 1863), a Baptist minister born in Wales, married Mary Ann Wilton (1830–1858), and emigrated to South Australia around 1854.
He was sent to the Reedy Creek (now Palmer) copper mine, where he ministered and taught at the local school, then in 1856 to Nuriootpa, where his workload forced him to abandon teaching.
[citation needed] After leaving school, Evans found employment with Fanning & Co., then at the age of 16 joined The Advertiser, where he was noted for his stenographic skills and the speed and clarity of his longhand writing, while his energy, good humour and organising ability earned for him leadership of the literary staff.
In 1888, as a result of a tour made with Frank Johnson, Minister of Education, to the Northern Territory, he produced an interesting series of articles for his paper.
But he craved an outlet for his independent thought and writing, and with A. T. Chandler (also ex-Advertiser), James Hutchison, Harry Craker, and A. W. Gresswell Smith, founded Quiz, a weekly humorous and satirical publication.