He studied at schools in Philadelphia and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1846.
[1][2] In 1854, an act of Congress allowed Evans to change his name to William Wayne.
[1][3] Wayne served as a captain of Company K of the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War.
[1][2] He was brevetted major and lieutenant colonel and declined admission in the Regular Army.
He was interred at Old Saint David Church Cemetery in Wayne.