William Evans was the son of Mary Jane Jones (formerly Evans) of 19, Brunswick Road, Buckley and the late Richard Evans. Richard Evans and Mary Jane Williams were married in 1879. William was born 26th December 1882. In 1891 the family was living at Park Farm Cottage, Warren Road, Broughton. Richard died in 1898 and in 1901 census records that Mary Jane, was a widow still living at Broughton. William 18 was an Agricultural Labourer. In 1911 the Evans family still living in Broughton. Mary Evans, a widow, stated that she had been married for 37 years, had given birth to 7 children, one of whom had died (presumably Ellis). William Evans 28 was now classed as the head of the household, and he was a farm labourer (General Servant). From the census, Richard and Mary’s other children were Richard, Mary, John Henry, Catherine and Anne. William’s Commonwealth War Graves Commission Certificate confirms that his mother married again and became Mary Jane Jones.
William’s enlisted in Buckley and he entered his Theatre of War (France) on 24th December 1915. William served for 3 years and 6 months. and that he was killed in France after 3 years service there. His Flintshire Roll of Honour index card was signed by his sister Mary Griffiths giving address Bank Lane Cottage, Buckley Junction. Mary’s son, Griffith Horace Griffiths was killed in WW2 in Burma and is named on the Hawkesbury Memorial
William Evans is also commemorated on the Hawarden Memorial where his story can be found. He is also listed on the Broughton Memorial. William is aslo remembered on a family grave at St. Mary’s, Broughton.