Josiah J. Evans
Josiah James Evans | |
---|---|
![]() | |
United States Senator from South Carolina | |
In office March 4, 1853 – May 6, 1858 | |
Preceded by | William F. De Saussure |
Succeeded by | Arthur P. Hayne |
Personal details | |
Born | Marlboro County, South Carolina | November 27, 1786
Died | May 6, 1858 Washington, D.C. | (aged 71)
Political party | Democratic |

Josiah James Evans (November 27, 1786 – May 6, 1858) was born in Marlborough district in South Carolina to Thomas Evans, a prominent Revolutionary War soldier and South Carolina legislator, and Elizabeth Hodges. He graduated third in his class from South Carolina College in 1808 and studied law under his brother-in-law before being admitted to the bar in 1811.[1]

He was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1812. During his legal career, he successfully defended the will of Mason Lee, a case that set precedent on the validity of wills.[2] In 1829, he was appointed as a judge for the Court of General Sessions and Common Pleas.[3] In 1835, he was appointed to the South Carolina Supreme Court, where he served until 1852.[4]

In 1853, he was elected to the United States Senate. He served as a United States Senator from South Carolina for 1853 to 1858. He was a Democrat. During his time in the Senate he was chairman of the committees on auditing the contingency expenses of the Senate and Revolutionary Claims.[5]
He died in Washington, D.C., shortly before his first term was to expire. He is buried at Trinity Episcopal Church near his ancestral home on Society Hill, Darlington County, South Carolina.[1] Evans Correctional Institution is named in his memory.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ EVANS, Josiah James. Congress.gov. Accessed June 2, 2012.
External links
[edit]- United States Congress. "Josiah J. Evans (id: E000249)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.