Columbus Evans

Columbus Penn Evans (September 6, 1824 – February 19, 1854) was an American politician, newspaper editor, and soldier from Pennsylvania. He served as mayor of Wilmington, Delaware, in 1851–52.

Life and career

Evans was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, to Septimus and Catharine (Haupt) Evans. He was the younger brother of Henry S. Evans, a Pennsylvania state representative and the owner-publisher of The Village Record in West Chester. He attended West Chester Academy under superintendent Anthony Bolmar from May 1834 to May 1836. After serving an apprenticeship with his brother's newspaper, Evans moved to Wilmington, Delaware, in 1844 to work as editor of the Delaware Republican newspaper. Evans commanded his company at the Battle of Chapultepec after Captain George W. Chaytor returned home on sick leave, and he distinguished himself in action at the Battle of Molino del Rey. On August 20, 1847, he received the brevet of captain "for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles of Contreras and Cherubusco."

Evans died of tuberculosis in West Chester on February 19, 1854, at the age of 29. He was interred with military honors at Oaklands Cemetery.