History of the Thames River Postman in the Pool of London 1800 to 1952 by Clifford. L. Evans – Part Two

The second part of the history looks at the beginning of the Evans family dynasty that would deliver the post on the river for the next 150 years.

Samuel Evans was apprentice to William Simpson, and after the Simpson court cases, Samuel Evans succeeded as the next River Postman and served from 1810 until 1832, thus beginning the dynasty passed down from father to son for nearly 150 years.

Samuel Lowden Evans youngest son of Samuel Evans received his indentures on 6th August 1812 and served until 1845. (pictured below)

Samuel Evans eldest son of Samuel Lowden Evans received his indentures 10th May 1832 and served from 1845 until 1856. (pictured below)

George Thomas Evans (pictured Below), brother of Samuel Evans and second son of Samuel Lowden Evans was sworn in to service on 23rd April 1845. (Breaking the tradition of father to son). He served for 29 years taking over from his brother Samuel Evans in 1856. He retired on 23rd April 1885, with a pension of £78 a year.

Below is a picture of the 3 generations Evans’s all would be serving River Postmen.

(H.L.Evans bottom middle, G.T.Evans middle row, and G.H.Evans top right)

George Thomas Evans was made a Special Constable within the Metropolitan Police District for the preservation of the public peace during the uprisings, for the period of 3 calendar months from 24th December1867. (pictured below)

George Henry Evans seen in this picture at the far left hand side sitting on the stool.He succeeded his father as a River Postman in 1885.

In this picture of G.H.Evans you may notice he is wearing a Straw Boater.

George Henry Evans’s boat was called “Jessie” named after his mother. It was a tradition of the Evans family to name their boats after their mothers.

Herbert Lionel Evans son of G H Evans received his indentures on 11th August 1908 and succeeded his father when he retired. (pictured below)

H. Evans was awarded the “Imperial Service Medal” for 29 years service as the River Postman on the 18th September 1914. (pictured below)

G.H.Evans’ Imperial Service Medal letter.

We have now covered over 100 years of the Evans dynasty which was remarkable considering the often dangerous aspect of the job. The Thames was full of ships, barges and other vessels and accidents were common, a small rowing boat offered little protection against the various dangers.

Many thanks to Clifford Evans for sharing his family history.