John Evans (judge)

John Evans (1728 – c. December 9, 1783)^[1][2] was a justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, assuming office on August 19, 1777, and serving until his death.^[3]

Admitted to the practice of law in both the Chester County bar and the Philadelphia bar in 1749, Evans was in private practice from then until 1777.^[2] On August 16, 1777, Evans was appointed by the Supreme Executive Council to serve as "Third Judge of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth".^[1][2] He took the oath of office on August 19, 1777.^[2] In 1779, Evans was appointed as a trustee of the University of the State of Pennsylvania, which later became the University of Pennsylvania.^[4] From November 20, 1780 until his death he served on the Pennsylvania High Court of Errors and Appeals.^[2] In October 1783, Evans and Anthony Wayne were elected to the Council of Censors.^[1][2]

Evans died prior to December 9, 1783, and on February 26, 1784, Jacob Rush was appointed judge in his stead.^[1] Evans married Mary Jones, daughter of Reiss and Rachel Jones, and had children who all died before him, except their daughter, also named Mary.^[1]