Francis Evrard

            Francis Evrard, proprietor of the Franklin House in South Bethlehem, deserves worthy mention as being one of the most useful members of the community. He was born in Belgium, March 4, 1827, and is the son of John Evrard, also a native of that place, where he followed the trade of a plasterer, and resided until his decease. His wife, Mrs. Marion (Feres) Evrard, lived and died in Belgium.

            Of the parental family of seven children, four are living, of whom our subject is the eldest. Serva is also living in this city; Theresa makes her home in the Old Country; and John is carrying on business in Bethlehem. The original of this sketch was reared to mature years in his native land, and for seven years was engaged in the zinc works at Angleur, where for a time he was foreman of the shops. Then being petitioned by the zinc works of South Bethlehem to aid them in their work here, in 1860 he embarked on a vessel leaving Bremen, which landed him, eighteen days later, in New York, whence he came directly to this city. He was placed in charge of the shops, and remained with the company six years, when he purchased property on the corner of Second and Locust Streets, and established in the liquor business. In this he continued until 1888, when he rented his business for a time, and entirely disposed of it in 1893.

            In the year 1886 Mr. Evrard built the Franklin Hotel, which he operated for two years, and then, finding his other interests consumed so much of his time, he rented the house. Our subject is the owner of much valuable property in the city, having in his possession two double residences on Wyandot street, a double dwelling on Wood St., and improved property on School Alley and Second Street.

            The marriage of our subject took place in this city in 1863, at which time, Miss Johanna Thomee became his wife. Mrs. Evrard was born in Germany, and became the mother of five children; Gerard, engaged in the bottling business in this city; Marion, the wife of Harry King; Lewis, who married Louisa Keiffer; and Elizabeth, at home. Wilhelm died at the age of fifteen years.

            In religious affairs Mr. Evrard is a devoted member of the Catholic Church, in the faith of which he has trained his children.  In political affairs he is a believer in Democratic principles.