Joseph W. Evans and his wife Emily (nee Scott) owned the Evans & Company cotton buyers and exporters which was organized in 1908. Evans & Company was a major business in Houston throughout the early 20th century and was located in the eminent Houston Cotton Exchange Building.
As president of the Houston Cotton Exchange and Board of Trade, Mr. Evans worked to establish the Port of Houston's Houston Ship Channel as a main thoroughfare for cotton producers. His work was crucial in developing the ship channel into its present status as the center of international trade.
Until his death in 1962, Mr. Evans remained active in advancing Houston's local economy and promoting awareness in other areas. Among other posts, locally he was chairman of the Houston War Work campaign during World War I. He served as president for the Houston Chamber of Commerce and helped organize the Houston Community Chest.
From the guide to the Joseph W. Evans Collection MSS. 0016., Bulk, 1919-1951, 1912-1962, (Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library)
