Melvin H. Evans
| Melvin H. Evans | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from United States Virgin Islands's At-large district | |
|
In office January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1981 | |
| Preceded by | Ron de Lugo |
| Succeeded by | Ron de Lugo |
| Governor of the United States Virgin Islands | |
|
In office July 1, 1969 – January 6, 1975 | |
| Lieutenant |
David Earle Maas (1969–1973) Athniel C. Ottley (1973–1975) |
| Preceded by | Ralph Moses Paiewonsky |
| Succeeded by | Cyril King |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
August 7, 1917 Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Died |
November 27, 1984 (aged 67) Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Phyllis Evans |
| Children | Four children |
Melvin Herbert Evans (August 7, 1917 – November 27, 1984) was the first elected Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, serving from 1969 to 1975. After serving as governor he was delegate from the United States Virgin Islands to the United States House of Representatives from 1979 to 1981.
Evans was born in Christiansted in Saint Croix, and attended Howard University, Washington, D.C. and the University of California, Berkeley. He was the Virgin Islands Health Commissioner, and appointed Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, serving from 1969 until 1971. He was the first elected Governor in 1970 and served from 1971 until 1975. Evans was a Republican National Committeeman and served as a delegate to the 1972 Republican National Convention and 1976 Republican National Convention.
On November 7, 1978, Evans was elected Delegate to the United States House of Representatives from U.S. Virgin Islands as a Republican.[1] He defeated Democrat Janet Watlington, an aide to outgoing Del. Ron de Lugo, with 10,458 votes, or 52% of the vote.[1] Watlington placed second 9,588 votes, equaling 48% of the total votes cast.[1] Evans served as Delegate in the House from January 3, 1979 to January 3, 1981. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1980, losing to former Delegate Ron de Lugo.
Evans was appointed United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, and served until his death. He is interred in Christiansted Cemetery in Saint Croix.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 Feuerzeig, Penny (November 8, 1978). "Luis-Millin, Evans Beats Watlington". Virgin Islands Daily News. Retrieved 2011-07-26.
- ↑ Melvin Herbert Evans at Find a Grave
External links
- United States Congress. "Melvin H. Evans (id: E000254)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- Profiles of Outstanding Virgin Islanders (includes link to photo)
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Cyril Emanuel King (acting) |
Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands 1969–1975 |
Succeeded by Cyril Emanuel King |
| United States House of Representatives | ||
| Preceded by Ron de Lugo |
Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from U.S. Virgin Islands 1979–1981 |
Succeeded by Ron de Lugo |
| Diplomatic posts | ||
| Preceded by Irving G. Cheslaw |
U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago 1981–1984 |
Succeeded by Sheldon J. Krys |
| ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||
|