Samuel Evans, 1859-1935

Born in Wales, he took up the profession of journalism. In 1883 he was appointed to a post in the Egyptian Ministry of Finance, where probably because of his ability as a shorthand-writer in both English and French, he became private secretary to Sir Edgar Vincent, financial adviser to the Khedive of Egypt. From 1886-1889 he acted as chief controller of the Egyptian coast guards service and later when Sir Edgar became governor of the Imperial Ottoman Bank at Constantinople, he accompanied his chief as inspector-general of that bank, travelling extensively in Asia Minor and Persia. From 1892-1896 he managed the Turkish tobacco regie.

Samuel Evans' association with the Witwatersrand began in 1896 when he arrived in Johannesburg. Two years later he joined H Eckstein & Co, becoming a partner in 1902 and retiring in 1909. During the 2nd Anglo-Boer War he served on the staff both of Lord Roberts and the military governor of Johannesburg. After the war Evans helped to organise the gold-mining industry and in 1909 he became chairman and managing director of Crown Mines Ltd. He was a pioneer in applying scientific methods of hygiene to the mining industry and was largely responsible for the establishment of the S A Institute for Medical Research. He also helped to found a gold refinery and a branch of the Royal Mint soon after the end of World War I. He was a strong advocate of gold as a medium for currency, retaining his interest in economic matters throughout his life. Another field of interest was education and he was closely associated with the Council of Education and the University of the Witwatersrand. He was one of the first to recognise the importance of aviation.