Ira H. Evans was born on April 11, 1844, in Piermont, New Hampshire. Though he entered the service out of Barre, Vermont, his roots remained tied to the Granite State. During the American Civil War, he served as a commissioned officer with the 116th U.S. Colored Troops, leading Company B during the final, decisive campaigns of the conflict.

His most notable act of bravery occurred on April 2, 1865, at Hatcher’s Run, Virginia, during the Appomattox Campaign. Under heavy enemy fire, Captain Evans voluntarily moved between the Union and Confederate lines. His objective was to scout the terrain and enemy positions, and he successfully obtained critical information that aided his command’s operations.

For this act of “distinguished gallantry,” Captain Evans was awarded the Medal of Honor. Following his military service, he moved to Texas, where he became a prominent figure in state politics and the railroad industry. He passed away on April 19, 1922, in San Diego, California.