Evans, George Henry, 1805–56, American labor and agrarian reformer, b. England. After emigrating (1820) to New York City, he edited several newspapers, among them the Workingman's Advocate. He also led a number of workingman's parties from 1827 to 1837. His agrarian reform programs included the right of free homesteads for all.

Evans, George Henry

(born March 25, 1805, Bromyard, Herefordshire, Eng.—died Feb. 2, 1856, Granville, N.J., U.S.) British-born U.S. newspaper editor and social reformer. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1820. In 1829 he founded the Working Man's Advocate, the first major U.S. labour newspaper, and cofounded the Workingmen's Party. He organized the National Reform Association to lobby Congress for free homesteads in the West, arguing that the availability of free land would draw away excess workers from the East and keep wages high for those who remained (see Homestead Movement). His efforts led to the passage of the Homestead Act in 1862. He also fought for the abolition of slavery and advocated equal rights for women.