Family home of Jim and Kate Evans destroyed by fire

Friends and family of Jim and Kate Evans stood back with tears in their eyes as the historic family home of Kate was destoryed by fire Monday afternoon. The home, known as the Stanback house, dated back to 1888, when it was built by the Ingram family. In 1892 Charlie and Della Stanback purchased the home which eventually became the home of their son Will and his family, including daughter Kate. Kate and Jim Evans had been residing in the home and had left for a family vacation earlier on the day of the fire.

A passerby spotted smoke coming from the attic and when the fire departments arrived, flames were already coming through the roof. Three departments, Mt. Gilead, Lake Tillery, and Pekin responded to the scene. Assistant Fire Chief Ronnie Crump said, they did not know what started the fire but they do know it originated in the attic. The attic and second floor of the home were completely destoryed with the first floor receiving heavy smoke and water damage.

Family and friends along with the firemen rallied together to remove the many antiques that filled the first floor of the home. The Evans were known for their love of antiques and for their dedication to restoring the historic home. As piece after piece was removed, there was always someone nearby to load it on a truck or to pack the precious pieces into boxes, knowing that Kate and Jim would be doing the same thing for them and that's what neighbors are for.