Hubert Victor Eva
Era: Spanish-American War
Military Branch: Army
Unit Info: 14th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry
EVA, Hubert Victor "Herbert"
Hubert Victor Eva was born in Cornwall, England, born August 8th 1869 to James Richard & Addison E. (Lanyon) Eva, a prominent family in Cornwall for many generations. His mother was born in London, and her ancestors were prominent as ship owners, interested in the Australian trade.
Hubert received the greater part of his education in England. Shortly after coming to the United States in 1883 and settling in Duluth, he became engaged as a bookkeeper, for about sixteen years acting as secretary for the Silberstein & Bondy Co., one of the leading mercantile establishments of Duluth.
On August 4th 1896 Eva was married to Miss Laura Forbes, daughter of Daniel Forbes, of Glengarry County, Ontario, Canada, and they had had 2 children, John Hubert and Victor Frederick Eva. His wife died in the city of Duluth March 15th 1898 at the age of 58 years.
Since 1889 Hubert V. Eva has been connected with the Minnesota National Guard, in which he has become quite prominent. He acquired a captain's commission in Company A, 3rd Regiment, and with his company entered the United States service at the break-out of the Spanish-American War, the Minnesota troops being the first volunteers sworn into the Federal service as the 14th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He commanded his company during the Spanish American War at Camp George H Thomas [Camp Chickamauga], Georgia and Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Minnesota Volunteers had several times been called out to quell Indian disturbances and riots. In 1898 they saw service at Cass Lake. On July 2nd 1900 Company A left Duluth under Bro. Eva's command for Koochiching Co., which they reached on the 5th of July, having been delayed twenty-four hours at Rainy Lake while awaiting the arrival of a steamer. Their route overland was over almost impassable roads. They remained three weeks, returning to Duluth after the Indians became quiet.
On June 12th 1901 Capt. Eva was promoted to the rank of Major. In 1903 he was honored with election to the presidency of the Minnesota National Guard Association and discharged his duties with efficiency and fidelity. Local components were organized as the 125th Field Artillery.
On May 1st that year Eva resigned this position to enter upon his duties as secretary of the Duluth Commercial Club, one of the foremost social organizations of the city, which gives much attention to local business and civic affairs. This required the greater part of his time. He has, at different times, been interested in various business enterprises in the city, and is well and favorably known in commercial circles. He helped found the national Better Business Bureau.
The Major and his wife were members of the Episcopal Church. Fraternally he was 32° Knights Commander Court of Honour (KCCH) in the Scottish Rite Valley of Duluth, MN, and a member of the Shrine. He became a full Colonel in WWI so you see he has the Eagle emblem on one of his pictures.
COL Eva died in Duluth, MN on October 29th 1971 at the age of 102. He was hit by a car while coming out of church. He is buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth.
Source(s)
"Commemorative Biographical Record of the Upper Lake Region" written by from Spirit Guardian when Brother Eva was still living.
"The Book of Minnesotans, Volume 1 Biographical Dictionary of Living men in Minnesota, written in 1907: this book was also written when Brother Eva was still living.
125th Field Artillery History | Veterans Memorial Hall
14th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry | Veterans Memorial Hall
Hubert Victor “Herbert” Eva (1869-1971) - Find a Grave Memorial
Spirit Guardian also wrote in the email message: "Hubert is my great grandfather. The (St. Louis County) historical society in Duluth - its archives located at the university (UMD) library, has an extensive file on him.
