Robert Grenap Evans died at age forty-seven of a heart attack on Sunday morning, August 25, 1901. The Minneapolis Journal published a lengthy obituary that covered almost two pages of its edition the next day. It quoted lawyers, judges and politicians about Evans' character, reputation and tireless work for the Republican Party since he relocated to Minneapolis from Indiana in 1884.
Evans was a member of the Keith, Evans, Thompson & Fairchild law firm in Minneapolis, but he was recalled most for his work in politics. He was Republican National Committeeman for nine years. At the time of his death, he was United States Attorney for Minnesota, a post he secured with the endorsement of Senator Cushman Kellogg Davis, his mentor and patron. After Davis died in late 1900, Evans ran to replace him but the State Legislature which elected U. S. Senators at the time preferred former Attorney General Moses E. Clapp.
In an editorial, the Minneapolis Journal noted Evans' beneficial effect on the practice of politics:
"He was a man of convictions, and he possessed the courage as well as the ability to defend them. His influence in the politics of Minnesota will be felt for many years to come. While active and influential in that sphere, his methods were ever those of honor and scrupulous honesty. His example in this respect is one worthy of all emulation and will continue to exert an influence for good upon the political history of his state."
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