Isaac Evans was one of at least three children born to Isaac Evans and Rachel Jones. Isaac Evans Snr originally came from the Talgarth area of Breconshire and was born there in about 1853. Rachel Jones came from Builth and was born in about 1857. Isaac and Rachel were married at Builth in 1882 and in 1891 they were living at 10 Penmark Row, Tredegar with their children who were:

Sarah Ann Evans, born in 1885
Evan John Evans, born in 1887 and
Isaac Rees Evans who was born in 1890.

However, in 1892, Rachel Evans died. Isaac Evans remarried in 1893 to an Eleanor (Ellen) Jordan. From this marriage came two further children in the persons of:

David James Evans who was born in 1893 and Thomas Evans who was born in 1898.

By 1901, the family had moved and were living at 2, Powells Terrace, New Tredegar where Isaac Snr was a collier. At the age of 14yrs, Evan John Evans is also shown as a coal hewer.
On 14th May, 1910, Isaac Rees Evans was married at Merthyr Tydfil. He married Gladys Mary Thomas.
In 1911 they were living at 2, Colliers Row, Tirphil. There were no children shown.

Isaac’s father and step-mother were still living at 2, Powells Terrace, New Tredegar.

Isaac Rees Evans’ history in the army started several years before the First World War started. On 20th November 1908 Isaac enlisted into the 3rd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers as Private 3896. On his enlistment papers it is indicated that he had already previously served 41 days in the 2nd (Volunteer) Battalion, South Wales Borderers.

He completed several years of service with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and was deployed in France between 4th December 1914 and 4th December 1915 when he returned home. He was then discharged on 6th December 1915 having served his time.

Isaac Rees Evans then re-enlisted at Bargoed for the duration of the war on 7th February 1916. He became Private 146205, in the 254th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers.
He was almost immediately sent to France and went there on 29th February 1916. On 29th march 1917 he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and remained with the Corps of Royal Engineers until he died on 13th March 1918. His papers show that he died from wounds received from a gas shell.

Amongst his enlistment papers is a document that shows his widow, Gladys, was sent his personal effects that consisted of coins, a wallet, letters, cards, photos, a silver watch and chain and a knife.

In 1919 Gladys Mary Evans re-married to a William James in Merthyr Tydfil.