He received his education in the public schools of North Bergen, and at the tender age of eleven began working on a farm in Bergen County. Thrown upon his own resources at that age, he has ever since depended upon himself. He followed farming until he had reached the age of seventeen, when he entered upon the trade of gold beating, which he followed for a year and a half. He then entered the employ of Edward Ackerman as an apprentice at the blacksmith trade, continuing in that capacity until 1862. In that year he enlisted in Company E, Eighth New York Volunteer Militia, for three months, and at the expiration of his term of enlistment was honorably discharged. He then entered the service of the Federal Government at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where he remained for a short time, and in 1863 he associated himself with the Delaware Coal and Canal Company, with which he has ever since remained. During his long and active service of over thirty-three years in the employ of this corporation Mr. Everson has discharged every duty with singular fidelity and great satisfaction, and from the first has enjoyed the respect and confidence of both employers and associates. He is in the fullest sense a self-made man, having depended entirely upon himself since the early age of eleven years.