Biography of William C. Devore, DeWitt County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Copyright 1999 Earliene Kaelin Source: People from the Histories 1882 History WILLIAM C. DEVORE The Devore family on the paternal side are of French ancestry, and on the maternal side of German descent. Nicholas H. the father of W. C., was a native of Virginia, but removed to Ohio at an early age. He lived in Cincinati and in Brown county. In 1833 or 4 he went to Chicago, and in 1836 came down to Piatt county, and was there when the town of Monticello was laid out. He was the first post-master of the village. He died in 1842. He was by trade both a carpenter and blacksmith. While a resident of Piatt county he married Miss Susan Barnes, a native of Marion county, Ohio. She was born in 1817, and was the daughter of William and Sarah BARNES, who came to Piatt county in 1833. The marriage took place in 1836. She still survives her husband and is a resident on the old home farm, where the family first settled when they came to Illinois. William C. is the youngest of four children, two of whom are living, viz: Sarah M. who is the wife of J. N. BONDURANT, and the subject of this sketch. The father was born in Piatt county, Illinois, December 28th, 1842. He was raised upon the farm and attended the country schools, wherein he received a fair English education. At the age of twenty-two he commenced learning the printer's trade in the Piatt County Union in Monticello, and afterwards in the Piatt County Republican. He then went to Toledo,Tama county,Iowa, and commenced the publication of a paper called the Tama County Republican. One year later he removed to Farmer City, and assisted John S. Harper to start the Journal. In the fall of 1873 he established the Herald, and continued its publication until August, 1875, when he sold out. In the Spring of 1876 he went to Lovington, in Moultrie county, Illinois, and there published the Free Press, which he continued for three years. In April 1879, be came back to Farmer City, moved material and office here, and continued the publication of the Journal under an arrangement made with its former editor and proprietor. Mr. DEVORE is a good newspaper man, and has demonstrated his ability to conduct a country newspaper and make it a financial success. He has, since casting his first vote, been an adherent and advocate of the principles of the Republican party. On the 19th of November, 1877, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mattie A. nee STRATTON, nee KIMLER, a native of McLean county. There is one child by that marriage, named Katie Ethel DEVORE. ------------------------------------------------------------------ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organiza- tions or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contri- butor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ----------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Earliene Kaelin