Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 482 - 483 

HENRY C. DEVORE is a farmer and stock grower, living on section 10, Payne Township, post-office address, Greenwich, Sedgwick Co., Kan. He is a pioneer of this township, coming here when but few claims had been taken up; since that time the development of his farm has kept pace with the growth of the town, and now he owns one of the finest farms in the vicinity. It contains 160 acres of land, eighty-five of which arc under plow, and very productive; it is surrounded by good wire and hedge fences, and is well supplied with water from three good wells. He has a fine bearing peach orchard and a thrifty young apple orchard; from these he derives a good income.

            Our subject was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Aug. 5, 1845, and is the son of Daniel and Catherine (Herman) Devore. He is a brother of Joshua Devore, who lives on section 2 of this township, and whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Our subject lived on a farm from the age of ten to sixteen years, receiving in the meantime a good education in the common schools. At that youthful age he bravely went forth to assist in the preservation of the great Union, enlisting Nov. 3, 1861, as a member of Company I, 58th Ohio Infantry. He served nearly nine months and was then discharged as his term of enlistment had expired. On the 4th of June, 1863, he re-enlisted in Company A, the same regiment, and served with fidelity and patriotism until after the close of the war, his final discharge being dated Sept. 16, 1865. He was in the battle of Ft. Donelson, and took part in many minor engagements.

            After his return from the seat of war Mr. D. went to Illinois and engaged in the pottery business with his father, and was also employed in farming. He finally decided to try his fortunes in Kansas, and on the 15th of March, 1870, he arrived in Topeka. He soon found work on a farm near that city, and remained there for six months. He then resolved to obtain a farm of his own and engage in farming and stock-raising for himself. Accordingly he came to Sedgwick County, and took up 160 acres in this township under the homestead law. His brother had a claim near by and they kept a bachelor's establishment until 1877, living, in the meantime, in the various habitations known to the frontiersmen, such as a dugout, hay shanty, etc. He now lives in a more commodious dwelling and has provided ample shelter for his horses and cattle.

            Our subject took unto himself a wife to preside over his home on the 18th of March, 1877. Her maiden name was Miss Mary M. Thomas, and she has ably co-operated with him in building and maintaining a pleasant home. She is the daughter of John and Matilda (Pickens) Thomas. Her father was born in England and came to the United States in early life. Since coming to this country he has been engaged in farming. In 1870 he came with his wife and children to Kansas, and lives in Payne Township. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. His wife was born in the State of New York, and was there educated in the public schools; she is a faithful member of the Christian Church. To them were born six children, two sons and four daughters, namely : George W., Frank A., Mary M., Linna, Ida A. and Anna B., all living and married. Linna married W. J. Miles; they live in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ida A. married E. A. Fanning; Anna B. married E. A. Phillips.

            To our subject and his wife there have been born four children—Nora E., Pearl B., Mossaline and Bertie; the latter died when about one month old. Mr. Devore votes with the Republican party. He is a stanch and true citizen, always using his influence to promote the best interests of the township. He well deserves the esteem and favor in which he is held by all.

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