William J. Devol
 

WILLIAM J. DEVOL - One among the many worthy citizens of Boone County was William J. Devol, commonly called the old "Judge" Devol. He was born in the old Buckeye State, December 28, 1814, where his boyhood days were spent. After arriving at the age of twenty-eight, moved his headquarters to Crawford County, Missouri. Here he took up farming for his occupation and prospered with great success. After living here about twenty-three years, at the death of his brother, Clark Devol, his interests were drawn to Boone County, moving on his farm northeast of Lebanon in 1865, and remaining here until he accepted the presidency of the First National Bank, making his residence immediately north of the city. Mr. Devol has held several offices of trust and profit during his residence in Missouri, viz., two terms in the legislature, sheriff of Crawford County, county collector, and probate judge of the same county. He was elected a joint representative from Boone and Clinton counties, Indiana, by the Democratic party in 1870. He was married to Rebecca Thompson, January 20, 1842, who was born in Crawford County, Mo., August 19, 1822. At the age of fifteen she united with the Baptist Church, of which she was a consistent member until she went to join the church triumphant. She made no loud profession, and never made a display of her good deeds or charities, yet she was ever ready and anxious to feed the hungry and relieve all kinds of distress and sorrow. She proved to be a very considerate and affectionate wife, living until the 21st day of June, 1886, at about 8:30 p.m., leaving her husband and many friends to mourn her loss. In early life Mr. Devol joined the Baptist Church, and all through his life has been a liberal supporter of the gospel and a regular attendant of all means of grace, when health would permit. He has been a sufferer from kidney disease for several years, besides being badly ruptured, and it was this that caused his death. On Saturday, the 4th day of December, 1886, a surgical operation was performed on him, but only temporary relief was afforded, and the 6th day of December, 1886, at 1 o'clock a.m., his soul took its flight from the body. His and his wife's funeral were both largely attended at the Center burying ground, three miles east of Lebanon, where their bodies repose in death. In life, Mr. Devol was extremely eccentric, but many friends and relatives have been made to rejoice by his peculiarities of character. He was courteous to all, and especially courteous and generous to those he took a fancy to. He was one of the wealthiest men in the county, nearly all his possessions being in cash and bonds. His will appoints Wesley Lane his executor, viz., to Mary Wondel, the property where he resides and $1,000; the balance to be divided equally between William C. Devol, of Missouri, and William J. and Charley Devol, of Boone County. Witnessed by George W. Baird and Wesley Lane. In another part of this work will be found the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Devol.

Submitted by: Claudia Kelley
Source: "Early Life and Times in Boone County, Indiana," Harden & Spahr, Lebanon, Ind., May, 1887.