Thomas  Devol

            Thomas Devol was born in Washington County, Ohio, July 28, 1 81 7, son of  Arphaxed and Mary (Dye) Devol.  His father was born in Rhode Island, and was raised in Massachusetts.  He came westward to Ohio, in a very early day, and died in Morgan County, in 1840.  His mother was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Morgan County, about 1846.  The subject of our sketch is the fifth of eight sons, and is the only one now living.  He was raised on a farm in Morgan County, Ohio, and came to Indiana in 1835.  He did not move to Shelby County, however, until 1839.  Since 1842, this county has been his permanent residence.  Mr. Devol carried on the business of farmer until 1871, after which time he lived in Shelbyville, and since 1874 has been a grain merchant.  In 1842, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to  Miss Priscilla B. Ross,  who is a native of Ross County, Ohio.  They have been blessed with three children:  Aurilla V.,  Mary M. and  Clarke R.  Mr. Devol was once a member of the Whig party, but is now a Republican, although very liberal in his political views. Mr. Devol became a Mason about twenty-eight years ago, and was the sixteenth member to join the I. O. O. F.  He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  He is one of the most zealous Christians in this city.  He is one of the leading spirits in all reforms and revivals.  He attends the other churches as well as his own, and loves to mingle his voice with other congregations in worship.  He is honest and upright in all of his business dealings, and is one of the best men in Shelbyville.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Brant & Fuller, 1887, "Shelbyville Sketches,"  pages 478-79.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming.

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