Nancy Louise DeVault

F, b. 2 May 1895, d. 2 March 1985
     Nancy Louise DeVault was born on 2 May 1895 at McDowell Co., NC. She was the daughter of Hugh Alexander Tate DeVault and Mary Alice Brown. Nancy Louise DeVault died on 2 March 1985 at Morganton, Burke Co., NC, at age 89. She was buried in March 1985 at Glen Alpine Methodist Church Cemetery, Glen Alpine, Burke Co., NC.
Note:

Did not marry.

Nancy Margaret DeVault

F, b. 1773, d. 2 September 1847
     Nancy Margaret DeVault was born in 1773 at Pennsylvania. She married John Henry Jones.
Note: Not a Henry DeWalt decendant. Nancy Margaret DeVault died on 2 September 1847 at Pennsylvania.

Children of Nancy Margaret DeVault and John Henry Jones

Citations

  1. [S1277] 1850 Federal Census, Sullivan County, Tennessee. Microfilm Image, NARA Series M432, Roll 897.

Neil Augustus DeVault

M, b. May 1889, d. 1928
     Neil Augustus DeVault was born in May 1889 at Greene Co., TN.1 He was the son of John Augustus DeVault and Mary Eleanor McClellan. Neil Augustus DeVault died in 1928. He was buried in 1928 at River Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greeneville, Greene Co., TN.

Citations

  1. [S1250] 1900 Federal Census, Greene County, Tennessee. Microfilm Image, NARA Series T623, Roll 1573; FHL #1241573.

Nell Ruth DeVault

F, b. 1 July 1913, d. 22 November 1987
     Nell Ruth DeVault was born on 1 July 1913 at Shelbyville, Shelby Co. (probably), IN. She was the daughter of William Walker DeVault and Estella Mae Pence. Nell Ruth DeVault died on 22 November 1987 at Decatur Co., IN, at age 74 Dates per SSDI, last residence Westport.

Nellie K. DeVault1

F, b. 27 January 1874, d. 8 February 1898
     Nellie K. DeVault was born on 27 January 1874 at Washington Co., TN.1 She was the daughter of Valentine DeVault and Florence Allison. Nellie K. DeVault died on 8 February 1898 at Washington Co., TN, at age 24. She was buried in February 1898 at Allison-Boring-Hodges Cemetery, Oak Grove, Washington Co., TN, Find A Grave Memorial# 24617818.

Citations

  1. [S464] 1880 Federal Census, Washington County, Tennessee. Microfilm Image, NARA T9, Roll 1284; FHL #1255284.

Newland Alfred Devault

M, b. 11 February 1896, d. November 1976
     Newland Alfred Devault was born on 11 February 1896 at Farber, Audrain Co., MO. He was the son of Charles Alfred Davault and Susie S. Newland. Newland Alfred Devault was educated; Attended the University of Missouri and the University of Oklahoma. He married Florence Pearl Conner on 20 February 1926 at Chandler, Lincoln Co., OK.
Note:

Newland was using the DaVault spelling for his surname in 1926 when he married Florence Conner. He mentioned in one letter that his mother told him that his middle name was "Alfred" and his father told him that he didn't have a middle name. In the Oklahoma early marriage records he is listed as N. A. DaVault.

Newland conducted extensive research in the DeVault/DeWald genealogy, and eventually published a 287-page history and genealogy of the descendants of Henrich Dewald in 1975, a year before his death.

Newland Alfred Devault died in November 1976 at Banning, Riverside Co., CA, at age 80.

Child of Newland Alfred Devault and Florence Pearl Conner

Olive Ruth DeVault

F, b. 22 October 1929, d. 4 May 1984
     Olive Ruth DeVault was born on 22 October 1929 at Des Moines, Polk Co., IA. She was the daughter of Edward Monroe DeVault and Ethel Agnes Higens. Olive Ruth DeVault married Gilbert Junior Overlin, son of Gilbert Willard Overlin and Ethel Aleta Scott, on 13 January 1951 at Mitchellville, Polk Co., IA. Olive Ruth DeVault died on 4 May 1984 at Des Moines, Polk Co., IA, at age 54.

Orgie Milton DeVault1

M, b. 10 May 1878, d. 11 October 1934
     Orgie Milton DeVault was born on 10 May 1878 at Sullivan Co. (probably), TN.1 He was the son of John David DeVault and Nancy Melvina Hartness. Orgie Milton DeVault married Georgia Sprinkle Meredith, daughter of Truman Bullard Meredith and Ella Raider. Orgie Milton DeVault died on 11 October 1934 at Knoxville, Knox Co., TN, at age 56. He was buried in October 1934 at Rock Springs Cemetery, Rock Springs, Sullivan Co., TN.

Children of Orgie Milton DeVault and Georgia Sprinkle Meredith

Citations

  1. [S1256] 1880 Federal Census, Sullivan County, Tennessee. Microfilm Image, NARA Series T9, Roll 1281; FHL #1255281.

Pearl Hazel DeVault

F, b. 22 April 1875, d. 23 June 1876
     Pearl Hazel DeVault was born on 22 April 1875 at Bristol Independent City, VA. She was the daughter of Milton Tucker DeVault and Timmie Eugenia Cardwell. Pearl Hazel DeVault died on 23 June 1876 at Bristol Independent City, VA, at age 1. She was buried in June 1876 at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol, Sullivan Co., TN.

Rachel Mary DeVault

F, b. 1821, d. 15 October 1900
     Rachel Mary DeVault was born in 1821 at Hanover, York Co., PA. She was the daughter of Jacob Davault and Rachel Dorothy Kitzmiller. Rachel Mary DeVault married Thomas Hyder Hunt, son of Henson Hunt and Mary Pope, on 28 October 1837 at Washington Co., TN. Rachel Mary DeVault died on 15 October 1900 at Kansas City, Jackson Co., MO. She was buried in October 1900 at Reader Cemetery, 4 miles NE of Chesterfield, Macoupin Co., IL, according to Newland DeVault, but Tracy DeVault says he visited this cemetery and there is no evidence that Rachel (DeVault) Hunt was buried there, despite the stone for her husband and son James which is there.
Note: Remarks by William Bruce Gillmore:

Grandmother, Rachael DeVault Hunt, was about eight years old when her mother died and her sister, Susan was a year younger. Their father did not marry Elizabeth Scott until about 1835. During the years that he was a widower, the little girls spent much time at the home of Warrington and their sister, Maria Catharina (DeVault) Hunt. Their father complained that at home there were only the slave children with whom they could play. At sister Maria Catharina's there was their cousin, Louisa Ann Eliza (Lou) to play with, and no doubt the little girls fared better there than they would at home where they would be cared for by the slaves.

It was here with Warrington and sister Kate that Grandmother learned to spin, weave and sew, also to tailor men's clothing, an art that her sister had learned from her DeVault ancestors. Also it was here that Rachal met and married Warrington's brother, Thomas Hyder Hunt, when she was sixteen years old.

Rachel and Susan were always very close, and I was grown before I knew that Grandmother had other sisters and brothers. Apparently, she did not get to know her step-mother very well. I can recall no stories concerning her, but I never heard an unkind word about Elizabeth. She seems to have been a quiet, retiring woman who busied herself with her household, and had little time for visiting.

In 1850, Thomas Hyder Hunt took his family and with a number of relatives and friends, went by covered wagon to Illinois. It was quite a caravan, a dozen or more wagons. Mother was six years old and remembered many incidents of the long journey.

At that time the economy of Tennessee was based upon slave labor, and slaves were expensive, costing from $500.00 to $1500.00. My mother remembered a wedding at which the father presented the bride with a slave girl, and the tale was that it was a $500.00 present. Under such conditions, a poor man who had to buy land and slaves had a hard time getting ahead. Illinois offered better opportunities. Land was cheap and a man and his family did the work and every one was on the same footing.

In the party making the trip were Grandmother's brother, Michael DeVault, and her sister Susan (DeVault) Duncan and their families. Thomas Hyder Hunt's sister, Elizabeth (Hunt) Peugh and family were also in the caravan, and there may have been other relatives. There were also many friends who went along.

They settled in Macoupin County, Western Mound Township, where the family of Thomas Hyder Hunt lived until 1869, when they migrated to Barton County, Missouri. Near here, in the Reader Cemetery four miles north and a little east of Chesterfield, Thomas Hyder Hunt and his son James were buried and in 1900 Rachel Hunt was taken to lie beside them.

Some time after 1860, Michael DeVault and family moved to Pike County and Joseph and Susan (DeVault) Duncan with their family moved to Macon County.

When Jacob Hunt came home from the war in 1865, at the age of 22, he found himself the head of the family, his father and older brothers having died. Mary Emily and Louise were young ladies, but Belvia, Eliza, Bruce and Julia were children.

The family had suffered reverses. The oldest son, James, and the father had died. The boys who were old enough to farm had been drafted, probably because they were southerners, and the widow and the children left to do the best they could. Taxes and interest went unpaid while Henson and Jacob were in the army. So Jacob gave up the farm and went to Pike County and settled near Pittsfield near his Uncle Michael DeVault. They lived there until 1869. It was there that Mary Emily Hunt married Ephraim B. Gillmore.

In 1871, Jacob rented the Stephens farm. It was one mile square, 640 acres, with plenty of running water, some woods, and pasture land and fertile fields. By now Bruce was old enough to make a hand in the field. The farm is one half mile west of Kenoma, Missouri. Later the Ft. Scott and Memphis railroad crossed the farm near the house. They were six miles south and east of Lamar.

It was here that Louise was twice married; first to Oscar Hannah, and after his death, to Frank Barrett, who was a civil engineer on the construction of the new railroad. Here also, Belva married Reason Burr, and Eliza married John Lindsey.

After some sixteen years on the farm, Jacob had a sale and went to Lamar and opened a bank, and later engaged in other business activities until about 1890, when he and Bruce moved to Bates County and located near Adrain. A few years later they went to Indian Territory and prospered. Jacob lived for many years at Alex, Oklahoma where he died. For a few years, Bruce farmed near DeRider, Louisiana and later moved to Jackson County, Missouri. There he, Alice and their daughter, Mildred died.

This brief story would be incomplete without mentioning Walter Howey (born October 4, 1873, married Effie Hampton, December 1, 1901 and died June 12, 1954), a boy whom Jacob raised, and who grew up as one of our cousins. Walter and his younger brother, Edward, lost both of their parents at about the same time by pneumonia when Walter was about four years old. An improvident neighbor family by the name of Denham was caring for the little boys, and appealed to the authorities for relief. The county authorities, being unable to locate any relatives of the little boys, were looking for homes for them. Jacob agreed to take Walter, but as he was a bachelor, refused to adopt the child. Edward was adopted by a family by the name of Sharp. Mrs. Sharp was a sister to Celestia Stuart Peugh, and lived west of Lamar. So the little boys were almost in the same family, and grew up knowing each other. These boys never gave their foster parents any grief, and grew up to be fine men. In Bates County, when Walter became twenty-one, Jacob helped him get started farming. He went to the Indian Territory with them. There he married and later settled in Missouri, nine miles west of Jasper City. He raised a fine family of six children, and they were all doing well when last I visited them in 1928.

Children of Rachel Mary DeVault and Thomas Hyder Hunt

Rachel Sophia DeVault

F, b. 20 December 1865, d. 13 April 1951
     Rachel Sophia DeVault was born on 20 December 1865 at Glen Alpine, Burke Co., NC, 1900 census shows birth year 1866. She was the daughter of Jacob A. DeVault and Mary Ann Alexander. Rachel Sophia DeVault married Marshall Rankin McLean, son of James McLean and Isabelle Catherine DeVault, on 18 September 1890.
Note: It was said that Sophia once killed a mountain lion with a gun. When an article appeared in the local paper, describing the incident, future husband Marshall Rankin McLean wrote to her. This correspondance eventually led to their marriage.


Although she lost two sons to airplane crashes, she was a frequent passenger until her health prevented it. Rachel Sophia DeVault died on 13 April 1951 at Gibsonville, Guilford Co., NC, at age 85. She was buried in April 1951 at Friedens Lutheran Church Cemetery, Gibsonville, Guilford Co., NC.

Children of Rachel Sophia DeVault and Marshall Rankin McLean

Ralph Earl DeVault

M, b. 11 December 1920, d. 15 February 1987
     Ralph Earl DeVault was born on 11 December 1920 at Shelbyville, Shelby Co. (probably), IN. He was the son of William Walker DeVault and Estella Mae Pence. Ralph Earl DeVault married Mary Elizabeth Miller, daughter of Leslie Thomas Miller and Anna Elizabeth McBee, on 13 April 1940 at Marion Co., IN, Mary later married William Koopman. Ralph Earl DeVault married Hazel Irene DeBaun, daughter of Charles E. DeBaun and Minnie E. Schonfield, in 1942. Ralph Earl DeVault died on 15 February 1987 at Indianapolis, Marion Co., IN, at age 66

OBITUARY - The Indianapolis Star; Indianapolis, Indiana; Tuesday, February 17, 1987; Page 31

Ralph E. DeVault
Shelbyville, Ind. -- Services for Ralph E. DeVault, 66, a lifelong Shelby County resident, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Ewing Mortuary, Shelbyville, with calling from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today. He died Sunday in Community Hospital. He had been an engineer for TriState Construction Co. 30 years, retiring in 1979. He was a World War II Army veteran and a member of Brookfield Baptist Church, Shelbyville Masonic Lodge 28, York Rite, Scottish Rite and Murat Temple. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent Hospital Outpatient Dialysis Center. Survivors: wife, Hazel I. DeBaun DeVault; daughters, Tessa Pursley, Lana Reinhart, Donna Smith and Terry Whicker; sisters, Betty Lamb, Nell Anderson, Harriet Kiplinger and Melvina Brinkley; brothers, Roy, Fred and Harry DeVault; seven grandchildren.

He was buried in February 1987 at Winchester Cemetery, Shelby Co., IN.
Note: Ralph and Hazel DeVault appear to have raised four children of Dale and Emma (Utsler) Cole after the death of their mother in 1953. The foster arrangement may or may not have been legally documented.

Child of Ralph Earl DeVault and Mary Elizabeth Miller

Child of Ralph Earl DeVault and Hazel Irene DeBaun

Ralph Morton DeVault

M, b. 1908, d. 27 March 1936
     Ralph Morton DeVault was born in 1908 at Tennessee. He was the son of Orgie Milton DeVault and Georgia Sprinkle Meredith. Ralph Morton DeVault married Helen Cecil Parham on 4 January 1935 at Kingsport, Sullivan Co., TN, no children. Ralph Morton DeVault died on 27 March 1936 at Kingsport, Sullivan Co., TN. He was buried in 1936 at Oak Hill Memorial Park, Kingsport, Sullivan Co., TN, Findagrave #84972500.

Ralph Pulliam DeVault

M, b. 12 December 1879, d. 11 November 1968
     Ralph Pulliam DeVault was born on 12 December 1879 at Asheville, Buncombe Co., NC. He was the son of Charles Wesley DeVault and Laura L. Pulliam. Ralph Pulliam DeVault married Ruth C. Tenney, daughter of George C. Tenney and Elsie L. Shepard, on 26 June 1911 at Battle Creek, Calhoun Co., MI. Occupation: Motion picture engineer in April 1930.1 Ralph Pulliam DeVault lived on 12 April 1930 at Villa Park, DuPage Co., IL.1
Note: During the depression Ralph came to California and tried to invent something that people could buy "without too much money." He invented the potato peeler, patented as the "DeVault" potato peeler, which can still be bought today.

He died on 11 November 1968 at Malibu, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 88.

Children of Ralph Pulliam DeVault and Ruth C. Tenney

Citations

  1. [S224] 1930 Federal Census, DuPage County, Illinois. Microfilm Image, NARA Series T626, Rolls 511 & 512; FHL #2340246-7.

Raymond Otto DeVault

M, b. 15 June 1925, d. 27 October 1932
     Raymond Otto DeVault was born on 15 June 1925 at Piatt Co., IL. He was the son of Julius Raymond DeVault and Hattie Mae James. Raymond Otto DeVault died on 27 October 1932 at Willow Branch, Piatt Co., IL, at age 7. He was buried in October 1932 at Robison Cemetery, Piatt Co., IL, Findagrave #49462575.

Reece David DeVault1

M, b. 13 November 1875, d. 1 February 1929
     Reece David DeVault was born on 13 November 1875 at Sullivan Co., TN.1 He was the son of John David DeVault and Nancy Melvina Hartness. Reece David DeVault married Sarah F. Boyer, daughter of Charles Boyer and Judith (?), between 1920 and 1929, no children to this marriage. Reece David DeVault died on 1 February 1929 at Kingsport, Sullivan Co., TN, at age 53 Death Notice - The Kingsport Times, Kingsport, Sullivan Co, Tennessee, February 1, 1929:

REECE DEVAULT IS CLAIMED BY DEATH
Resident of Rock Springs Dies at Local Hospital Following Brief Illness
Reece Devault, aged 52 of Rock Springs, and an uncle of Milton Devault, manager of Holston Coal Co., died in a local hospital this morning at 10 o'clock, following a brief illness. Mr. Devault was widely known in the Rock Springs district, having lived there for a number of years.
He is survived by his wife, mother, Mrs. Melvina Devault, four brothers; J. C. Devault, of Rock Springs, J. G. Devault, of Emory, Va., W. W. Devault of London, Ind., and O. M. Devault of Fairland, Ind. O. M. Devault is the father of Milton, Morton and Charlton Devault of this city.
Funeral services will be conducted from the Rock Springs church at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon.


OBITUARY - The Kingsport Times, Kingsport, Sullivan Co., Tennessee, February 3, 1929

REECE DEVAULT FUNERAL TODAY
Services Will Be Held at Rock Springs Church this Morning at 10 o'clock
Funeral services for Reece Devault, age 52 who died in a local hospital Friday following a brief illness, will be conducted from the Rock Springs Church this morning at 10:00 o'clock. Interment will follow in the cemetery near Rock Springs.
Mr. Devault is an uncle of Milton Devault, manager of the Holston Coal Co., Chaunce, high school boy and Morton, a student at Emory and Henry College, all of this city.
He is survived by his wife, mother, Mrs. Melvina Devault, four brothers, J. C. Devault, of Rock Springs, J. G. Devault of Emory, Va., W. W. Devault of London, Ind., and O. M. Devault of Fairland, Ind. O. M. Devault is the father of Milton, Morton and Charlton Devault of this city.


Cause of death: diabetes mellitis. He was buried in February 1929 at Rock Springs Cemetery, Rock Springs, Sullivan Co., TN.

Citations

  1. [S1256] 1880 Federal Census, Sullivan County, Tennessee. Microfilm Image, NARA Series T9, Roll 1281; FHL #1255281.

Richard Eugene DeVault

M, b. 30 December 1939, d. 10 September 1995
     Richard Eugene DeVault was born on 30 December 1939 at Little River, Rice Co., KS.1 He was the son of Elmer Keith DeVault and Edna Louise Hylton. Richard Eugene DeVault married Linda Louise Cole on 12 November 1961 at Burley, Cassia Co., ID; Linda remarried to Gordon Grundman on 14 APR 1985. Richard Eugene DeVault and Linda Louise Cole were divorced before April 1985. Richard Eugene DeVault died on 10 September 1995 at Lewis & Clark Co., MT, at age 55

Obituary -- The Independent-Record, Helena, Montana; Wednesday, 20 SEP 1995, p.7 (Newspapers.com):

Richard DeVault

Richard Eugene DeVault, 55, of 520 Logan No. 116, died Sept. 10, 1995, in West Yellowstone.

He was a friend to many at Sunset Capital Apartments and Montana House.

Survivors include his mother Edna DeVault of San Diego, Calif; his brother Larry K. DeVault of Eau Claire, Wis; two daughters, Shawna Openhimer and Tessie Berry, both of El Cajone (sic), Calif.

A memorial service will be held today at 1 p.m. at the Montana House.

Citations

  1. [S5301] 1940 Federal Census, Rice County, Kansas. Microfilm Image, NARA Series T627, Roll 1255.

Richard Irvin DeVault

M, b. 30 October 1945, d. 27 January 2005
     Richard Irvin DeVault was born on 30 October 1945 at Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS. He was the son of Leland Tasaway DeVault and Ona Mae Wiard. Richard Irvin DeVault began military service Vietnam War, MSgt., U.S. Air Force. He died on 27 January 2005 at Ft. Worth, Tarrant Co., TX, at age 59. He was buried in 2005 at Dallas - Ft. Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Dallas Co., TX.

Richard Johnson DeVault

M, b. 7 July 1849, d. 24 April 1891
     Richard Johnson DeVault was also known as "Dick". He was born on 7 July 1849 at DeVault's Ford, Washington Co., TN.1 He was the son of Isaac DeVault and Mary Elizabeth Hannah. Richard Johnson DeVault married Martha Emmons, daughter of William T. Emmons and Hannah M. West. Richard Johnson DeVault died on 24 April 1891 at Mt. Airy, Surry Co., NC, at age 41.

Child of Richard Johnson DeVault and Martha Emmons

Citations

  1. [S467] 1850 Federal Census, Washington County, Tennessee. Microfilm Image, NARA Series M432, Roll 898.

Riley DeVault

M, b. 26 January 1904, d. 26 January 1904
     Riley DeVault died on 26 January 1904 at Twelve miles north of Jet, Alfalfa Co., OK. He was born on 26 January 1904 at Twelve miles north of Jet, Alfalfa Co., OK. He was the son of Samuel Henry DeVault and Margaret Angeline Shutt. Riley DeVault was buried in January 1904 at Union Valley Cemetery (aka Ware Cemetery), Alfalfa Co., OK.

Robert Burns DeVault

M, b. 7 July 1871, d. 27 December 1896
     Robert Burns DeVault was born on 7 July 1871. He was the son of John DaVault and Mary C. Carmack. Robert Burns DeVault died on 27 December 1896 at age 25.

Robert Drew DeVault

M, b. 9 May 1869, d. 2 March 1947
     Robert Drew DeVault was born on 9 May 1869 at DeVault's Ford, Washington Co., TN. He was the son of Valentine DeVault and Edna Anne Hannah. Robert Drew DeVault was educated between 1885 and 1886 at Milligan College, Milligan College, Carter Co., TN. He married Osceola Walton, daughter of Elijah Powell Walton and Arrispa Gaines Jewell, on 4 June 1904 at Salem, Roanoke Co., VA. Robert Drew DeVault married Kathryn France after April 1930. Robert Drew DeVault lived at Johnson City, Washington Co., TN, Operated a dry goods store in Johnson City during the 1920s and 1930s. He died on 2 March 1947 at Johnson City, Washington Co., TN, at age 77

Newspaper article by Patty Smithdeal Fulton -- Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Tennessee, 20 MAR 2011:

If these walls could talk: History of East Unaka home

Robert DeVault, member of a prominent pioneer family in the area, built the house at 501 East Unaka Ave. [Johnson City, Tennessee] that his wife, Osceola Walton DeVault, designed.

It was her dream home, a spacious square brick built like a fortress of quality materials. Unaka Avenue was a quiet, tree-lined street and the DeVault home was surrounded by formal gardens, which gradually blended into an expanse of land through which a creek meandered, providing water for the family cow in the fenced pasture just below the vegetable garden.

This was the ideal setting for the young couple to begin the large family both desired. The original plans featured a nursery at the back of the house, adjoining the master bedroom. However, with the passage of time, it was apparent the DeVaults were unable to have children. Adoption laws as we know them did not exist in the 1920s. Mrs. DeVault made it known throughout the community that she wanted to help with the placement of orphaned children.

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Summers’ son was adopted from the nursery at 501 East Unaka. The handsome young daredevil was a pilot during World War II who was killed while fighting the Germans. The entire town mourned the death of Joe-Joe Summers.

And there were others, many unknown, but one was a bright young red-haired lady who was an excellent bridge player, mother of several children, and a good wife to her husband, a banker of extraordinary character. Hope Lewis was in the prime of life when she died.

Dr. Hugh Swingle, a prominent local physician whose family lived down the street on the next corner, told me his sister came from the DeVault nursery. His mother became attracted to the infant during one of her visits with Mrs. DeVault and decided to take the baby home for the weekend. She never took her back.

And there was Joyce, the baby girl who was passed over time and time again because she was so ugly. Pretty babies came and pretty babies went and Joyce stayed. When Mrs. DeVault became ill and died on Christmas Eve 1928, at age 45, Joyce was 7 years old. The following year, when the crash of 1929 shattered the economy of the nation, Robert DeVault faced the Great Depression with indebtedness, loneliness, a big house to care for and little Joyce. Fortunately, in time, Robert met, wooed and married Kathryn France, an attractive lady who spoke the smooth, soft language of her native South Carolina. She had the invisible stamina and determination that is so characteristic of many southern ladies — attributes that are elusive because they are handled with such grace.

For their honeymoon, Bob DeVault brought Kathryn to her new home in Johnson City where she set out to clean the dirty house by washing the more than 50 windows and the lace curtains which she stretched, piece by piece, increasingly aware that there were two pieces of curtain to each window. Each piece was carefully soaked, washed, rinsed and attached to adjustable wooden frames by slipping sharp needle-like nails through the delicate lace border of the curtain, pulling until the curtain was taunt and straight. Left to dry in the sun, more than 100 pieces were retrieved from the curtain stretcher and hung at the windows. Kathryn waxed miles of hardwood floors, polished oak woodwork, washed plastered walls and worked herself into a state of exhaustion.

Robert raised cash by selling the land where the family had planted a vegetable garden to Harry Dosser, an owner of Dosser’s Department Store. The red brick Dosser house was soon constructed next door to the DeVault home.

Kathryn had secretarial skills and took a job in the admitting office of the Mountain Home Veterans Affairs Hospital. She told me of Robert’s depression, his failing health, and the embarrassment, which she felt contributed to his depression, because his wife was working to support him. In those days a man was judged by the standard of living he provided for his family and the wife seldom worked outside the hom

In order to increase the family income, Kathryn added a bath on the landing at the top of the back stairway and made an apartment across the back of the house where the nursery had been located. Although the apartment rented readily (Carl and Kathryn Jones lived there when they moved to Johnson City as newlyweds), it became apparent the family would have to make additional changes. Kathryn persuaded Robert to sell the big house, which they could no longer afford to maintain.

The Couch family bought the house and Kathryn designed a modest white frame duplex she and Robert built on the lot beside the Dosser home, the land where the cow had grazed. Robert, Kathryn and Joyce lived in the two-bedroom unit; the one-bedroom apartment provided incom

Robert died in 1947. Joyce, the little girl nobody wanted, became a nurse, married and moved to another state.

In 1959, my husband, Dr.Lyman Fulton, admitted Kathryn to Memorial Hospital to evaluate some persistent digestive problems. After studying various test results, Lyman called Joyce DeVault Kropff to tell her Kathryn had pancreatic cancer. The ugly little girl nobody wanted to adopt traveled to Johnson City and assumed the role of nurse and daughter. Joyce stayed at the bedside of 66-year-old Kathryn throughout her illness and was with her when she died. Two and one half years later, in 1962, Joyce died of cancer. She was 41.

At the top of a gentle hill at Monte Vista Cemetery, there is a sturdy maple tree with large extended limbs, spreading shade over four graves. Standing at the grave of Oceola DeVault, there is a life-size marble statue of a woman wearing a softly draped gown, holding a child in her arms. The inscription reads, “She did what she could for God’s little ones.” Joyce lies beside her.

He was buried in March 1947 at Monte Vista Memorial Park, Johnson City, Washington Co., TN, Findagrave #108904477.

Children of Robert Drew DeVault and Osceola Walton

Robert Franklin DeVault

M, b. 8 November 1863, d. 31 July 1946
     Robert Franklin DeVault was born on 8 November 1863 at Glen Alpine, Burke Co., NC. He was the son of Jacob A. DeVault and Mary Ann Alexander. Occupation: carpenter, coffin maker, and general farm laborer at Burke Co., NC. Robert Franklin DeVault died on 31 July 1946 at Burke Co., NC, at age 82. He was buried in August 1946 at Glen Alpine Methodist Church Cemetery, Glen Alpine, Burke Co., NC.
Note: Did not marry.

Robert Lee DeVault

M, b. 29 December 1927, d. 20 September 2011
     Robert Lee DeVault was also known as "Bob". He was born on 29 December 1927 at Oreana, Macon Co., IL. He was the son of Julius Raymond DeVault and Hattie Mae James. Robert Lee DeVault began military service Korean War, U.S. Army. He married Shirley Ann Jackson on 29 May 1953 at Havana, Mason Co., IL. Robert Lee DeVault lived in 1987 at Farmer City, DeWitt Co., IL. He died on 20 September 2011 at Le Roy, McLean Co., IL, at age 83 Obituary (Findagrave.com):

FARMER CITY — Robert Lee "Bob" DeVault Sr., 83, Farmer City, passed away at 7:27 a.m. Tuesday (Sept. 20, 2011) at LeRoy Manor, LeRoy.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City, with the Rev. Andy Baker officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Farmer City, with military rites accorded. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Bob was born Dec. 29, 1927, at Oreana, a son of Julius Raymond and Hattie May James DeVault. He married Shirley Ann Jackson on May 29, 1953, in Havana.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley A. DeVault, Farmer City; son, Robert L. (Debbie) DeVault Jr., Ogden; two daughters, Donna (Dana) Evans, Farmer City, and Carol A. (Eric) Kersey, Fisher; grandchildren, Brittany Louise Chrysler Evans, Brett A. Kersey, Quinten (Cynthia) DeVault and Sarah DeVault; great-grandchildren, Lexi Williams, Jason Jackson and Jashawna Jackson; and brother, Frank (Irene) DeVault, Bloomington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and four sisters.

Bob had worked at the DeWitt County Co-op in Clinton for many years. He was an Army veteran of the Korean conflict. He was a life member of Joe Williams American Legion Post 55 and life member of Fred G. O'Malley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6190, both of Farmer City.

He was buried in September 2011 at Maple Grove Cemetery, Farmer City, DeWitt Co., IL, Findagrave #76900014.

Rev. Robert Martin DeVault

M, b. 1 November 1886, d. 16 December 1928
     Note: Robert Martin DeVault was converted at nine years of age; joined the Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church; and ordained as preacher there. Graduated Carson-Newman College, 1910; Newton Theological Institution, Boston, 1914. He was ordained in the old Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church while his father, Frederick W. DeVault, was a minister of that church (1905-1910). He was a fine violinist.

In 1914 Robert married his college sweetheart, Bess Moulton, daughter of Amos Rogan Moulton II and Clara Levica Hurlbert, Fall Branch, Tennessee. The wedding ceremony was performed at the Moulton home, 12 noon, by Dr. J. J. Burnett, president of Carson-Newman College. Following a honeymoon by horse and buggy, they lived in Greeneville, where he was pastor of First Baptist Church. Other pastorates: French Broad near Dandridge, Butler and surrounding churches (1921 to 1928). Raised funds for paying debts of Watauga Academy and Baptist High School, Butler. All five of their children graduated there: Robert, Dorothy, Doris, Leonard, Edwin.

After Robert's death in 1928, Bess taught piano at Watauga Academy and was principal-teacher of grammar school, Butler. She was a woman of strong Christian faith, integrity, wisdon and courage; a loving, sacrificial mother who worked hard to provide a college education for her five children. In 1941 she moved back to her childhood home in Fall Branch. Bess and Robert Martin DeVault were buried at Gray.

Rev. Robert Martin DeVault was born on 1 November 1886 at Jonesborough, Washington Co., TN. He was the son of Frederick William DeVault and Laura Adelaide Martin. Rev. Robert Martin DeVault was educated at Carson-Newman College and Newton Theological Institution, Boston, Suffolk Co., MA. He married Bess Telete Moulten, daughter of Amos Rogan Moulten and Clara Levica Hurlbert, on 22 October 1914 at the home of the bride, Fall Branch, Washington Co., TN, ceremony by Dr. J. J. Burnett, President of Carson-Newman College. Occupation: Baptist minister. Rev. Robert Martin DeVault died on 16 December 1928 at Johnson City, Washington Co., TN, at age 42. He was buried in December 1928 at Buffalo Ridge Church Cemetery, Gray's Station, Washington Co., TN.

Children of Rev. Robert Martin DeVault and Bess Telete Moulten

Robert Moulton DeVault

M, b. 1 August 1915, d. October 1985
     Robert Moulton DeVault was born on 1 August 1915. He was the son of Rev. Robert Martin DeVault and Bess Telete Moulten. Robert Moulton DeVault was graduated; Furman University and University of Tennessee. He began military service U. S. Army Air Corps. Occupation: He retired in 1984, completing fifty years as a teacher and coach at Watauga Academy, Elizabethton, Kingsport, Winston-Salem. Received the Roy N. Anderson Award for outstanding contributions to education. He died in October 1985 at Winston-Salem, Forsythe Co., NC, at age 70.

Robert R. DeVault

M, b. 19 November 1878, d. 5 November 1886
     Note: Robert "Bobby" died at eight years and at his request his three day old brother was named Robert.

Robert R. DeVault was born on 19 November 1878 at Washington Co., TN. He was the son of Frederick William DeVault and Laura Adelaide Martin. Robert R. DeVault died on 5 November 1886 at Washington Co., TN, at age 7. He was buried in November 1886 at Buffalo Ridge Church Cemetery, Gray's Station, Washington Co., TN, Headstone legend:

BOBBIE R.
Son of
Fred & Laura DeVault
Born Nov. 19, 1878
Died Nov. 5, 1886
"Heed my ... all ... in heaven."

Robert Tenney DeVault

M, b. 7 October 1920, d. 13 February 1992
     Robert Tenney DeVault was born on 7 October 1920 at Calhoun Co. (probably), MI. He was the son of Ralph Pulliam DeVault and Ruth C. Tenney. Robert Tenney DeVault married Norma K. Calkins, daughter of Arthur Vernon Calkins and Hilma Christine Malmgren, in 1942 at South Pasadena, Los Angelse Co., CA. Robert Tenney DeVault died on 13 February 1992 at Felton, Santa Cruz Co., CA, at age 71.

Robert Valentine DeVault

M, b. 4 May 1906, d. after 1956
     Robert Valentine DeVault was born on 4 May 1906 at DeVault's Ford, Washington Co., TN. He was the son of William Weldon DeVault and Adelaide Gresham. Robert Valentine DeVault married Lila Gordon King Pinnix. Robert Valentine DeVault died after 1956.

Roller Dutton DeVault

M, b. 29 December 1908, d. 16 October 1958
     Roller Dutton DeVault was born on 29 December 1908 at Farnham, Richmond Co., VA. He was the son of Rev. Samuel Pierce DeVault and Helen Mary Oldham. Roller Dutton DeVault married Emma Alyne Smelcer, daughter of Alden Clark Smelcer and Elsie Bible, on 28 July 1939. Roller Dutton DeVault lived at La Mesa, San Diego Co., CA. He began military service U.S. Navy, retired 1956. He died on 16 October 1958 at La Mesa, San Diego Co., CA, at age 49. He was buried in October 1958 at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma, San Diego Co., CA.