|
|
-
-
| Notes |
The Devin Family compiled by Dessa Hofstetter is one of the premier sources of compiled genealogy information for the Clayton Devin line. For many a beginner genealogist, Dessa's book made it seem like you did not have to do any research; Dessa had already done it for you. That is, until the beginner genealogist realizes that a compiled work cannot be the "proof" of your lineage. It can serve only as a guide to the primary documents required to prove who your ancester are. For the most part, the information is reasonably accurate and provides a good foundation on which to chart the Devin branch of your family tree. There are many documented inaccuracies in The Devin Family, so you must always check the information gained from this book against primary sources. Dessa's manuscript has been edited and republished by others after her death in 1966. The three booklet editions known to exist have their own set of errors. Unfortunately, the authors of the changes did not indicate the date of publication or editor's name.
Dessa's The Devin Family mainly concentrates on the decendants of William Devin, Jr. (pages 4-37). The Alexander Devin line is on pages 37-41. There is a brief mention for Robert Devin on Pages 2-3 and Sarah Devin on Page 2. Five other children of Willaim and Sarah Devin are mentioned on pages 1 and 2. Dessa put a lot of research and time into it. Family stories say that she used an old typewriter to create the manuscript pages of the booklet from her hand-written notes and letters. Overall, it is the largest and most complete compiled, published genealogy for Sarah Smith and William Devin, Sr. of Eighteenth Century Virginia. - Description:
36 p.; 21.5x27.5 cm.; typewritten; manuscript.- Much of the pre-1850 information is copied almost word for word from an earlier compiled genealogy. The author of the earlier genealogy is unknown, but speculation suggests that it was done by Alfred Harrison Devin. Dessa apparently used this eariler document, removing some information and interjecting additional information as needed. The net result is a lose of continuity in the book's format. Evidence for the earlier genealogy is found in the many unpublished genealogies where the same errors and wording appear which were done before or at the same time that Dessa was compiling her book.
It also includes information taken from a "Hughes Family" genealogy by Vera Creech and a "Nowlin-Devin" missive by Anne Hudelson. A frustration in Dessa's book is that she includes references to these other documents. A very acceptable practice except it leaves confusing gaps in "The Devin Family" if you do not have those other documents to refer to.
- There are several known inaccuracies in Dessa's work. The following list highlights the known issues in the manuscript. Other issues are known to exists in the later booklet editions of her work. Note: the later booklets (after 1966) have been done by others, but attributed to Dessa.
- Pittsylvania County, Virginia did not exist until 01.June.1767, so any mention that a person was born in Pittsylvania county before that date should be considered suspect. Specifically, on Page 4, "[William Devin, Jr.] was born in Pittsylvania County, Va. in 1752" cannot be completely accurate, because Pittsylvania County would not exist for another 15 years. Even if he was born in the area that would become Pittsylvania County there cannot be any record of the birth in that county. Assuming he was born in Virginia Colony at all, the birth is more likely to be recorded in Halifax County archives or even Lunenburg County depending on the month he was born.
- The references to Camden Parish on page 1 are possibly from the vestry records of Camden Parish, Virginia which was created when Pittsylvania county was created. Camden Parish and Pittsylvania have the same boundaries. As of this writing, a Camden Parish in Ireland has yet to be found.
- Nathaniel Madison Devin (page 17) died on April Third, not April 31 ("Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November"). Family stories say that the person who carved the headstone mistook the comma after the day as the number one. Ira Devin (Matt's son) is said to have been angry for years after the mistake was discovered. Many references to his date of death are based on the headstone; including The Devin Family booklet.
- Page two says the father of Alexander Devin's wife, Susanne, is Bryan Ward Nowlin. Page 37 says her father was Edward Nowlin.
- On Page 1, the reference to the records of the parish of Camden: "William and Martha Devin were joined in marriage the 7th day of Sept. 1720 by the Rector of Camden". Speculation this reference may be the marriage of William Devin, Jr. and Martha Mitchell where the 1720 is actually 1780. A hand-written 8 can be mistaken as a 2.
- On Page 3, the reference that Pittsylvania County "absorbed Patrick County and Herry County in 1777" is incorrect. "Henry" County was formed from the western half of the original Pittsylvania County in 1777. Patrick County was formed from the northern and western portions of the original Henry County in 1790.
- On Page 17, the middle name for Atha Evan is more likely Crystal rather than Christina. Crystal is the middle name used on her Funeral Program.
- On page 20, Neale is Gary's middle name, not Niel (son of Carl Glen Devin).
- On page 20, Agatha Lynn should be Gatha Lynn (adopted daughter of Carl Glen Devin).
- On page 2 concerning the powder horn, family stories from the Alexander Devin line says that the horn was carried by William Devin (Jr. or Sr.) in ARW and carved by him while recuperating from his wounds.
- References to "Sucky" Nowlin, wife of Alexander Devin, maybe more properly spelled "Sueky".
|
|
|
