Migrating DeVoe Clan

Many a kinsman has migrated around the United States and I have often wondered what the pull was - in this case, Wisconsin.  

In reading some of the history, the early 1800s were exciting times. Springtime drew fur traders to Fond du Luc; the southwest of the state was rich with lead mines; the reduction of Indian hostility enabled growth & access to resources; the railroad combined with the introduction of steam navigation on the Great Lakes facilitated trade; and the waterway contributed to fertile lands. But what made families pack up their home, uproot the family?

More often, the simple explanation prevails. It turns out many a family packed up and moved as a result of advertising, extensive advertising. 

The Homestead Act of 1862 along with the ads that were placed in densely populated areas announcing the sale of government lands in growing areas encouraged the move - I mean who could resist 160 acres for $1.25 and a 5 year commitment? The various states would even compete with each other, for example, Wisconsin claimed that Illinois had frost 2 weeks earlier and that anything would grow in the state!

Abram Y Devoe's clan was one family of farmers who moved from New York to Wisconsin between 1865 & 1870. Was it the result of an ad or something else? Either way, the pull was strong and they were in Lamartine by 1870.

Born in 1821 at Rensselaer Co, NY, Abram Y Devoe was the son of William Devoe & Hannah Anthony. He met & married a girl from Saratoga Co, NY, Cynthia Ann Parcells who ties into our lines via her parents, Lorenzo Parcells & Margaret Emigh. They had 4 children - Henry, Charles, Willard & Adelaide.

courtesy of Grave Walker (L Kopet) - Find A Grave

Plainfield Sun, 19 Feb 1886

Abram Y. DeVoe -- Old Mr. DeVoe, spoken of last week as having received a severe stroke of paralysis, died at his home (Feb. 13, 1886) west of town on Saturday morning, and was buried on Sunday. Mr. DeVoe came to this county about 10 years ago, and was 64 years old at the time of his death. He was said to be an honest, hard-working man, and a kind and obliging neighbor.

courtesy of Grave Walker (L Kopet) - Find A Grave

Waushara Argus - March 31, 1905
Cynthia Ann (Parcels) DeVoe --Tuesday, March 28th, the funeral of Mrs. Cynthia A. DeVoe (died March 26) took place at West Plainfield, Rev. C. W. Palmer delivering the funeral discourse.

It appears Henry & Willard went further - they went to Washington to farm. Neither boy married and after Willard died in 1925, Henry returned to Wisconsin.

Plainfield Sun, 4 Aug 1922

courtesy of Janet Marie - Find A Grave

Charles DeVoe was born in Rensselaer County, New York, June 26, 1855. When six years of age he moved with his parents to Fond Du Lac, Wis. Later they moved to Plainfield where he grew to manhood. In 1890 he was united in marriage to Amanda Chapel. To this union were born seven children, one dying in infancy. Four years ago he moved to Janesville and then to Oshkosh. Left to mourn his loss are his wife, four sons, Harley, Lloyd, Claude and Floyd, and two daughters, Adelaide and Luella, all of Oshkosh, and two brothers, Henry and Willard of Etna, Washington. He died July 29, 1922, at the age of 67 years, 1 month and 3 days at the home of his niece, Mrs. Ora Wing. He was sick only a few hours. CARD OF THANKS - The family wish to express their heartfelt thanks to all the kind friends who assisted them during their hour of sorrow, the choir and the donors of the beautiful flowers.

The baby of this group was Adelaide and she married Norman James Perry, the son of Orrin S Perry & Mary J French; they had 1 daughter, Lois from the Lovely, Lovely Pictures posts.
 

The Stevens Point Journal, Sat, 3 Nov 1883
Plainfield - Mrs Norman Perry, residing about two miles west of this village, died very suddenly on Wednesday morning.