W. C. " Billy" Devier

W. C. Devier, one of the oldest settlers is dead.

     

At 11:35 this morning W. C. Devier breathed his last. The cause of his death was Bright’s disease

     

Mr. Devier was one of the earlier pioneers of Reno County. Away back in the early seventies he came to Hutchinson, a young man without money, but full of ambition and energy, backed with a good head. He came to this then new county to seek his fortune.

     

About the first man the earlier settlers of Reno County would get acquainted with on arriving here was W. C. Devier or “Billy” as everybody knew him. He was then clerk for A. K. Burrell at the Reno House, the leading hotel of the city for many years.

     

About twenty years ago “Billy” went into the mercantile business and the firm of Devier & Blackburn, afterwards Allison, Devier & Blackburn dealers in groceries and drugs, was known all over Southwestern Kansas. Their trade was enormous and their profits was enormous and their profits accordingly large. “Billy” was realizing the dreams of his youth, making money. Shortly after entering into business he married the eldest daughter of his former employer. Miss Alice Burwell, and she and one daughter are left to mourn his loss.

“Billy” Devier was well liked by a host of our people. Many a Reno County farmer has followed him into prosperity and reverses by dealing with him, whether his stock of goods was large or small. Of late years he has had many reverses, but toward the last, with his character eristic pluck and energy, was once more getting on his feet and building up a large business, but ill health was in his way. But for that the proximities are that he would have again taken his old place in the commercial world.

     

The date of the funeral has not yet been announced, but will probably be held Sunday.

Death Date: January 27, 1899

Hutchinson Daily News 

January 27, 1899

Submitted by Kathleen Dankanyin

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Lot 104