Person Page 264

From Tracy DeVault:

Valentine “Volly” DeVault, Jr. was born on February 16, 1822 on the DeVault’s Ford Plantation. In 1842, when his parents died, the DeVault’s Ford Plantation, then constituting about 1100 acres, was divided up among Valentine’s and Susan’s four sons. (Valentine’s and Susan’s daughters, all then married, received cash.) John, the eldest son, who at the time was also married and had three children, was to receive the land on which he was living, this land being in Sullivan County; Isaac got the Massengill tract of 385 acres; Jacob got the “Big Island” and adjacent lands on the far side of the Watauga River and Valentine Jr., the youngest son, got the home place and about 350 acres of surrounding lands.

At the time of Valentine Jr.'s parents' death, the new brick house that was under construction, was only partially completed. The three unmarried sons finished the home and continued to live there. Jacob was the first to marry (1844) and he brought his wife to live in the Valentine home. Isaac was the second to marry (1848) and he also brought his wife to live in the Valentine home. The 1850 Census shows Isaac Davault, his wife and son Richard; Jacob Davault, his wife and son William and Valentine Jr., all living in the DeVault’s Ford house. Isaac built his home on the Massingill tract about 1852. Jacob is thought to have moved his family to his land across the Watauga River about the same time. It appears that Valentine Jr. lived alone in the large house until his marriage to Edna A. Hannah in 1857.

There is a story about how the DeVault and Hannah families first met. This version was told by Isaac DeVault’s grandson, Harry Faw.

“The Hannah family lived originally in Roanoke, Virginia, on a farm where the city is now located. They decided to sell out and move west. The story is told that they were traveling west in a big covered wagon when they came to DeVault’s Ford in the late afternoon, where they decided to pitch camp for the night before crossing the river. My Great-Grandparents [Valentine and Susan Davault] lived on high ground, back from the Ford, near where the large brick house now stands. My Great-Grandmother, Susan, sent word down to the Hannah wagon for the mother and the two little girls to come up to the house and sleep that night. The next morning my Great-Grandmother was teasing the little Hannah girls that she would let them marry her two sons, Valentine Jr. and Isaac. As it happened the Hannah family located in that neighborhood (1) rather than going west. Afterwards [years later] the two sons married the two Hannah sisters. Great-Grandmother Hannah lived to be about 100 years old.”

Harry Faw did not give the date the Hannah family crossed the river at DeVault’s Ford, but Hannah family history says they made the move in September of 1841. That would make Elizabeth about fourteen years old and Edna would have been about eleven years old. Valentine Jr.'s mother, Susan (Range) Davault, died the following year so she did not live to see her prophecy come true.

Newland DeVault visited the Valentine home in 1946, 1949 and 1969. On his 1969 visit, Adelaide “Addie” (Gresham) DeVault (2) related the following story. It takes place around 1860, a few years after the marriage of Valentine Jr. to Edna Hannah.

“This large home was not built for the convenience of the housewives as they are today, for they had slaves to do the work. The kitchen, as in most homes of that period, was not directly connected with the dining room. One had to go through several rooms from the kitchen to the dining room. Edna, Valentine Jr.’s wife, pleaded with her husband to cut a door through the dining room so she could go directly to the kitchen. He said, “No,” in no uncertain words. He had helped in the construction of the house after his father’s death in 1842 – it was his pride and joy and he refused saying that “he would rather have his heart cut out” than to make the change. Sometime later, when he was away from home for several days on a business trip, he came home and found the door cut through.” Newland speculated that, “It would be interesting to know what Valentine Jr. had to say when he came home and found the door cut through.”

The following biography of Valentine Jr. was printed in Goodspeed's History of Tennessee (Washington County), 1887:

"Valentine DeVault, farmer, was born February 16, 1822, in Washington County, on the Watauga River. He began as a farmer when twenty years old, and now owns a farm on 350 acres, where he lives, and an orange grove in Florida. November 17, 1857, he married Edna, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Hannah, natives of Roanoke County, Va. Their children are: John C. (deceased), George V., William W. and Robert D. Both are Methodists, and he is a Democrat. He has been a school commissioner six years. His parents were Valentine, Sr., and Susannah (Range) De Vault, natives of York County, Pa., and this county respectively, and were successful in their farm life. The father was an able business man, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Henry and Catharine M. (Graves) De Vault, natives of France (3) and Germany respectively, who after their marriage came to America, and settled in York, Penn., where they reared a large family. Some remained in Pennsylvania, some went to Indiana, and some to Tennessee, but all are now deceased. The mother was a daughter of Peter Range, one of the earliest settlers of this county."

The following are parts of two letters Newland DeVault received from David Sullins DeVault. (4)

Letter from 1951

“I appreciate your letters and the picture of Valentine’s old home. The memories of my childhood are very vivid. When I was a young lad, between the ages of eight and twelve [between 1884 and 1889] my father would hire a hack [from Bristol] and pack some trunks and his family in it and start during the early morning for the DeVault farm, arriving there in late afternoon. We usually spent a month there during the month of July. I remember Valentine II, whom I called “Volly” and also remember Uncle Jake. During those days the farms largest crop was watermelons and cantaloupes on the bottom lands near the river edge. Uncle “Volly” was a very large man, over six feet tall. He used to carry me on his shoulders. He taught me to swim. My memory is rather vague about the house, except that is was brick. The picture of the front door looks familiar. I remember there were two Negroes, "Uncle Tom" and "Aunt Rebecca," who were once slaves of Valentine Sr., both very old and loveable. Tom worked around the barn, and Rebecca in the kitchen ------ People traveling through would stop overnight on their way from Tennessee to North Carolina or opposite. The farm down the river, next to Valentine's was owned by George DeVault (5) -- we would often spend the day there. George sold his farm and later went to Florida.

Letter from 1953

"I remember Valentine Jr. -- he was a very large man, 6 feet 3 inches tall, well proportioned and full of fun, always in good humor. We often called him "Uncle Volly." When he laughed, which was often, he could be heard a mile. My father used to take his family to the farm during the summer. He loved to hunt and fish. During those days the Watauga was full of large-mouth bass. The fields abounded with quail and pheasants. The house was a two and a half [story], red brick structure. As I remember it had 14 rooms. The third floor had a hall from front to rear. I think there were four or six rooms in it that were used for travelers who stopped over night going or coming from North Carolina. I remember one night four men stopped at the house. They must have been well supplied with whiskey for they got drunk and started to fight. Valentine, William (6) and my father had to stop the fight and throw them out. I remember "Aunt Rebecca" a guinea Negro slave who was the cook. She had blue eyes. In her old age she visited all the folks and nearby relatives. She visited us in Bristol, where she saw electric lights -- there were two other negroes -- Zeke and Manual (7) , who attended the stables, field and melon patches."

The following is an excerpt from "On Horseback: A Tour of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee," by Charles Dudley Warner, 1889:

"A ride of twenty miles next day carried us to Union (8). Before noon we forded the Watauga, a stream not so large as the Nolichucky, and were entertained at the big brick house of Mr. Devault, a prosperous and hospitable farmer. This is a rich country. We had met in the morning wagon-loads of watermelons and muskmelons, on the way to Jonesboro, and Mr. Devault set abundance of these refreshing fruits before us as we lounged on the porch before dinner.

It was here that we made the acquaintance of a colored woman, a withered, bent old pensioner of the house, whose industry (she excelled any modern patent apple-parer) was unabated, although she was by her own confession (a woman, we believe, never owns her age till she has passed this point) and the testimony of others a hundred years old. But age had not impaired the brightness of her eyes, nor the limberness of her tongue, nor her shrewd good sense. She talked freely about the want of decency and morality in the young colored folks of the present day. It wasn't so when she was a girl. Long, long time ago, she and her husband had been sold at sheriff's sale and separated, and she never had another husband. Not that she blamed her master so much he couldn't help it; he got in debt. And she expounded her philosophy about the rich, and the danger they are in. The great trouble is that when a person is rich, he can borrow money so easy, and he keeps drawin' it out of the bank and pilin' up the debt, like rails on top of one another, till it needs a ladder to get on to the pile, and then it all comes down in a heap, and the man has to begin on the bottom rail again. If she'd to live her life over again, she'd lay up money; never cared much about it till now. The thrifty, shrewd old woman still walked about a good deal, and kept her eye on the neighborhood. Going out that morning she had seen some fence up the road that needed mending, and she told Mr. Devault that she didn't like such shiftlessness; she didn't know as white folks was much better than colored folks. Slavery? Yes, slavery was pretty bad—she had seen five hundred niggers in handcuffs, all together in a field, sold to be sent South.

About six miles from here is a beech grove of historical interest, worth a visit if we could have spared the time. In it is the large beech (six and a half feet around six feet from the ground) on which Daniel Boone shot a bear, when he was a rover in this region. He himself cut an inscription on the tree recording his prowess, and it is still distinctly legible:

D. BOONE CILT A BAR ON THIS TREE, 1760.

This tree is a place of pilgrimage, and names of people from all parts of the country are cut on it, until there is scarcely room for any more records of such devotion. The grove is ancient looking, the trees are gnarled and moss-grown. Hundreds of people go there, and the trees are carved all over with their immortal names."

When I, Tracy DeVault, visited the home in 2001, I saw the carved bed headboard. It was engraved with the following: “V 1877 D” – referring to the date the bed was made and the initials of Valentine DeVault, Jr.

Migrated with brother Henry to Montgomery County, MO after 1827. Returned to Tennessee to marry Mary Hoss, then went back to Missouri and built the DaVault Tavern, a double log house with a broad hallway as "protection against the red man and his strange associates already there". In 1849 the log house was replaced with a 2 1/2 story brick house, known as the Peter DaVault Homestead and occupied by descendants.

Peter Davault was the second child of Frederick and Margaret Davault. He was born on the joint homestead of Frederick and Valentine DeVault located at DeVault's Ford on the Watauga River. Peter was ten years old when his parents moved to the new community of Leesburg, Tennessee. Frederick constructed the DeVault Tavern at Leesburg and Peter lived there until he married Mary Hoss on October 27, 1831.

Shortly after his marriage, Peter, his wife, Mary and Peter's brother, Henry, left for Missouri. They traveled in two wagons drawn by oxen. Peter and Mary homesteaded a tract of land on the Boone Lick Road. It was located about a mile from the future town on New Florence. Their first home was a log structure of two rooms separated by a covered entrance. The house was said to provide protection from "the red man and his strange associates, already there." Like his father, Peter, began to cater to travelers along the road, providing a place to rest and obtain refreshments. Like his father's place, this place soon became known as the "Davault Tavern." It is interesting to note that the trail laid out by Daniel Boone, the Boone Lick Road, passed in front of Frederick's tavern in Tennessee and also in front of Peter's tavern in Missouri.

In the census of 1850, Peter's land was valued at $9,000.00. By 1860 the valuation had increased to $39,000.00 -- the largest of any of the grandsons of Henry DeWald of York Co., Pennsylvania. For his time Peter was a very wealthy man.

When Peter died, he left no will. His son, Fred, administered the estate and signed an affidavit on October 8, 1907, 35 years after Peter's death. (On April 12, 1901, the original records were destroyed by fire.)

Peter and his wife were both buried in the Davault Family Plot across the road from their house. When Virginia Davault (Peter's brother Henry's widow) died on October 7, 1895, she was buried in the New Florence Cemetery. Twenty-three days later, Fred and Alf Davault removed the body of their uncle, Henry, and placed it beside that of his wife. They also transferred the bodies of Henry and Virginia's two sons, Elijah and John, the body of their Aunt Catherine, who died in 1850, and the bodies of Peter and Mary Davault.

The Peter Davault Homestead is located on the Old Boone Lick Road, one mile south of the present site of New Florence. It is also 4 1/2 miles east of Danville and is along the line of the state highway. The place passed into the possession of descendents of his daughter, Catherine, who married David Knox. By 1968 the old building had been destroyed to make room for a freeway.

Newspaper Articles published at the time a historical marker was placed at the site of the Davault Tavern:

DAVAULT TAVERN

In the spring of 1828, following the path of Daniel Boone, as laid out in 1815, came Peter Davault with his wife, Mary Hoss and took permanent abode upon the tract of land where John U. Knox now resides -- the passing of Pioneers over the old Trail being traveled to-day, had been common for some years, but with that nomadic idea of something better farther on, so when Mr. and Mrs. Davault arrived, vast prairies laid to the north, deep woodlands to the south, with not a neighbor within ten miles.

Peter Davault, the pioneer, was a son of Frederick Davault, of Jonesboro, Tennessee. He a son of Henry Davault, born in France, coming to America in 1764, landing near Philadelphia, but soon taking up his abode in Hanover County, Pennsylvania, where he passed the period of the Revolutionary War. Henry Davault died at the age 85 years.

Leaving Jonesboro, Tenn. Peter Davault and wife, then but a short time married pressed their way by ox teams to this place. A double log house with a broad hallway between was soon erected and protection given against the red man and his strange associates already here. This at once became the Davault Tavern and the Pilgrimager plodding his way westward was given rest and refreshment. The Tavern became the stopping place of tradesmen, as many as 20 men with teams were cared for at a time. Prices were not as to-day a single meal was 15c, Supper, lodging and breakfast with team cared for, was only 50 cents. Great droves of cattle, hogs and turkeys rested here over night. Slaves cared for the dining room while "uncle Sam" whose body lies in the graveyard just to the northward, watched the turkeys until they found a roost in the trees or upon the fences.

In 1849 as caravan after caravan passed by, enroute to the gold fields of California, the double log house gave away to a large brick house 2 1/2 story high. The brick for this building were burned just across the road to the east. The present foundation as seen was a part of the brick building. The present frame building took the place of the brick in 1865.

(Note: According to Eugenia Davault, the bricks were defective and part or all of the structure was replaced; many of the old bricks being used inside the walls of the wooden structure.)

To Mr. and Mrs. Davault were born nine children, Henry, Abraham, Frederick, Alf, John, Kittie, Lou, Emma and Mary. Mr. Davault lived until 1872 and Mrs. Davault until 1882. Four children yet live, John, Fred, Alf and Lou, the latter two rejoiced in being present at the dedication.

As the Davault Tavern marker shall stand as a memorial to the Pioneer who braved dangers and hardships that civilization might penetrate westward, may it also stand as an incentive to progress, peace and happiness for the many millions yet to pass over the great National Old Trail.

MARKERS DEDICATED

In Spite Of Rain, Mud and Cold The D. A. R's Carry Out Program.

All honor in the pluck and grit of the D. A. R's. When Gov. Majors appointed Mrs. Mark S. Salisbury of Kansas City, Mrs. Geo. B. McFarlane of Columbia, State Regent and Mrs John VanBrunt of Kansas City to have charge of the markers on the Old Trail, he evidently knew his ladies. This was the week of dedication, starting in at St. Louis all went well until Foristell was reached. By fighting mud, bad roads and etc., Warrenton was reached. The Wabash was used to Jonesburg were Wednesday, just after lunch the Cross Keys tavern marker was dedicated, and the one at Lewiston as well, with the same ceremonies. The school children sang "America", presentation speeches were made by Mrs. Salisbury and Deputy State Highway Engineer Hawkins, acceptances by Mrs. Wardie Ebert Regent of the local chapter and Dr. J. L. Jones.

Undaunted, the ladies braved the heavy rains, and muddy roads, however abandoning the automoile and taking to hack, just as Pioneers did of old, they drove to the Davault Tavern, which was reached at 4 o'clock.

The marker for this point was in the car at noon yet when the ladies arrived it was duly in place. A program of special interest had been arranged but was canceled on account of the rain. Upon their arrival Mr. and Mrs. John Knox entertained for a few moments after which Mrs. Van Brunt representing the state D. A. R's in a flow of language, eloquent and full of inspiration presented the marker. This was approved by State Commissioner Hawkins. Mr. Alf Davault who was born and reared at the old place in a few words received the marker. Mrs. Chas. A. Bast of Mexico presented a sketch of the tavern. The ladies drove to Montgomery City and were entertained in the evening by Montgomery Chapter.

Thursday morning Danville and Mineola markers were formally dedicated and the trip continued on to Fulton.

At Mineola Mrs. Emma Graham made the acceptance for the D.A.R's and Mr. Ben Graham for the County.

Letter from Peter Davault to his brother John dated May 30, 1840:

Mr. John Davault

Leesburg, Washington Co

Tennessee May 30, 1840

Dear Brother:

I now take my pen in hand to inform you that we are all enjoying health at present. Henry and his family also the same blessing. I received your letter dated April 10 which gave me great satisfaction to hear from you and that all are well and doing well, particular Father and Mother, for I long to hear from them at times, we get letters seldom.

I believe with you, the way they have been slipping off from them is a caution, but I am afraid that the place has become so slippery, that there will be more slipping done yet before very long and leave the old folks by themselves. Tell David I have first honored father with his name. I have a boy a year old before yesterday, which I call Frederick and define any one to show a pertine boy than he is. He has been walking for some time and can begin to talk. Little Henry is going to school in Danville and can read quite well and commencing to

write and will soon write you a letter. Tell Mr Duncan he must not think hard of me for not writting him before. He wrote a very fine letter, but most too mysterious on politicks for me to comprecate; tell him he must not decline writting to me for I shall write him an answer yet soon some time when I have a leisure moment or too.

I have nothing of importance to write you at this time. The politicks of this state is card to a great extent; there was in St Louis the largest meeting that has ever been seen in the west, there was thought to have been 3.000 people, besides the city, pulling canoes and log cabins and buildings of dimentions made of logs and sticks; even went so far as having wagon beds full of clay and men on them digging graves; and coffins setting on them as they went along. I have to send a letter tonight, and it is getting late. I will stop for the present, I intend to have said more.

Your affectionate brother,

Peter Davault

Note: This letter was sent before the time of stamps. The envelope was a plain sheet of paper, folded and the back sealed with sealing wax. The letter had been placed and remained for almost 100 years in a wooden mail pouch where it hung in the DeVault Tavern, Leesburg, Tennessee. In 1946, the letter was given to Newland DeVault by John's son, Russell DeVault. Today (2004) the letter is in the possession of Newland's daughter, Jean (DeVault) Switzer. In 1999 I was told by Mary (DeVault) Butcher, present owner of the Davault Tavern (Tennessee), that the mail pouch had been stolen some years ago.

Note: Fourteen months after receiving this letter, John Davault, of Leesburg, made a trip to Missouri on horseback to see his brothers Peter and Henry and his sister Catherine (Davault) Crawford. When he arrived at Peter's home, neither Peter nor his wife Mary knew him and they would not believe it was he until John showed them his name in his hat band. John had been 12 years old when Peter left Tennessee, he was now 22. John stayed 58 days. He left Missouri on November 16, arriving back at Leesburg, Tennessee on December 11, 1841. He spent 19 days traveling to Missouri and 25 days on the return trip.

(1) Newland DeVault reported in his typescript on Henry Dewald that Mary (Hoss) Davault was the daughter of Isaac Hoss and Hannah Bayless. (Isaac Hoss was the son of Jacob Hoss and Mary Boone or Bohne.) I found an article in "The History of Washington County Tennessee 1988" on page 496. The article is on the Smith - Hoss family and states that Mary Hoss (1809 - 1887), the eldest of six children of Issac Hoss and Hannah Bayless, was married to John Smith. Apparently there were two women named Mary Hoss. It would be interesting to know for sure which one was Peter's wife.

(2) Correct parents for this Mary Virginia Hoss provided by Neil Ferguson 23 SEP 2010. DLB 2010.

OBITUARY -- Montgomery Standard - Montgomery City, Missouri, Jan 18, 1924, Page 7, Column 1 (Film in State Historical Library, Columbia, Missouri):

A letter was received Monday announcing the serious illness of John Davault of Denison, Texas, and a short time afterword a message announcing his death. The body arrived at this place Tuesday, accompanied by his son Carl and was taken to the home of his neice, Mrs. M. G. Lavender, where on Wednesday afternoon short funeral services were conducted by Rev. John Scholl, paster of the Methodist Church. The body was laid to rest in the New Florence Cemetery beside the body of his wife. Mr. Davault had not been in the best of health for some time, but not until a few days before his death was his condition considered serious.

He was a good citizen, a kind and indulgent father and his passing is a great loss to his son, who was very devoted to his father. Below is a short sketch of his life:

John Davault, son of Peter and Mary Virginia Davault, was born at the Davault homestead 3/4 mile west of New Florence, Mo., June 5, 1844, and departed this life January 5, 1924, at his home in Denison, Texas, being 70 years and 7 months of age. He was one of a family of 9 children, all of whom have preceded him to the better world, except Fred of California, Alfred of this place and Mrs. Louisa Bast of Mexico, Mo. The entire family have been blessed with long useful lives. Mr Davault was married December 24 1879 to Miss Sophia Fullington who passed away February 20 1921. To this union two children were born, a child dying in infancy and Carl of Denison, Texas. Mr. Davault was born in this community, but in 1881 moved to Denison, Texas where he spent the

remaining years of his life.

OBITUARY:

Miss Emma Davault

The news of the serious sickness of Miss Emma Davault fell heavily upon our people last week. Saturday morning she passed from this life to life everlasting.

Her sickness was brief and rather severe. A post-mortem examination revealed appendicitis and pertonitis. She realized the end as it approached and like Hezekiah of old, set her house in order by giving instructions as to her funeral and burial.

Her life and character were exemplified in the request that what might be done should be for good of others and not for herself.

Sunday afternoon in the Methodist church, before a very large attentive audience the final obsequies were held. Rev. Trotier delivered a splendid sermon -- to the living.

Miss Emma was a great help to the Methodist church and Sunday school. She was an old member. Her life was but a reflection of those Christian virtues in which she believed and taught.

She was a member of the Davault family so prominent in this country. She leaves a sister, Mrs. Chas. Bast, and four brothers, Jno. of Texas, Henry of Nebraska and Alf and Fred of this place, all of whom weep not as those without hope, for when mortal shall put on immortality, the glories of a never ending reunion will bless this family around the Throne in Heaven.

OBITUARY #1

LIFE'S SHADOWS

Henry DeVault was born in New Florence, Montgomery county, Missouri, on May 8th, 1833. On December 20, 1860 he married Caroline E. Clark. Seven children were born to them, three of whom are living. He moved with his family to Bayard in April 1901, where he took a homestead, on which he was residing at the time of his death, of heart failure, on October 28, 1908.

He leaves his wife, one son, William P. and two daughters, Misses Lizzie and Emma, besides many friends to sorrow for him. His youngest son, Aylett, died at Boise, Idaho, less than a year ago.

In his youth he united with the M. E. church and lived all his days a consistant christian. Life's shadows are many and to the young and vigorous, death is the greatest, but to the aged, who have passed their three score years, it is simply the laying down of burdens and going home.

Since coming to Bayard seven years ago, Grandpa DeVault has endeared himself to all who knew him, by his gentle, kindly acts, and it can be sincerely said of him as the Master said of Nathaniel, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile."

OBITUARY #2

Henry Davault Dead.

A telegram received Wednesday announced the sudden death of Mr. Henry Davault of Bayard, Nebraska. What was the cause or where interment will be is not yet known.

Mr. Davault was 75 years old. He was born on the place where John Knox lives, and made this community his home until about seven years ago, when he moved to Nebraska. He was a member of that prominent and pioneer Davault family. His three brothers, Alf and Fred of New Florence, John of Texas and Mrs. Lou Bast are all that remain.

Mr. Davault leaves a wife, two daughters, Lizzie and Emma, and one son, Peter. His death is a great surprise and regretted by our people. The family are entitled to and have our sympathy.

Note From Bible of Emma Isabelle (DeVault) Harpole:

Henry DeVault died Wednesday, Oct. 28th, 1908, at 8 o'clock of heart failure, was sick only an hour, was buried Thursday afternoon in Bayard Cemetery.

Headstone legend:

Left side

Caroline

1837

1923

Front

Henry

DeVault

May 8, 1833

Oct 28, 1908

Right side

Mary E.

1864

1924.

Henry Davault was the first child born to Peter and Mary Davault. He was born in 1833 near New Florence, Missouri. In a letter Henry's father wrote to his brother, John on May 30, 1840, he had the following to say about Henry: "Little Henry is going to school in Danville -- he can read quite well and is comencing to write, and will soon write you a letter." Henry was seven years old and Danville was five miles from his home.

In 1860, Henry married Caroline Clark. Caroline was the daughter of William Clark and Elizabeth Snethen. Like the Davaults, the Snethens were early pioneers of Montgomery County. The couple raised their seven children near New Florence, Missouri.

Henry and Caroline's eldest son, William Peter DeVault, attended Kirksville, Missouri Business School. There he heard that the "Davault" name was French and should by spelled the French way "DeVault." When he came home from school he convinced his father that they should change the spelling of their name. William Peter eventually settled in Bayard, Morrill Co., Nebraska. By 1900 their youngest son, Aylett, and his family were also living near Bayard. (It is not known when he moved away, but Aylett was living in Boise, Idaho in 1907, at the time of his death.) In April of 1901, when he was 68 years old, Henry, his wife, Caroline and their two unmarried daughters moved to Bayard. Here they homesteaded farms about nine miles from town.

50th Wedding Anniversary Article:

Golden Wedding

A kind providence occasionally, not often, permits the blessing of husband and wife celebrating a half century of wedded life. Such came to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Davault when with near 100 guests assembled in their pleasant home in Davault addition Wednesday, Jan. 8th, 1913, they celebrated the golden wedding in gladness, feasting and thankfulness.

January 8, 1863 was rather a rainy day, in the farm residence near Montgomery City upon which now lives Solon Brandt, Mr. Davault and Miss Ellen McCleary were united for weal or woe under the ministration of Rev. George Smith. Jos. McCleary and Miss Sharp, Charlie See and another Miss Sharp, waited upon the couple during the ceremony. One hundred and fifty guests were present to partake in the joy of that occasion. Mr. and Mrs. Davault settled on a part of his father's farm just at the southern edge of town and have been part and parcel of this community this half century. Five boys have added to the noise of their home, now all men and occupying responsible places in the commercial affairs of a busy world. Emmett, Edward and Bruce engaged in business in Tulsa, Oklahoma were not able to attend the celebration Wednesday evening. Wednesday evening, January 8th 1913, the guests assembled with Mr. and Mrs. Davault between six and seven o'clock. A few minutes before dinner was announced, Mr. Davault attired in the conventional black with white tie and Mrs. Davault arrayed in Chiffon over white silk, entered the parlor and took their place under a large bell swinging from an arch of Holly. Rev. W. G. Rigg to the surprise of Mr. and Mrs. Davault rendered the following humorous ceremony:

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered in the presence of these witnesses because of the hasty and inconsiderate conduct of these two persons present half a century ago. And I abjure you both if you know any reason why you should continue to follow the same line of life, that you forever hold your peace thereabout. And I further urge that if any one present knows any reason why these two persons shall continue to live as man and wife that they keep it secret on penalty of singleblessedness the remainder of their respective lives. And I require and charge you both as you shall stand before the awful throne of judgement, if either knows anything about the other that you tell it and that right quickly. Frederick, do you promise this present that you will allow this woman to support you and in manly courage treat her half as well as you do the washerwoman and on an equal footing with the cook? And will you faithfully stick to your promise for fully a week? Ellen, do you promise to continue to boss this man as you have done for the past threescore years, and under all circumstances take his part especially when it's something that he likes? Will you keep him as thin and as timid as we now see him by casting pleasant smiles and glances to the grocery boy and other stranger as may chance to pass this way? As much as Frederick and Ellen have both refused our serious ministrations in their behalf, I now pronounce them incorrigibles together, and turn them over to the tender mercies of their many friends."

Mr. and Mrs. Davault led the way to the tastily decorated dining room where dinner was served, including everything from turkey and oysters down to ice cream and cake. Mr. and Mrs. Davault never seemed happier and the fifty years passed showed no signs upon their activity and entertaining qualities. May their married life continue unbroken for the years to come and the joy and happiness of the home with children and children's children, increase as the years go by. Mr. Alf Davault was the only person present in 1863 to witness the first marriage that witnessed this one of 1913. The out of town guests included Harvey Marmaduke and wife, Carbondale, Ill., Willaim Davault and wife, Williamsburg, C. A. Davault and wife, Farber; J. B. DeVault and wife, Martinsburg; Chas A. Bast and wife, Mexico, George Bast Mexico.

Many nice presents were left with Mr. and Mrs. Davault as tokens of love and friendship.

History of St. Charles, Montgomery & Warren Counties Missouri, Pages 728, 772 On 19 Aug. 1867, Fred Davault was injured in the back when a cyclone struck New Florence and destroyed the partially erected ampitheater of the fairgrounds where the entire crew of hands had taken refuge, two killed, nearly all more or less injured as reported by the Montgomery Standard, Montgomery City, Missouri.

Missouri State Genealogy Association Journal, 1982, Page 73 (Copy in Timberland Library, Olympia, Washington.

On 6 Aug. 1892 the Old Settlers Association of Montgomery Co., Missouri at their 11th Old Settlers Reunion, elected Fred Davault, Vice President for the next year, the reunion crowd was estimated at 15,000 persons and was held in a grove 1/2 mile west of New Florence.

Obituary – The Mexico Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri; Thursday, 24 MAR 1932, page 6 (Newspapers.com):

Alfred Davault, widely and favorably known Montgomery County resident, 90 years old, died suddenly at his home, on March 17, and funeral services were held Friday, largely attended by friends and neighbors.

Mr. Davault was a brother of Mrs. C. A. Bast, of Mexico, and a cousin of the father of J. B. DeVault, of this city, and Mr. Bast, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. DeVault and Mr. and Mrs. George Kemp, all of Mexico, attended the funeral.

Mr. Devault (sic), a former Montgomery County representative in the state legislature, was born at the old family homestead on the Boonslick road, a mile south of New Florence, on April 14, 1842, and spent his entire life of ninety years on that farm. He was the son of Peter and Mary Davault, pioneers, who came to Missouri from Tennessee in 1828.

The family from early days were identified with the Methodist Church and devoted to its interests, and long before churches were built, church services were held in the Davault home, where the circuit rider and the traveling minister was always welcomed.

Alfred Davault, one of the younger sons, of the family, received a liberal education, and in 1870 established the present home having married Miss Corinna McNeily, of Danville, daughter of a Methodist minister. A few years later she died, soon after the death of their only child.

In 1882 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Gardner of New Florence, and to them were born six children, Mrs. M. G. Lavender, Mrs. H. H. Nunnelly, Miss Lillian Davault, Herbert Davault, all of New Florence, Alfred Davault, Jr., of Oakland, Cal., and Mrs. Irwin Tritch, St. Louis. This family and two grandsons survive him.

He was a leader in his home community in fraternal life, in politics, in public affairs, and in the church and its activities. He was a well and favorably known man, and the Ledger joins friends of the bereaved in extending sincere sympathy to the family at his passing.

Old Settlers Association, Montgomery County, Missouri, Sixth Reunion, August 6, 1887

Thomas J. Powell's grove 1/2 mile west of New Florence, Alfred Davault elected Vice-President.

Old Settlers Association, Montgomery County, Missouri, Eighth Reunion, August 3, 1889 Alfred Davault elected Vice-President.

Old Settlers Association, Montgomery County, Missouri, Tenth Reunion, August 1, 1891 Alfred Davault elected to Board of Directors

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - Montgomery Standard, May 13, 1904

A few nights ago a young cyclone struck in the vicinity of Alf Davault's farm. Fences were laid

down like straws. A t Mr. Davault's the bay window was damaged and the family very much frightened.

Montgomery Standard, Montgomery City, Missouri, April 27, 1923

Saturday evening, April 14, 1923, about 30 invited guests assembled at the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. M. G. Lavender, in this city, the occasion being a compliment to the hostess's father, Mr. Alfred Davault, on his 81st birthday. Mr. Davault is one of the oldest native born residents of this place; he was born and raised less than one-half mile from town, on the Boonslick road where his parents, who were early pioneers from Kentucky (sic) pre-empted a large tract of land south of town and founded the Davault Tavern on the Boonslick Trail. Later they remodeled it into a modern country home, where they spent the remainder of their lives and raised a large family of children. Mr. J. U. Knox, a grandson, now resides there and recently a D.A.R. marker has been placed by "the old tavern site". Mr. Davault is the only one of the family who remains in this vicinity. He now resides on his farm adjoining town, which he has owned for nearly 60 years. His wife, formerly Miss Lizzie Gardner, of this place, is the presiding genius of his well appointed home, where a smile and a warm welcome awaits all comers. They have 6 children, all of whom are honored and esteemed members of society and are filling useful positions in life.

Mr. Davault still retains his usual activities and devotes much time to his church and the I.O.O.F., where he is always found holding a prominent official position, and is a favorite teacher in the Sunday School. He is a prominent Democrat and served both state and county well for many years. He delights to spend much time and effort in his garden and among his fruits and flowers, and enjoys hunting and fishing.

All of the family with the exception on one son, Alfred, Jr., who is employed in the far west, were present to enjoy the evening with him. After much pleasant conversation and jolly games all were invited to the dining room where the lights were unespectedly switched off. In a moment the two little grandsons, Davault Nunnelly and Harold Lavender, appeared in the doorway bearing between them a daintily appointed tray laden with a large glistening white angle food cake wreathed in fragrant spring blossoms and brightly adorned with 81 lighted candles; quickly they crossed the room and presented it to Grandpa as his birthday gift. Dainty refreshments were then served by the hostess, assisted by Misses Lillian and Edith Davault and Mrs. H. H. Davault; later the little ones present were the center of attraction, and all enjoyed the beautiful songs rendered by Miss Edith Davault with Mrs. Lavender at the piano.

At a late hour, after wishing Mr. Davault many more long years brightened with warm friendships, sweet music, fragrant flowers and good things to eat, the guests departed, thanking Mr. and Mrs. Lavender for a very delightful evening.

Those attending were Mr. and Mrs Alfred Davault, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Knox, Mr. and Mrs. J. U. Knox, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Knox, Elmer Duebbert and family, Ad Bishop and family, Howard Nunnelly and family, Herbert Davault and wife, P. A. Davis and wife, Mrs. Fannie Davault, Mrs. Angie Pemberton, Miss Martha Knox, Misses Lillian and Edith Davault, William Knox, Jr.