Husband John Thomas DeVane
Born: 21 Apr 1815 - Bladen County, NC 3
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Died: 24 Feb 1892 - Brooks County, Georgia 3
Buried: - Rogers Cemetery, Brooks COunty, Georgia
Father: Benjamin Franklin DeVane
Mother: Mary Jane Rogers 3
Marriage: 26 May 1846 - Thomas County, Georgia 3
Wife Martha Serene Hicks 3
Born: 21 Jan 1824 - Duplin County, North Carolina 3
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Died: 25 Sep 1906 - Brooks County, Georgia 3
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Children
General Notes: Husband - John Thomas DeVane
DeVANE, JOHN THOMAS. REGISTER, GUILFORD There are two handwritten copies of Thomas Devane's will. One in NC Archives, most likely copied from the one in Will Book C pg. 67-68 New Hanover Co.NC. It was written 20 May 1765, stating that Thomas lived on Black River in New Hanover Co., NC. The Will was probated in July Court, 1774. DOWLING, AARON. David C. served in Captain Hendry's Mounted Infantry Company Brantley Georgia Home Guard CSA (Pierce's Mounted Infantry). Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34072850/letitia-dowling: accessed December 10, 2025), memorial page for Letitia Thomas Dowling (1817\endash 1880), Find a Grave Memorial ID 34072850, citing High Bluff Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, Georgia, USA; Maintained by RJ (contributor 47172169).
1815-1896
BROOKS
John Thomas DeVane was born in Bladen County, N. C., April 21, 1815, a son of Benjamin DeVane (q. v.). He was brought by his parents to Georgia in infancy. He was twice married. The first marriage was in Leon County, Fla., to Edith Parrish, May 18, 1838; no issue is known by her. The second marriage was in Thomas County, Georgia, May 26, 1846, to Martha Serene Hicks, by whom his nine children were born. She was born in Duplin County, N..C., Jan. 21, 1824, a daughter of Benjamin and Molsy (Brice) Hicks, and was a lst cousin to Francis Brice (Vol. 1). To Mr. and Mrs. DeVane were born:
1. Mary B.
2. Daniel James
3. William B.
4. Julia
5. Martha Jane
6. Louisiana
7. John F.
8. Alice Moore
9. William Marion
John T. DeVane came with his parents to Lowndes County in 1828, and lived in the portion detached and made Brooks County in 1858. He was the first Coroner of Brooks County, serving 1859 to 1860. He was 1st Lieutenant in the militia, 660 district, Lowndes County, 1846-50. He died at his home near Morven, Dec. 12, 1896, and his wife died Sept. 25, 1906. They were buried in the Camp Ground Cemetery near Morven.
Mr. DeVane served in the Indian War of 1837-40. Record is found of his service in Capt. Randolph Reville's company of Georgia militia in 1838, and under Lieut. Stephen W. Whitfield in 1840. There were also other periods of service, practically all of which was served on the western and southern sides of the Okefenokee Swamp.
Husband Guilford Register
Born: 7 Jan 1811 - Bulloch County, GA 23
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Father: Samuel Register
Mother: Elizabeth Skinner
Marriage: 12 Jan 1832 - Lowndes (now Berrien) County, Georgia 23
Wife Priscilla DeVane 4
Born: 8 Jan 1816 - North Carolina 23
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Father: Francis DeVane 23
Mother: Frances Giddens 3
Children
General Notes: Husband - Guilford Register
1811-1894
Echols
Guilford Register, the first Representative from Echols County in 1858-1859, was born in Bulloch County January 7, 1811, oldest son of Samuel and Elizabeth Register (Vol. 1). He came with his parents in boyhood to Lowndes County and was married there (in portion now Berrien) January 12, 1832, to Priscilla Ann DeVane, a daughter of Francis and Frances DeVane (Vol. 1). She was born in North Carolina January 8, 1816. To Mr. and Mrs. Register were born eighteen children:
1. Francis
2. Zilpha
3. Tabitha
4. David D.
5. Bethany
6. Candacy
7. Chester A.
8. Amy
9. Arcadia
10 Jason
11. Eliza
12. James W.
13. Samuel
14. Sumner
15. Rebecca
16. Bettie
17. Guilford G.
18. (unnamed)
Mr. Register lived in present Berrien County (at that time Lowndes) until 1843, when he moved to a point on the Florida line, inside Florida. Due to the variableness of this line, for many years Mr. Register was considered in Florida and then in Georgia some of the time. When Echols County was created in 1858, Mr. Register was elected and served as first Representative from it in the Legislature. About 1870, the state line was re-run and agreed on by both states as correct, whereby the Register home was placed back in Hamilton County, Florida.
Mr. Register and wife were members of the Primitive Baptist Church, having first united with the Pleasant Church in present Berrien County and being baptized. They transferred by letter and became charter members of the newly formed Hebron Church near their home February 20, 1858. They continued as members at Hebron until their respective deaths. Mr. Register died August 24, 1894 and his wife survived, dying November 22, 1904. Both were buried at Hebron Church.
Census References: 1840,Lowndes; 1850, Hamilton Co., Florida; 1860, enumerated in both Echols Co., Georgia, and Hamilton Co., Florida; 1870, 1880, Hamilton Co. Florida.
Husband Thomas DeVane Sr.
Born: 1663
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Died: 1773 - New Hanover County, North Carolina
Buried: - Old DeVane Cemetery near Tomahawk, Sampson County, North Carolina
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1 M Major John DeVane Sr. 3
Born: 1730 - North Carolina
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Died: 14 Sep 1805 - Bladen County, North Carolina
Buried: - Old DeVane Cemetery near Tomahawk, Sampson County, North Carolina
Spouse: Ann Larkin
General Notes: Husband - Thomas DeVane Sr.
The NC Historical Review Vol VII Num 1-4 Jan-Oct 1930 pg. 153, quoting from the Hall's Wilmington Gazette, Thurs. Mar.29,1798 vol.II "...Died on the 1st inst at his plantation on South River, Mr. Matthew Pridgeon, aged 105 years. Some time ago, Mr. John Sykes, aged 95; and Mr. Thomas Devane, aged 110. There are several persons now living on said River upwards of 100 years of age, and many from 70 to 90. Note: His Will stated Black River which was probably correct; his age recorded in the Newspaper of 110 years old seems far-fetched. Research has not yet revealed his birthdate or place of birth].
Thomas Devane's Will names wife, Margarett and 2 sons: (1.) Thomas Devane, Jr.(1725-1816) who married Mary Larkin(s) had 2 children Margaret & Thomas,III and (2.) John Devane, Sr.(1730-1805) who married Ann Larkin a sister of Mary. They had 9 children:John, Jr.,(1755-1802),James, Sr.(1757-1840), Thomas(1758-1805),William, George, Tobitha (1764-1815- married Francis Davis), Ann, Margaret & Rebecca .
Both Thomas, Jr. and John Devane served in the Revolutionary War.
The Will also names 2 daughters: Mary Devane who married Thomas Corbett, they had 6 children, and Margaret Devane who married James Portivent and had 7 children. After his untimely death, Margaret Devane Poitevent married William Jones and a 3rd time.
Thomas, Jr.(1725-1816) inherited the plantation on Black River, John (1730-1805) inherited the land on Long Creek.
In the records, several connections are found between Thomas DeVane/Devane and David Lee. Seemingly, they both married Sullivan sisters. See New Hanover Co., NC Deed Bk AB pg.480 for support of them being a Sullivan. They are living on Long Creek.
At some point , the spelling of Devane was changed to DeVane. Originally, the spelling appears to have been Devaughan. The pronunciation is nearly the same only the spelling is changed.
So much has been written about Thomas being a French Huguenot. In the book, Wm R. King and his kin by H.P. Johnston, he states that the Devanes took refuse in Scotland after leaving France and then on to the Barbados Islands and then into the American Colonies.The DeVane/Devane family was accepted, at one time, by the Huguenot Society. I have never seen any primary sources for this claim. However, Thomas Devane's will which was written 20 May 1765 and probated July 1774 firmly establishes this family in New Hanover Co NC . His sons, Thomas, Jr. and John DeVane served in the American Revolution. Mary's husband, Thomas Corbitt also served.
Thomas Devane and his family arrived in New Hanover Co., N.C. by 29 Feb 1735 because he was granted 400 acres of land on the north east side of Smith's Creek.(Land Grant Bk 3 p 290 shuck 40.) Then on 14 Mar 1745, 320 ac to Thomas Devaughan on W. side of NE Branch of Cape Fear River called Rockfish Creek(Bk 5 p 332 shuck 328). In the Will of James Pollard of Long Creek, New Hanover Co., NC, a mariner, which was written 18 Nov 1740, names Thomas Devane & Margaret, his wife, of this place aforesaid in his Will. They were made executors of a codicil -proved 5 Nov 1745 p. 83. Thomas Devaughn evidently sold the land that he had acquired by grant in March 1745 because on 7 Dec 1753 there is a deed stating "...Thomas Devaughn of New Hanover Co. to Joseph Blake, Esq...400 Lbs. 320 Acres West side of NE Branch of Cape Fear River on a branch of Rockfish Creek. Signed Thomas X Devaughn (bhm) Wit: Thomas Corbett, Antoine Dubose pg.102
14 Dec 1739 Thomas Devane of New Hanover to Robert Halton. 400 A. Wit:John G. Squire, John Austin p.399-400. Other land grants were on 20 May 1748 - 400 A. on W side of Branch of Black River(Bk 5 p 370 sh. 364) and on 20 April 1745, 160 acres near the School House(Bk 5 p 366 sh 357) on 20 May 1748, 400 A. on W side of oak branch of Black River(Bk 5 p 370 sh 364). After this date there are many land grants to Thomas Devane which would have been his son, Thomas, Jr. and grandson, Thomas, III or possibly his great grandson, all named Thomas. They can only be separated out by their birth and death dates or names of their wives and/or children if named in the deeds.
In February, 1759, Thos. Dovane (Devane) entered a land warrant for 200 acres of land in Bladen County, NC on the west side of South River, the place where James Blount is now. "The west side of South River" is not very specific, but it does indeed refer to Bladen County, NC land, and it therefore cannot be James Blount of Duplin County .
Also in February, 1759, Thos. Devan (Devane) entered 200 acres in Bladen County, NC on the south side of South River below the ford where Thos. Blount lived. (Bladen Precinct/County, NC Surviving Land Warrants & Surveys 1735-1749 and surviving Land Entries 1743-1761 by Miles S. Philbeck 1985 Entry 43, 118 ; #1121 &1122). On same page #1125 Thos. Devane- 75 ac. "about 3/4mile below Devane's Ferry "- Feb. 1759. entry 135. Note: A Devaughn is found in Princess Anne Co., VA 1717-1725 Minute bk. 3. On 6 May 1719 pg. 37 papers were filed against the Devaughan estate. This may not be this Thomas.
See : Barron, Martin L. "Pat", Thomas Devane Colonial Planter-Southern Roots of an American Tree, Signature Book Printing 2014. Excellent history of the Devane family. Mr. Barron provided a great deal of insight into the Devane family through his comprehensive research.
Also see: Charlet Poitevint Grace , The Huguenot Family of Pierre "Peter" Poitevint; His Ascendants and Descendants from France to the Carolinas and Beyond ( New Mexico, Huguenot Heritage Press 2022) , pg.141-151. Mrs. Grace provided excellent research .
Thomas Devane/ DeVane is listed in the Order of the First Families of North Carolina along with his father-in-law, Darby Sullivan(t).
Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/84239305/thomas-devane: accessed December 4, 2025), memorial page for Thomas Devane Sr. (1663\endash 1773), Find a Grave Memorial ID 84239305, citing Devane, New Hanover County, North Carolina, USA; Maintained by Linda DeVane Boyd (contributor 47678956).
Husband Andrew Dobson
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Marriage: 26 Nov 1856 1
Wife Jerushia Mathis
Born: 1834 135
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Father: David Mathis
Mother: Sarah Monk
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Husband John Dolson
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Wife Susan Van Duzer
Born: 12 Jul 1792
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Father: Christopher Van Duzer
Mother: Julia Tusten
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Husband Ambrose G. Harnage
Born: 1826 - Decatur County, Georgia 23
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Father: George Harnage
Mother: Anna Shaw
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Wife Elizabeth Douglas
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Father: Eaton Douglas
Mother: Mariah Branch
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Husband John Douglas 3
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1 M Eaton Douglas
Born: 1800 - Burke Co., GA 3
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Died: Abt 1868 - Clinch County, GA 3
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Spouse: Mariah Branch
Marr: Appling County, GA 3
Husband Guilford Register
Born: 4 Jul 1835 - Ware County, GA 142
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Died: 7 Sep 1903 - Columbia County, FL 142
Buried: - Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Deep Creek, Columbia County, Florida, USA
Father: David Dantzler Register Sr. 4
Mother: Matilda McDaniel 4
Marriage: 25 Jun 1854 - Clinch County, Georgia
Wife Sarah Douglas
Born: 1840 142
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Father: Barzilla Douglas
Mother: Dicy Bennett
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1 F Mary Elizabeth Register
Born: 7 Jun 1859 - Clinch County, Georgia 142
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Died: 16 Dec 1922 - Columbia County, FL 142
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Spouse: James Ransom Waldron
Marr: 1877 - Ware County, GA
General Notes: Husband - Guilford Register
Husband Aaron Dowling
Born: 26 Jul 1827 - Wayne County, GA 28
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Died: 13 Feb 1905 - Charlton Co., GA 28
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Marriage: Feb 1850 28
Wife Sarah Winn
Born: 18 Feb 1831 - McIntosh Co., GA 28
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Died: 27 Dec 1896 - Charlton Co., GA 28
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General Notes: Husband - Aaron Dowling
Aaron Dowling, the first Ordinary of Pierce County, was born in Wayne County, July 26, 1827, son of Jabez L. Dowling (Vol. lll), He was married in February 1850 to Sarah Winn, daughter of Joseph J. and Sarah Winn, formerly residents of McIntosh County but who had moved to Ware County. She was born in McIntosh County, Feb, 18, 1831. Born to this marriage were twelve children, viz,
I. James Riley
2. Isabelle
3. Martha
4. Joseph Winn
5. Mary Ann
6. Moses A.
7. Nancy
8. Thomas J.
9. Susannah
10. Sarah A.
11. Missouri
12. Ettie
Mr. Dowling lived in the 9th district of Ware County and was cut out of Ware into Pierce County in its creation in 1858. At the first election for county officers of the new county he was elected Ordinary, serving 1859-1864. During that time he served three years in the Con-federate Army. He took part in the organization of Co. "A", 50th Georgia Regiment, and when it was mustered in March 4, 1862, at Blackshear, he was elected 2nd Lieutenant. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Dec. 31, 1862. He resigned Jan. 31, 1863, to come home to look after his office, but went back in April, 1864, and resumed his rank and service, serving until the end. He was among those surrendering at Appomattox, April 9, 1865.
About 1887, Mr. Dowling moved to Charlton County and settled four miles west of Folkston, and near Sardis Church. Mrs. Dowling died there Dec. 27, 1896, and he died Feb. 13, 1905. They were buried at Sardis Church. Judge Dowling also served as Ordinary of Charlton County, 1893-97, and was a member of the Board of County Commissioners, 1897-1901.
Husband David C. Dowling
Born: 1 Jul 1823 - Georgia 538
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Died: 1890 - Brantley County, Georgia
Buried: - High Bluff Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, Georgia, USA
Father: Jabez Lazurus Dowling
Mother: Honor Elizabeth Davis 25
Marriage: 10 Oct 1839 - Ware County, GA
Wife Letitia Thomas
Born: 1817 - McIntosh Co., GA 398
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Died: 1880 - Brantley County, Georgia
Buried: - High Bluff Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, Georgia, USA
Father: John Banner Thomas Senior
Mother: Mary Mixon
Children
1 F Mary Leticia Dowling
AKA: Polly
Born: 16 Nov 1845 - Pierce Co., GA 406
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Died: 28 Mar 1929 - Ware County, Georgia 407
Buried: - High Bluff Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Hickox, Brantley County, GA 408
Spouse: Bryant M. Crews
Marr: Bef 1866
General Notes: Husband - David C. Dowling
(thank you for this information from https://www.findagrave.com/user/profile/51152750)
Gravesite Details
*Indian Wars* unmarked grave
Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34072830/david_c-dowling: accessed December 10, 2025), memorial page for David C. Dowling (1 Jul 1823\endash 1890), Find a Grave Memorial ID 34072830, citing High Bluff Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, Georgia, USA; Maintained by Cynthia H Curtis (contributor 49330076).
General Notes: Wife - Letitia Thomas