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William Augustus Devin (1871–1959)
William Augustus Devin was born on July 12, 1871 in Granville County, NC, the son of Robert Ira Devin and Mary Anna (Transou) Devin. His initial education was at the Horner Military Academy in Oxford, NC. He earned his undergraduate degree at Wake Forest College in 1889, and his law degree at the University of North Carolina Law School at Chapel Hill in 1893. On November 29, 1899, William Augustus Devin married Virginia Bernard, daughter of Thomas Bernard and Virginia (Spottswood) Bernard; they had one child, William Augustus Devin, Jr. In 1900, William Augustus Devin formed a law partnership with Augustus Washington Graham. They continued the partnership until 1913, when Devin was elected Judge. From 1901-1906, Devin served as Captain of Company E in the 3rd NC Infantry in the NC National Guard and served on Governor Locke Craig’s staff at the rank of Major. From 1903-1909, he served as Mayor of Oxford, NC and from 1909-1910, he was a member of the Board of Commissioners there. From 1906 to 1908, William Augustus Devin served as Chairman of the Granville County Board of Elections and in 1910, was Chairman of the County Democratic Executive Committee. William Augustus Devin was elected to represent Granville County in the NC House of Representatives of the 99th General Assembly that met in 1911 and 100th General Assembly that met in 1913. In 1913, William Augustus Devin was elected Judge in the NC Superior Court where he served until 1935. In 1935, Governor Ehringhaus appointed Devin as an Associate Justice on the NC Supreme Court, where he remained until 1951. In 1951, Governor Scott appointed William Augustus Devin as Chief Justice on the NC Supreme Court where he served until 1954. William Augustus Devin was a teacher of Bible Class, as well as an author of addresses on legal and historical subjects. He died on February 18, 1959 and was buried in the Elmwood Cemetery in Oxford, NC. Samuel Smith Downey Samuel Smith Downey was Justice of the Peace when that office had the authority now vested in the county commissioners, and as such in 1837 was one of 13 who voted against the building of the present courthouse. 21 voted for the proposal. (from Hays, Oxford Men and Women, Vol. 16, pages 143-145) Colonel Alex Fields October 31, 1922 (Oxford Public Ledger) -- Colonel Alex Fields, private secretary of Governor Kitchin and later editor of the State Journal, has been elected president of an association of twenty-four tenants, who have bought the New York apartment house in which they live. The building is located at 54 Morningside Drive. Colonel Field is connected with the law firm of Davis, Auerbach and Coner. |