Transcript:Orth, Samuel P. History of Cleveland, Ohio/v3p007

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                            HISTORY OF CLEVELAND                            7

equal importance in civil life. He made for himself a prominent name in railway
circles, becoming widely known throughout the country in this connection.
For five years after the war he was the vice president and general superintendent
of the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad, and his judicious management was at
once evidenced in his capable control of this line, resulting in almost immediate
success. His work in this connection brought to him the attention of others
prominent in railway circles and in 1866 he was invited to become vice president
of the Lake Shore Railroad Company and soon afterward was elected to the
presidency. When the consolidation of the Lake Shore road with the connecting
lines between Buffalo and Chicago was effected, under the name of the Lake
Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company, General Devereux was appointed
general manager and had executive control of this great system in all of
its ramifying branches. His administrative direction, his carefully devised and
executed plans and his ready solution of difficult problems in connection with
railway management brought success to the new corporation. No detail bearing
upon railway interests seemed too insignificant to receive his attention yet he
never for an instant lost sight of the more essential points of railway management
nor failed to give these points their due relative prominence. In June, 1876,
he was approached by most attractive overtures by the Atlantic & Great Western
and the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis railroad companies, and
as president of both companies he capably controlled their affairs. He was also
the chief executive officer of minor railroad corporations whose lines formed
part of the system of the larger companies under his direction. The fortunes of
the Atlantic & Great Western were at a low ebb when he assumed control, but
he succeeded in putting the business on the best possible basis under the circumstances.
Financial interests, however, were a great detriment to the road, and
at the close of the year 1874 it was deemed useless to continue the struggle until
a change in its financial conditions had been effected. General Devereux was
accordingly made receiver by appointment of the court and soon afterward resigned
his position as president and director. Clashing interests were regarded
as in safe and honorable hands when in his control and his appointment to the
position of receiver was satisfactory to all concerned. He continued in active
connection with railway interests until his demise, which occurred March 17,
1886. His life was characterized by a splendid work both in behalf of the government
during the period of the Civil war and in a private connection after resuming
the pursuits of civil life.

  On the 30th of April, 1851, General Devereux was married to Miss Antoinette
C. Kelsey, a daughter of Hon. Lorenzo A. and Sophia (Smith) Kelsey. Her
father came from Jefferson county, New York, to Cleveland, in 1837 and was
one of the city's most prominent and best known pioneers. He took an active
part in shaping its policy during its formative period and served as mayor in
1848 and 1849. For almost a half century he resided on Woodland avenue and was
one of the most distinguished residents of that section. His father built the
first stone house in Jefferson county, New York, hauling the stone with ox-teams.
Unto General and Mrs. Devereux were born two daughters and two sons: Mrs.
Mary Watson, now living in Cleveland; John, of Bay Shore, Long Island; Henry
K., who is connected with the Railway Steel Spring & Car Roofing Company, of
Cleveland; and Antoinette H., the wife of Horace E. Andrews, of this city. In
1873 the General erected the residence at 3226 Euclid avenue, where he spent his
remaining days and where his widow now resides.

  General Devereux always manifested an active interest in public affairs and
would have been accorded high political success had he not declined to serve in
public office. He was twice tendered the nomination for congress but he always
preferred to do his public service as a private citizen, supporting a public measure
by his influence and labors rather than by political activity. He attained high
rank in the Masonic fraternity and in 1860 was elected thrice illustrious grand
master of the Grand Council of Tennessee. He belonged to the Episcopal church

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