Biographical Sketch of

Dominick Devany

Transcribed by Joan Benner



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 484

Dominick Devany, of Montello, served his country both in the Mexican War and the War of the Rebellion. He was 
born in County Sligo, Ireland, and when a young man of nineteen years crossed the Atlantic to find a home in 
America, leaving kindred, friends and native land. His parents remained on the Emerald Isle until called to their 
final rest. On arriving in America he went to Carbonbdale, Pa., where he made his home until the breaking out of 
the Mexican War, when he enlisted in the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, in a company commanded by Capt. Wyncoop, who 
was killed at the battle of Antietam in the War of the Rebellion. With his regiment Mr. Devany joined the command 
of Gen. Winfield Scott, and took part in the capture of Vera Cruz, the battle of Cerro Gordo, and the capture of 
the city of Mexico. On the close of the war in 1848, he returned to the Keystone State, and was mustered out of 
the service at Pittsburg. After another year spent in Carbondale he determined to try his fortune in the West, 
and came to Montello, Wis., where he has since made his home. From the beginning he has been numbered among the 
prominent citizens of the town, and has been honored with various official positions. In 1851 he was elected Clerk 
of the Court of Marquette County, when it also included Green Lake County. The able manner in which he discharged 
his duties led to his re-election in 1853, and in 1857 he was elected a member of the General Assembly.

When the country was again shrouded in war, Mr. Devany a second time responded to the call for aid, and in 1861 
joined the boys in blue of Company I, 24th Wisconsin Infantry, commanded by Col. Larabee. On the organization of 
the company he was made Sargeant and served about a year. At the battle of Perryville, Ky., he was placed in charge 
of the ammunition, acting as Orderly Sargeant until the overturning of a wagon loaded with ammunition, when he was 
so severely injured that he was further unfitted for service and received his discharge. 

When he had somewhat recovered his health, Mr. Devany engaged in the practice of law in Montello, and was a 
successful attorney of that city until forced to retire to private life on account of his health again failing him.

Mr. Devany was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Mary Harte, a lady of English birth, who died in Montello several 
years ago. They were the parents of seven children, five sons and two daughters, all of whom are now living. They 
are: Mrs. John Barry and Mrs. Daniel Barry, both of Montello; John is also a resident of Montello; Thomas is a farmer 
of Swift County, Minn.; Edmond is a resident farmer of Devils Lake, North Dakota; William is also farming at the same 
place, as is also, Mark. 






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