Chapter Eight
Park Trammell DeVane
Born:- September 11, 1912 - Plant City, Hillisborough County, Florida.
Father - George Albert DeVane, Sr.
Mother - Annie Margaret Wheeler DeVane
Attended School at Plant City and graduated in 1929.
Came to Highlands County in 1930 -married Alma Louise Morgan in 1933. They have four children. Resident of Sebring 40 years.
He is proud of his heritage. His ancestors were French Huguenots. Great-great-great grandfather came to America in 1715. His ancestors have been traced and documented back to 1635. His great-great-great grandfather and great-great grandfather were both prominent officers in the American revolution in North Carolina. His great grandfather was in the War of 1812 and his grandfather, Benjamin DeVane was with General Lee’s army when it surrendered at Appomatox in 1865.
He is a charter member of the John DeVane Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and served three years as its president.
He has been interested in history since childhood. He has done much research in Florida history and has done research at the National Archives and Library of Congress in Washington and has researched old records in many of the Southern States’ capitols. He has searched old Army records, not because be is particularly interested in military history but because these records are the only documented records that exist of a particular area.
He has pinpointed almost every Indian War fort and traced every early road in South Florida. The Peace River Valley Historical Museum in Zolfo has on display a detailed map showing these forts and roads. His collection of artifacts found at fort sites is quite large. He has collected over 400 old army uniform buttons, some dating back to 1812.
He has worked with and exchanged information with many of Florida’s great historians.
The late Father Jerome, St. Leo Abby
Dr. James Covington, University of Tampa
The late Col. D.B.McKay, Tampa
Dr. Carlton Tebtau, University of Miami
Dr. John Mahon, University of Florida.
His most rewarding endeavor was the facts that he and his brother were able to furnish the state pertaining to the Payne’s Creek historical value. Due to their efforts the state has purchased this entire tract of land and plans are now underway for a state park.
September 5, 1974Mr. Park DeVane
P. 0. Box 1566
Sebring, Florida 33870
Dear Park;
I am sure you will be interested in knowing that the state historical and recreational people have recommended and the state has purchased the entire tract southeast of Bowling Green. I know that you and Mr. Albert were both interested in this project. No doubt the material you sent me was the deciding factor since it proved beyond a doubt all the pertinent facts.
You will never know how much I personally appreciate the part you had in it, nor how much the county as a whole appreciates it.
Be sure to stop by to see us the next time you are over this way.
Sincerely,
(S)Jack
Mabry (Jack) Carlton
(This article is reprinted from Bulletin Number Twenty Two.
Sebring Historical Society, January 1977. Pages 675-676.)