George Edward FREENEY Jr. Paternal Genetic Genealogy Report

John William DEVEREUX (1769-1847) was a prominent planter and state legislator who had significant influence in Alabama and Georgia during his lifetime. He played a vital role in the development of these states, particularly in the plantation industry.

John William Devereux embarked on a journey with his two young sons, Albert and Julien, and a group of ten slaves to the Alabama territory in 1817. Their initial settlement was established in Conecuh County, Alabama, where they began their new lives.

The Devereux family's involvement in the plantation business and ownership of enslaved individuals spanned across various states, including Georgia, Alabama, and Texas. Their extensive presence and activities had a profound impact on the economic and social landscapes of these regions during the era of slavery.

John William Devereux, in particular, meticulously documented the life and experiences of his family, with a particular emphasis on the enslaved individuals under their ownership. His writings provide valuable insights into the lives of these individuals and their contributions to the Devereux family's plantation operations. In fact, John William's records contain a wealth of information regarding the enslaved population, making them one of the most extensive and significant collections of Texas Antebellum period records available.

The Julien Sidney Devereux papers, housed in the Briscoe Center archives at the University of Texas, stand as a testament to the vast historical significance of the Devereux family's activities. These papers comprise the largest collection of records from the Antebellum period in Texas and offer researchers a valuable resource for studying and understanding the complex dynamics of slavery and plantation life during that time.