There are two handwritten copies of Thomas Devane's will. One in NC Archives, most likely copied from the one in Will Book C pg. 67-68 New Hanover Co.NC. It was written 20 May 1765, stating that Thomas lived on Black River in New Hanover Co., NC. The Will was probated in July Court, 1774.

The NC Historical Review Vol VII Num 1-4 Jan-Oct 1930 pg. 153, quoting from the Hall's Wilmington Gazette, Thurs. Mar.29,1798 vol.II "...Died on the 1st inst at his plantation on South River, Mr. Matthew Pridgeon, aged 105 years. Some time ago, Mr. John Sykes, aged 95; and Mr. Thomas Devane, aged 110. There are several persons now living on said River upwards of 100 years of age, and many from 70 to 90. {Note: His Will stated Black River which was probably correct].

Thomas Devane's Will names wife, Margarett and 2 sons: (1.) Thomas Devane, Jr.(1725-1816) who married Mary Larkin(s) had 2 children Margaret & Thomas,III and (2.) John Devane, Sr.(1730-1805) who married Ann Larkin a sister of Mary. They had 9 children:John, Jr.,(1755-1802),James, Sr.(1757-1840), Thomas(1758-1805),William, George, Tobitha (1764-1815- married Francis Davis), Ann, Margaret & Rebecca .

Both Thomas and John Devane served in the Revolutionary War.

The Will also names 2 daughters: Mary Devane who married Thomas Corbett, they had 6 children, and Margaret Devane who married James Portivent and had 7 children. After his untimely death, Margaret Devane Poitevent married William Jones.

Thomas, Jr.(1725-1816) inherited the plantation on Black River, John (1730-1805) inherited the land on Long Creek.

In the records, several connections are found between Thomas DeVane/Devane and David Lee. Seemingly, they both married Sullivan sisters. See New Hanover Co., NC Deed Bk AB pg.480 for support of them being a Sullivan. They are living on Long Creek.

At some point , the spelling of Devane was changed to DeVane. Originally, the spelling appears to have been Devaughan. The pronunciation is nearly the same only the spelling is changed.

So much has been written about Thomas being a French Huguenot. In the book, Wm R. King and his kin by H.P. Johnston, he states that the Devanes took refuse in Scotland after leaving France and then on to the Barbados Islands and then into the American Colonies.The DeVane/Devane family was accepted by the Huguenot Society. I have never seen any primary sources for this claim. However, Thomas Devane's will which was written 20 May 1765 and probated July 1774 firmly establishes this family in New Hanover Co NC . His sons, Thomas, Jr. and John DeVane served in the American Revolution. Mary's husband, Thomas Corbitt also served.

Thomas Devane and his family arrived in New Hanover Co., N.C. by 29 Feb 1735 because he was granted 400 acres of land on the north east side of Smith's Creek.(Land Grant Bk 3 p 290 shuck 40.) Then on 14 Mar 1745, 320 ac to Thomas Devaughan on W. side of NE Branch of Cape Fear River called Rockfish Creek(Bk 5 p 332 shuck 328). In the Will of James Pollard of Long Creek, New Hanover Co., NC, a mariner, which was written 18 Nov 1740, names Thomas Devane & Margaret, his wife, of this place aforesaid in his Will. They were made executors of a codicil -proved 5 Nov 1745 p. 83. Thomas Devaughn evidently sold the land that he had acquired by grant in March 1745 because on 7 Dec 1753 there is a deed stating "...Thomas Devaughn of New Hanover Co. to Joseph Blake, Esq...400 Lbs. 320 Acres West side of NE Branch of Cape Fear River on a branch of Rockfish Creek. Signed Thomas X Devaughn (bhm) Wit: Thomas Corbett, Antoine Dubose pg.102

14 Dec 1739 Thomas Devane of New Hanover to Robert Halton. 400 A. Wit:John G. Squire, John Austin p.399-400. Other land grants were on 20 May 1748 - 400 A. on W side of Branch of Black River(Bk 5 p 370 sh. 364) and on 20 April 1745, 160 acres near the School House(Bk 5 p 366 sh 357) on 20 May 1748, 400 A. on W side of oa branch of Black River(Bk 5 p 370 sh 364). After this date there are many land grants to Thomas Devane which would have been his son and grandson or possibly his great grandson, all named Thomas. They can only be separated out by their birth and death dates or names of their wives and/or children if named in the deeds.

In February, 1759, Thos. Dovane (Devane) entered a land warrant for 200 acres of land in Bladen County, NC on the west side of South River, the place where James Blount is now. "The west side of South River" is not very specific, but it does indeed refer to Bladen County, NC land, and it therefore cannot be James Blount of Duplin County .

Also in February, 1759, Thos. Devan (Devane) entered 200 acres in Bladen County, NC on the south side of South River below the ford where Thos. Blount lived. (Bladen Precinct/County, NC Surviving Land Warrants & Surveys 1735-1749 and surviving Land Entries 1743-1761 by Miles S. Philbeck 1985 Entry 43, 118 ; #1121 &1122). On same page #1125 Thos. Devane- 75 ac. "about 3/4mile below Devane's Ferry "- Feb. 1759. entry 135.

Thomas DeVane is listed in the Order of the First Families of North Carolina along with his father-in-law, Darby Sullivan(t).