John Devine portrait in the 1883 book History of Hardin County Iowa. That book's entry about him:

Captain John Devine, one of the pioneers of Union township, was born in Ireland, December 24, 1824. When four years old he was sent to live with an uncle, Wm. J. Burns of Union county, Ohio, but before arriving at his destination his uncle died. He then went to live with an aunt, but not finding it agreeable, left, and then lived with Martin Roseman, in Guernsey county where he remained until he was fifteen years old. In company with a young Doctor he subsequently started for Texas. The Mexican trouble had then commenced. Arriving at Louisville, Kentucky, he enlisted under General Chambers, and was sent with other recruits to Galveston, Texas. While enroute there was an election of officers, and he was made Orderly Sergeant. Arriving at Labacca General Huston took charge of the recruits' train, then went to Montery via Matamoras and Rio Grande, where they were engaged with the Mexicans. After the expedition of Monterey he was elected Captain of a Militia Company; was sent against the Indians to protect the frontiersmen. He remained in that capacity for two years, when the company was disbanded. He then joined the Texas Rangers under Colonel Jack Hayes, and was used as a scout. He held a commission as 2d Lieutenant. He remained in this service but a short time, when he resigned his commission and returned to Ohio, where he married Mary L. George of Maryland. By this union there was a family of eight children -- Aderesta J., John C., Agatha E., Winfield S., Randall A., Edwin, Florence, Frank and Sigle. Mrs. Devine died in 1861. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Devine enlisted in the 32d Regiment Infantry, Company F, and was elected 1st Lieutenant. He was mustered in at Dubuque. The first engagement was at Cape Girardeau, Missouri; then at Pleasant Hill, where he was wounded, causing the amputation of one of his legs. After being wounded he lay on the field from 9 o'clock till 2 the following morning before being found. In August, 1865, Captain Devine married Laura H. Hall, by whom there were three children -- Edward T., Clara May and Estella J. In the spring of 1857 he came to Hardin county, Iowa and located on the place where he now resides. Captain Devine has traveled extensively over the western country, visiting Pike's Peak twice, and was the first man who struck a pick in what is now known as Leadville. The Captain has 211 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. In politics he is a Republican, and the family are members of the M. E. Church.

John Devine on page 942 of the 1883 book History of Hardin County Iowa

John Devine on page 945 of the 1883 book History of Hardin County Iowa