DE VORE, Mary (Cook) - b. August 17, 1857 - d. February 4, (year unknown)

[Janet Harrington]

  In the death of Mary Cook DeVore, which occurred in Howard, at seven o'clock Saturday evening, February 4, we Kansans are again reminded of the flight of time.  Mary Cook was born on Kansas soil, grew to womanhood, married, lived a useful and unselfish life, and passed away, leaving a grown son.  She was the eldest daughter of Jonas Cook, some years since deceased, who was himself born in Michigan Territory, came to Kansas in early manhood and located at Ohio City, near where Ottawa now is.  Here his children were born.  Mrs. DeVore, the subject of this sketch, was born August 17, 1857, while this was still Kansas Territory.  Her father in her early life was a hotel man, as he was in later years.  He witnessed many stirring scenes of the border days, and many times names of note in territorial history were written on his hotel register.  His young daughter made acquaintances of many of these, some of whom she retained in later years.  Here she grew to a bright, happy, accomplished young womanhood.

She was married to Squire DeVore June 6, 1883, and lived for some years in Ottawa, where her son Jonas DeVore, now of this city, was born.  Many years ago they removed to this city and on the death of her father in 1903, Mrs. DeVore, with her sister Katherine, now Mrs. Gregg, and her brother, Fred Cook, took charge of the Windsor Hotel, and successfully conducted it to the present time.

Mrs. DeVore, though of very retiring nature, by reason her whole life had a wide acquaintance, and many a one will note these lines with regret, as her life here was one record of thoughtful kindness to others.  She was a woman of rare sweetness of character, quiet demeanor, and great fortitude in adversity and affliction.  The utmost devotion and affection were daily shown the members of the family.  She leaves a mother, a son, two sisters and one brother, all in Howard, to mourn her departure.
 Brief funeral services were conducted by Rev. Deggendorf of the Presbyterian Church, at the Windsor Hotel, Monday afternoon.  A male quartet sang "Lead Kindly Light,"  Whit Eby sang a beautiful solo, "Face to Face," and Mrs. Goodwin read the verses, "Crossing the Bar," and amid tears and love and beautiful blossoms all that was mortal of Mary DeVore was laid away there to await the Resurrection Morn.

 The following lines, marked by the hand of Mrs. DeVore, in her favorite poem, "Your Mission," speak eloquently of the life and character of Mary DeVore to those who loved her best:
 If you are too weak to journey up the mountain, steep and high.
 You can stand within the valley, while the multitudes go by;
 You can chant in happy measure as they slowly pass along;
 Though you may forget the singer, they will not forget the song.

 If you can not in the conflict prove yourself a soldier true-
 If, where tire and smoke are thickest, there's no work for you to do;
 When the battle field is silent, you can go with careful treat.
 You can bear away the wounded, you can cover up the dead.