P. C. Devol, one of the oldest business men of Council Bluffs, is a native of New York State, born January 10, 1836, son of David and Delia (Toby) Devol. He was five or six years old when the family removed to Illinois. Three or four years later, after a short stay in eastern Iowa, they crossed the State with ox teams and located at Kanesville, or what is now Council Bluffs, which has been the home of our subject. He was educated in the public schools, and has since acquired much valuable information in the school of experience. Until eighteen his time was variously employed. At that time he began to learn the tinner's trade, which he followed until 1861, when, in company with Milton Rogers, he opened a stove and tin store at the stand he now occupies. They continued in business together for two years, at the end of which time Mr. Devol purchased his partner's interest and conducted the business alone until 1883. Then he formed a partnership with W. S. Wright. They opened a jobbing house, which they conducted two years, after which they entered into a stock company under the firm name of Rector, Wilhelmie & Co., at Omaha, Nebraska, transferring their jobbing department from Council Bluffs to Omaha, and leaving the tin and stove store in this city. Mr. Devol is president of the company and Mr. Wright is the secretary. They carry a large stock of hardware, tinware and stamped ware, to the value of some $125,000, and employ a large force of men in the house and on the road, while the business of Mr. Devol, 504 Broadway and 10 Main Street, Council Bluffs, has grown from a small establishment of $1,300 or $1,400 to it's present magnificent size, some $20,000. He carries a full line of hardware, tinware, stoves, etc. He has a shop connected with his store, employs eight or nine men all the time, and does an annual business of about $75,000.

Mr. Devol is a self-made man, having started at the very bottom. Shortly after coming to Council Bluffs he was ambitious to earn and save something, so he went about it in this way: He secured a space of some six feet in width between two buildings and kept a small stand, selling pies, cider, etc., to the emigrants who were on their way West. His life for a time was varied, and he saw some of the rough side of pioneer experiences.

The subject of our sketch was married in 1868, to Miss Catherine Swobe, who was born in New York State, daughter of Michael Swobe. They have had five children: Hattie, Mary, Paul C., William Roy and Arthur. The last named is deceased.

Politically Mr. Devol is a staunch Republican. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., No. 49, Council Bluffs Lodge, having passed all the chairs. The family are associated with the Presbyterian Church. Previous to her marriage, Mrs. Devol was engaged in teaching school in this county, two or three years.