DeVane, Albert (George Albert), 1893?-1969?

Albert DeVane was born in Plant City, Florida, in 1895. DeVane's family had a long history in the land which prompted his interest in Florida history. He became a close friend to Billy Bowlegs III, and through him became a highly respected amateur historian of Seminole history. Through his friendship with Bowlegs, he also became a surrogate member of the Seminole community, being one of the small number of white men to be invited to the annual Green Corn Dance. He was an avid student of Seminole customs, language, history, and genealogy. Although he never published a book while he was alive, he wrote down many narratives of Seminole history and freely made himself available to anyone interested in Seminole history. Many of his writings were collected in DeVane's History of Early Florida, Volumes I and II. Family members and journalists remember him as a larger than life figure. DeVane died of a heart attack in 1969 at the age of 64.

From the description of Albert DeVane Collection, 1950-1966. (University of Florida). WorldCat record id: 49806253