A business career of forty-six years is exceptional in this land of stress and frequent changes. On Tuesday of this week Wright Devine, of Pleasant Valley, will have rounded out just this period of continuous business life in the pretty village of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, of which he is one of the leading and most respected residents.

Mr. Devine was born in Pleasant Valley in 1838, which seems a good while ago, but he bears his years gracefully with undiminished vigor and a clear outlook with his point of view always in the present. Time's changes have touched him lightly. During his busy life Mr. Devine has won the constantly increasing regard of a host of friends who extend congratulations to him on each succeding anniversary of his business career.

The Devine family is of Holland origin. Wright Devine's ancestors came here in Colonial Days and his grandfather Adam Devine was the first to settle in Pleasant Valley, dying there in 1850. His father, Jonathan Devine, was a farmer. Wright Devine, was educated in the public schools

of Pleasant Valley and in the Nine Partners' School. He began his career as a teacher and subsequently entered the mercantile and later the fire insurance business.

In the Spring of 1867 Mr. Devine and his brother, Albert, purchased his present store and after a partnership of two years became sole proprietor. He was appointed Postmaster by President Cleveland of whom he was always a great admirer. He served as Justice of the Peace for twelve years and also as Town Clerk. In 1866, he was married to Miss Julia M. Way, who died in 1893, leaving two children, Mrs. Everett VanAmburgh, of Pleasant Valley, and Seward W. Devine, a clerk in the Farmer's and Manufacturers' Bank, in this city. In 1902 Mr. Devine married Mrs. Jennie M. Hicks.

Mr. Devine has always been active in promoting public improvements in Pleasant Valley; he is a member of the Presbyterian Church and of Shekemeko Lodge of Masons of which he has served as Master. His innate nobility of character and his devotion to every manly principle have earned for him the esteem of all.