George Devol – Old West Card Sharp
George H. Devol, a name synonymous with cunning, audacity, and the alluring yet treacherous world of 19th-century gambling, carved his legend as the most successful riverboat gambler in the annals of the Mississippi River. More than just a card player, Devol was a multifaceted character – a con artist adept at deception, a brawler never shy from a physical confrontation, and a master manipulator who could sway men and liberate them from their fortunes. His life, a whirlwind of calculated risks and audacious schemes, embodies the spirit of the Old West, where fortunes were won and lost on the turn of a card.
Born on August 1, 1829, in the quiet river town of Marietta, Ohio, George Devol was the youngest of six children. His father, a ship carpenter, often found himself away from home, leaving young George to his own devices. While afforded opportunities for education, Devol found the confines of the classroom stifling. He preferred the thrill of adventure, frequently playing truant and engaging in scuffles that left him with the telltale marks of a rebellious spirit. Tales abound of the young Devol turning on his teachers, pelting them with stones he kept hidden in his pockets whenever they attempted to discipline him. His mother, struggling to control his wayward behavior, often required the assistance of neighbors or passersby to administer punishment.
At the tender age of ten, Devol’s adventurous spirit led him to run away from home, seeking employment as a cabin boy on the riverboat steamer Wacousta. Demonstrating an aptitude for the work, he quickly secured a better-paying position on another vessel, the Walnut Hills. This early immersion into the world of riverboats proved to be a pivotal moment in his life, setting the stage for his future career.
The next boat, the Cicero, proved to be a crucial training ground. It was here that George Devol learned the intricacies of "Seven-Up" and the subtle art of bluffing, skills that would become cornerstones of his gambling repertoire. Observing the lavish lifestyle of the professional gamblers who frequented the boat, Devol was captivated. He resolved to emulate their success, dedicating himself to mastering the techniques of card manipulation. By his teenage years, he had become proficient in dealing seconds, palming cards, and recovering the cut, skills that would serve him well in the years to come.
Fighting remained an intrinsic part of Devol’s life, and he honed his skills with a gun, never hesitating to resort to violence when necessary. The turbulent world of the Mississippi riverboats demanded a certain level of self-reliance, and Devol was more than capable of defending himself.
With the outbreak of the Mexican War, Devol, then working on a boat called the Tiago, saw an opportunity for adventure and profit. He secured a position as a barkeeper on the Corvette, a vessel bound for the Rio Grande and Mexico. This decision marked a significant turning point in his education as a gambler.
Aboard the Corvette, Devol encountered a seasoned card sharp who imparted the secrets of "stocking a deck." This invaluable skill, combined with his already considerable talents, transformed him into a formidable opponent. Upon reaching the Rio Grande and joining the ranks of the soldiers, Devol wasted no time in utilizing his newly acquired skills to swindle his fellow servicemen. However, the monotony of soldiering soon palled, and with his pockets lined with ill-gotten gains, he returned to New Orleans, seeking new opportunities.
At the age of seventeen, George Devol found himself flush with almost three thousand dollars, a considerable sum in those days. He returned to his family in Ohio, bearing gifts and demonstrating the fruits of his early endeavors. This brief respite allowed him to further refine his gambling skills.
Back in Ohio, Devol dedicated himself to mastering the games of Faro and Rondo, adding to his already impressive arsenal of gambling techniques. He continued to hone his skills, amassing hundreds of thousands of dollars in the years leading up to the Civil War. Working the steamboats of the South, he crossed paths with other notorious card sharps, including Canada Bill Jones, Bill Rollins, Big Alexander, and numerous others, forming a network of acquaintances and rivals in the competitive world of professional gambling.
One particular tactic employed by Devol involved betting against ministers, who predictably lost their meager earnings to the skilled gambler. However, Devol would invariably return their money, accompanied by the admonition: "Go and sin no more." His treatment of other individuals, such as soldiers, paymasters, farmers, thieves, and businessmen, was far less charitable.
Following the conclusion of the Civil War, the westward expansion of the railroads brought about a surge in settlements, providing new avenues for Devol’s activities. These burgeoning towns, teeming with railroad workers, miners, and cowboys, offered a plethora of vices, including prostitution, numerous saloons, and the ever-present gambling halls. Recognizing the perfect environment for his operations, George Devol followed the railroad expansion between Kansas City and Cheyenne in the early 1870s.
Devol’s own account recounts an encounter with the legendary Wild Bill Hickok at the Gold Room Saloon in Cheyenne. According to Devol, Hickok placed a $50 bet and lost. On his next hand he won, but the dealer only paid him $25. Hickok protested, but the dealer stated the house limit was $25. Hickok retorted "Fifty goes when you lose" and then whacked the dealer on the head with his walking stick, overturned the table, and stuffed his pockets with the till.
On another occasion, while working the railroad route, Devol reportedly cheated a railroad director out of $1,200. This incident, however, proved to be a turning point. The outraged official, incensed by his loss, prohibited gambling on trains. Furthermore, the Pinkerton agency was hired to track down the most notorious professional gamblers, including Devol.
In 1892, Devol published his autobiography, Forty Years a Gambler on the Mississippi, recounting his life and adventures. The veracity of the stories is questionable. By this time, the glory days of riverboat and railroad gambling were fading. At the urging of his new wife, he retired from gambling in 1896, dedicating the remaining years of his life to selling his book.
It is estimated that George Devol amassed over two million dollars during his forty years as a gambler. Despite this considerable fortune, he died nearly penniless in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1903. His life, a testament to the allure and perils of the gambling life, remains a captivating chapter in the history of the Old West. He serves as a reminder of a time when fortunes could be won and lost on the turn of a card.