Bio: Debevec, Anton & Mary

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Debevec, Zevnik, Cesnik, Rakovec, Fale, Zllar, Hagoda

----Source: Family Scrapbook


Anton Debevec was born in Bengunje near Cerknici on June 4, 1881. He came to America in 1906 settling in Lorain, Ohio where he did carpenter work.

On July 9, 1909 he married Mary Zevnik at St. Cyril and Methodist Chuch. she was born March 6, 1890 in Nadleska, near Lbzu, parish of Stari Trg which is near Rakeku. She came to America in 1892.

A son Anton was born here in 1910. In 1912 another son, William was born. He lived two weeks.

In 1912 Anton Sr. came to Willard and bought 80 acres of land across from Jack Herrick, the farm on which Joe Petkovsek now lives. He had heard of Willard through Ignac Cesnik. There was no well but a spring was used for water. He built a house and on November 9th of that year his wife and son, Tony came from Lorain.

Their first daughter, Mary (Mrs. Joe Rakovec, Marshfield) was born here September 4, 1913, followed by Eleanor (Mrs. Frank Fale, Chicago) February 21, 1916.

In 1918 they sold the farm to Nagoda and bought a farm one half mile east of Willard. In 1920 they built the house that presently stands. In 1924 the barn was built.

Mr. Debevec helped build Zallar's store. He also helped with the building of the first church.

A daughter, Rose was born September 5, 1918. She died in the flu epidemic at the age of six months.

Five more sons were born to them. Robert, June 6, 1920; Charles, October 27, 1922 (Maryland); Frank, November 21, 1924 (Willard); Ralph, October 3, 1926 who passed away in Lodi, Wisconsin in 1976; and Ray, December 31, 1930(Pasco, Washington).

Tony lives in Greenwood.

Mary Debevec died on September 22, 1947. Anton continued to live on the farm which was taken over by his son Robert in 1952. He then lived for some time with his daughter Mary in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Later he moved to Greenwood. He died October 15, 1970. Many people remember him for his deep bass voice when singing.