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DAVID A. DE VARES , grocer, corner of Ninth and Reynolds streets, started in that branch of business in Springfield, in 1872, locating on the corner of Tenth and Mason streets. Two years after he erected the building he now occupies and putting in a new stock of groceries, has carried on a fine local trade since. In January, 1878, he formed a partnership with Joseph De Frates. Their stock consisted of a general line of family groceries, country produce, and flour and feed, and they buy all goods for cash.

Mr. De Vares was born on the Atlantic Ocean while his parents were on the voyage to the United States, in September, 1848. They settled in Jacksonville, Morgan county, Illinois, which was his home until he came to Springfield, in 1870. He learned the trade in the office of B. A. Richards, an subsequently worked as a pressman in the Journal office until 1864, when he enlisted in Company B, Tenth Illinois Infantry, and served with the regiment till the war closed, accompanying General Sherman on his "campaign to the sea." On returning home he resumed the printing business nearly seven years before embarking in the grocery trade. In October, 1868, he married Mary Nunes, of Jacksonville, Illinois. Two children, one of each sex, have been born to them. Mr. De Vares is a member of Knights of Pythias, Capital Lodge, No. 14, and of the Second Presbyterian Church.