Devon Energy (DVN -0.18%) had very humble beginnings. In 1971, oil industry veteran John Nichols and his son Larry founded the company. At the time, it had five people and no assets. Fast-forward more than a half-century, and Devon has grown into one of the country's largest oil and gas producers. The oil company went public in 1988 on the American Stock Exchange. Here's a look at how many shares you would own today if you'd bought one at its IPO more than 35 years ago.Going public allowed Devon Energy to u ...