See also

George VALDICK (1905-1976)

1 George VALDICK1,2,3 (1905-1976) [4957]. Born 19 Jan 1905, Alpena, MI.1,2,3,4 Marr June Margaret CRAIG 9 Oct 1937, Steuben County, IN.5 Died 25 Oct 1976, Flint, MI.2,4 Buried Avondale Cemetery, Flint, MI.2

2 Frank C. VALDICK6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15 (1861-1933) [4954]. Born Jun 1861, Farwell, MI.6,9,10,16 Marr Essie L. Pearl HILL 20 Aug 1895, Thompsonville, Benzie Co. MI.9,10,11,14,17,18,19 Div. Died 28 Mar 1933, Benzonia, MI.15,20 Cause: Heart attack.

It was related that Frank Valdick had been born a Partello in the family of Leonard and Betsey Partello. Proving this was difficult as Frank was born in 1861, 1 year after the last census in which this family was intact. Finally, the research of David Gustner unearthed a legal case which proved that Frank Valdick was in fact born as Frank Partello. To make this even more complex is the fact that Betsey (Emeline Betsey) remarried John C. Deal and Frank is shown in that household as a 10 year old in the 1870 MI, Ionia, Lyons census as Frank C. Deal. By the time of his marriage in 1895 he had changed his name to Valdick. The legal case reports are listed below.

From Michigan Reports; Cases Decided in the Supreme Court of Michigan from January 22, to April 16, 1895.

"McGrath, C.J. This case is before us for the second time 92 MIch. 136.
Defendant went into possession under Foot, as guardian of Lois, Rhoda Jane, Harriet, Ella, Frank, and della Partello, minor heirs of Leonard Partello, and therefore could not question title in those heirs.
Plaintiff claims title from Emiline Betsey Deal, formerly Emeline Betsey Partello, the widow of Leonard Partello and mother of the above-named minors. Converyances ere introduced from Frank Partello, Ella Henderson, Hattie Lutes, and Adelpha Watson to Emeline Betsey Deal. Lois Partello and Rhoda Jane Partello died without issue, before the conveyance to plaintiff. The deed from Adelpha Watson was executed March 15, 1883, and does not attempt to describne her. The deeds from Ella Henderson and Hattie Lutes describe the grantors as heirs of Leonard Partello. Proof of the identity of each of these three grantors as heirs of Leonard Partello should have been made. The recitals in the last0-named deeds were insufficient proof of the fact.
Defendant insisted upon the trial that he went into possession under a contract of purchase, and not under a lease; but the guardian had no authority to make such a contract, if made.
Other questions are raised, which are disposed of by the former opinion.
The judgment is reversed, and a new trial ordered.
The other Justices concurred."

From the Northwestern Reporter Volume 67, May 23 - August 1, 1896.

"GRANT, J. This case has twice before beein in this court. 93 Mich. 136, 52 N.W. 459; 62 N. W. 174. It was reversed the second time on account of a defect in the proof of the identity of some of the grantors as heirs of Leonard Partell. It is now insisted, as before, that no such identification as the law requires is made by the proof. We think otherwise. The heirs of Mr. Partello were clearly identified by the parol proof as grantors in the deeds. It is unimportant to set out the testimony.
The only other point necessary to mention is the claim of the defendant that the plaintiff has not maed out a title to a five-sixths interest in the land, but onlyh to three-fifths, or ammost three-fourths. In instructing the jury the court stated as a fact that the plaintiff had established a title to the land described in his declaration, viz, a five-sixths interest therin. This statement of fact was not challenged by counsil for the defendant. This court has repeatedly held that, where the trial judge, in his instructions, make a statement of fact, it is the duty of the party against whose interest it is mad to call the attentino of the court to it; otherwise, it cannot be raised in teh appelate court. We see no reason why that rule whould not apply in this case.
This trial, as well as the others, seems to have been based upon the theory that the plaintiff was the owner of a five-sixths interest. This question was not raised upon the tiral, nor even referred to, unless it be in the following statement: One Mrs. Dibble, who had married one of the sons of William J. Partello, had testified in regard to heirs. The defendant was recalled by his council, and asked whether, after he got into possession. Mrs Dibble did not claim to him that she had some interest in the land. This was objected to as immaterial, when defendant's consel sqidL "The testimony shows that Mrs. Dibble, before she deeded to Wolf, had acquird a one-sixth interest in the land by reason of the death of one of her children. She also had a dower interest in it. I don't know wen that statute went into effect, but there was a time when that heir's estate wol dgo back to the mother. Lois Partello was one of the heirs who died at 16. Her father was dead, and there was a mother and brothers and sisters. The question is, where would her share go to?" The court said: "I think it is somewhat remote. I will not rule it out now. I don't see how it could change the character of his possession any." No reference was afterwards made to it during the trial. We think, therefore, that the defendant is not now in a positin to raise the question. Judgment affirmed. The other justices concurred."

In the Otsego County birth record for daughter Mable Effie Valdick, her place of birth in 1909 is listed as Village of Gaylord. Frank and Essie are also shown at the same location and Frank's occupation is listed as laborer.

In the 1910 Otsego County census, the family is shown living in Dover Township and Frank is shown as a farmer. Between the birth of Izetta in 1915 and the birth of Walter in 1917 the family moved to Quick, a small town located about 1 mile south and seven miles east of Gaylord. Izetta remembers that her mother operated the store and Post Office and her father worked for the railroad, although the 1920 census lists Frank's occupation as Retail Merchant, groceries.

The Post Office in Quick was closed in 1920 and it is suspected that the logging operations in the area terminated business shortly thereafter. At the intersection of Cargas and Beckett Roads where Quick once stood, there is nothing left to remind anyone that a small town once thrived there.

The 1930 MI, Benzie, Benzonia Twp. census lists Frank Valdick, 70, widowed, inmate, of the Benzie County Farm.

4 Leonard I. PARTELLO21,22,23,24,25,26 (c. 1820-1865) [10083]. Born c. 1820, NY.21,22,25,26 Marr Emeline Betsey JOHNSON 2 Jul 1845, Livingston Co., MI.23,27 Died 18 Jan 1865, TN.21,25 Cause: Disease. Buried Natioinal Cemetery, Murfreesboro, TN, Grave No. 2505.21,25

From the Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers in the Civil War, 1861-1865.

Partello, Leonard. Enlisted in company C. (reorganized) Third Infantry, Oct 11, 1864, at Lyons, for 3 years, age 44. Mustered Oct. 12, 1864. Died of disease at Mufreesboro, Tenn., Jan. 18, 1865. Buried in National Cemetery, at Mufreesboro, Tenn. Grave No. 2505.".

8 Welcome Jonas PARTELLO27,28,29,30,31,32,33 (1795-1863) [11986]. Born 6 Jul 1795, Voluntown, Windham, CT.28,30,32 Died 1863, Prob. Bethany, Gratiot, MI.28

From History of Shiawassee and Clinton Counties, Michigan, 1880.

"Returning to mention of Welcome J. Partelo, it is of interest to mention that he raised the pioneer crop of wheat in the town and set out the first orchard, and that De Witt [Dwight] C. Partelo, his son, born in 1837, was the first born in Victor. William Swarthout, supposed generally to have been the first, was the second, the date of his birth being August, 1838."

From the biography of Welcome J. Partelo in the History of Gratiot County, Michigan by Willard D. Tucker, 1913.

"Welcome J. Partelo, the first supervisor of Bethany - 1858 - came to that township in 1855. He came from the Township of Victor, Clinton County, in which township he was the first white settler. A history of Clinton County issued in 1880 contains this interesting item: "At that time -1836 - one Welcome J. Partelo effected on the southwest quarter of section 31 the pioneer clearing. Although he did not discover his error until some years afterward, he settled upon land belonging to other parties, but adjoining his own. Unconscious of his mistake he worked and improved that place, set out an orchard, and very materially enhanced its value, when there came to him the knowledge one day that he had been improving another man's land while his own had all that time been suffered to lie neglected. Partelo was of course chagrined and much disgusted with the revelation fell upon him, but as he was fortunately permitted to purchase the property at the price of unimproved land, he escaped from the dilemma with considerable satisfaction, and continued to make his home where had begun. Mr. Partelo was chosen the first supervisor of DeWitt Township, Clinton County, which included at that time - 1837 - the present Township of Victor. Clinton County was at that time attached to Kent County, and Mr. Partelo met with the Kent County supervisors at Grand Rapids. He was re-elected in 1838, and as Clinton County had by that time been transferred to Shiawassee County, Mr. Partelo met with the Shiawassee supervisors at Corunna. In 1839 Victor was organized as a separate township, and Mr. Partelo was chosen school inspector, and the next year, justice of the peace. After removing to Bethany and serving as first supervisor in 1858, he served as township clerk and highway commissioner in 1859. He died in the year 1863. His son, Welcome Phineas Partelo, was a well-known resident for many years, and held the offices of justice of the peace and highway commissioner. He died August 4, 1895, aged 78. Mrs Amelia J. Partelo, his wife, died September 26, 1906.".

9 Rhoda PHINNEY28,31,32,34 (c. 1801-c. 1865) [11987]. Born c. 1801, MA.28,32 Died c. 1865.34

5 Emeline Betsey JOHNSON11,12,13,21,22,23,35 (1827- ) [10084]. Born Jun 1827, Farmington, NY.11,13,35 Marr John C. DEAL 18 Dec 1867, Lyons, Ionia, MI.11 Marr Squire R. DIBBLE 7 Oct 1890, Surry Twp., Clare, MI.11

10 Alva G. JOHNSON36 ( - ) [12058].

11 Betsy HOAG36 ( - ) [12059].

3 Essie L. Pearl HILL7,8,9,11,20,37 (1881-1963) [4968]. Born May 1881, Sandusky, OH.7,9,16,38 Marr James Gavin FORRESTER 12 Sep 1923, Sears, MI.11,39,40 Marr William H. SURPLICE c. 1925.27 Div 2 Sep 1926, Benzie County.41 Div. Marr William H. SURPLICE 8 Sep 1926, Battle Creek, MI.42 Marr Louis BOWER 12 Mar 1954.27 Died 31 Oct 1963, Battle Creek, MI.38,43 Buried Austin Cemetery, Calhoun County, MI.38

According to her daughter, Izetta, Essie Hill was an only child.

Frank and Essie filed for divorce on July 12, 1920 just after the birth of their last child. However the final disposition of the case on February 20, 1922 was dismissal. They then filed for a second time on April 14, 1923 and the divorce was granted on July 2, 1923 in Benzie County.

Next were Valdick entries in the Benzie County Newspaper Index which indexes a marriage license for Essie Valdick and James G. Forrester on September 13, 1923. Other Valdick entries include three court appearances for Ernest Valdick and the miss-spelling of Fookes. The Benzie Banner, as noted, is available on microfilm at the Benzonia Library.

Michigan Marriage Records reports the marriage of James G. Forrester and Essie Valdick on September 12, 1923 in Benzonia County. Now we return to the divorce record of James G and Pearl Forrester in the second attachment. I originally thought Pearl must be Essie Pearl Valdick but, in fact, it was James G. Forrester's wife of several years, Pearl Raymond. What's curious about this is that James Forrester married Essie Valdick September 12, 1923 which was 15 days before the divorce from his first wife Pearl Raymond on September 27, 1923.

6 Horace HILL8,10,44 ( - ) [8668]. Born OH.8

7 Emma C. PORTER8,10,45 (1850- ) [8667]. Born 1850, NY.8

Sources

1"Social Security Death Index".
2"Obituary of George Valdick in the Flint Journal, October 27, 1976".
3"1940 MI, Genesee, Flint census".
4"Michigan Death Index, 1971-1996".
5"Marriage License Application for George Valdick and June Craig".
6"1930 Benzie County census".
7"1910 MI, Otsego, Dover census".
8"1920 MI, Otsego, Chester census".
9"1900 MI, Benzie, Weldon census".
10"LDS International Genealogical Index v5.0".
11"Michigan Marriage Records".
12"Michigan Reports; Cases Decided in the Supreme Court of Michigan from January 22, to April 16, 1895.".
13"1870 MI, Ionia, Lyons census".
14"Michigan Divorce Records show divorce granted between Essie Hill and Frank Valdick, July 2, 1923".
15"Death Certificate of Frank Valdick".
16"Death Certificate of Alvin Valdick".
17"Marriage License of Frank C. Valdick and Essie Hill, 8/15/1895".
18"Michigan Divorce Records show Frank and Essie filed for divorce twice. July 12, 1920 and Apri 14, 1923. Dismissed first time, granted second time.".
19"Michigan Marriage Records for Frank Valdick to Essie Hill".
20"Information provided by Izetta Valdick".
21"Information provided by Mary Woods".
22"1860 MI, Ionia, Lyons census".
23"FamilySearch record for Leonard Partlow".
24"1830 Michigan Territory, Washtenaw, Panama census.".
25"American Civil War Soldiers".
26"U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865".
27"Estimated based on related dates and information".
28"World Family Tree of the Hoff - Orgill Family".
29"1830 Michigan Territory, Washtenaw, Panama census. ".
30"Connecticut Town Marriages Records".
31"Biography of Welcome J. Partelo in the History of Gratiot County, Michigan by Willard D. Tucker, 1913".
32"1850 MI, Washtenaw, Dexter census".
33"Find A Grave Memorial Record of Dr. Asahel S. Partello, May 1871".
34"Biography of Welcome P. Partello from Portrait and Biographical Album, Gratiot County, Michigan, 1884".
35"1900 MI, Clare, Sheridan census".
36"MIchigan Marriage Records of daughter, Emiline Betsey to S. R. Dibble".
37"Otsego County birth records submitted by Glory Bialy".
38"Find-A-Grave Memorial Record of Pearl Bower".
39"Ancestry.com World Family Tree".
40"Benzie County Newspaper Index shows a marriage license for Essie Valdick and James G. Forrester on Sept. 13, 1923".
41"Divorce notice of Essie and James Forrester in the Benzie County Newspaper Index".
42"Marriage License of Pearl Forrester to William H. Surplice".
43"Obituary of Mrs. Louis Bower in the Battle Creek Enquirer of November 1, 1963".
44"Horace Hill listed as father of Essie Hill in Michigan Marriage Records".
45"Emma C. Porter listed as mother of Essie Hill in Michigan Marriage Records".