VanValkenburg, Peter

The NAVVF (National Association of VanValkenburg Families) notes for Peter VV  (1798-1865) refers to a letter, written between VV researchers in 1958 which states: 

"Peter Van V cousin of the many people from Ontario, Canada, came to Wisconsin as a young man. He married a Miss Fellows. They had 2 children, George and Maria. His wife died. He took it hard, abandoned his estate and family and went back to his old home in Canada. I knew Peter's grand son, but never thought to ask what part of Wisconsin. He married again and had a large family, one of them named Franklin."

Having discovered an application for Guardianship for Peter's surviving children, the following facts are confirmed:

1.  Peter VV did have land in the state of Wisconsin, USA at his 1865 death.  He died without a will, and, although his wife was still living, it seems a male guardian was required to be appointed to represent the surviving minor children in the liquidation of the estate.  A neighbour, Samuel Nevill Holt, no relation, gave notice of his intent to act.

2.  The minor children are mentioned by name and ages.  The oldest - Franklin - is not mentioned.  They stated they were the only living next of kin of Peter VV.  Does this mean that the children from Peter's first marriage had died?  It is also puzzling to consider that Peter's widow Mary is not mentioned.

3.  Samuel Nevill Holt's application explains about the land in Wisconsin.  A total of eight pages complete this file.  Contact us if interested in the full documentation or to share any leads.