1929 - re: Bill Kirk estate - E. E. Spencer, Atty

Ernest E. Spencer

Attorney at Law

Hayes Center, Nebrska

May 23, 1929.

Mr. Archie Wineland

Natoma, Kansas.

Dear Sir:      In re: Estate of Bill Kirk, deceased.

I have been intending to write you for some time concerning my findings on the questions you asked me concerning the above estate, but I have been so busy as County Attorney with criminal work that was forced to put this matter off.

The records show that Mrs. Kirk during the course of the probate of the above estate secured permission of the District Court to sell the real estate on the ground that there was not sufficient personal property to satisfy the debts against the estate. The land was then sold by Mrs. Kirk as administratrix at public sale to Joseph Hruza, he being the highest bidder for $3500.00. The amount of land involved in the sale was two quarters or 320 acres and the amount of the debt of the estate as claimed by Mrs Kirk was #3622.15. The land as you will note sold for a little over $10.00 per acre. It is probably worth from $15.00 t $20.00 per acre. Mrs. Kirk as administratrix gave a deed to Joseph Hruza, her brother on Jan. 9^th and on Feb. 13^th Joseph Hruza deeded the land back to her for one dollar and other valuable considerations. On April 15^th Mrs. Kirk gave a mortgage on the land to one Frank Kroutliek for $2000.00.

I have had a talk with one of the appraisers, Mr. John Curran and while he admitted that the personal property was appraised low he said that all of the farm machinery was old worn out stuff and that it would not bring any more on a public sale. He was favorable to Mrs. Kirk and in reply to one of my questions said that Mrs. Kirk deserved everything that was coming to her. Mrs. Kirk as also allowed by the county court $100.00 per month for 12 months for support of herself and family during the administration of the estate. While this was very high yet no objection was made at the time it was allowed so it would be impossible to object to that part of it now.

I have also had a talk with Atty. John F. Cordeal of McCook, who is considered one of the best probate lawyers in this part of the State and we both agreed that while there is no doubt but that you heirs couldopen up the proceedings which were had and that you might be able to get the deed to the land set aside on the ground of fraud, yet there would be such a small amount of money involved that it is doubtful whether it would more than pay the expense. We also came to the conclusion that unless we could show that the property had been fraudulently appraised to low and that the claims allowed against the estate were in part improper that the sale of the land by Mrs. Kirk to pay the debts would probably stand. If the court found that the debts were proper and that the sale by Mrs. Kirk was proper we would loose the case. While it seems clear to me that there was a considerable amount of fraud yet I feel that it will be hard to prove and for that reason I would not want you to spend any money when it is very doubtful whether you would get any money if you won the suit. If this land is worth $15.00 er acre the total value would be $4800.00 and after the debts of the estate were subtracted there would be $1177.85 to divide between Mrs. Kirk and you 8 children which would give each of you a little over $100.00. The expense of the resale of the land would also have to come out of this sum if the court set the deed to the land aside. After the expense of suit and attorneys fees I am doubtful if you would have anything left.

I trust that this has fully answered your questions and I will be glad to be of service to you heirs at any time in any way.

Very truly yours,

(signed) E. E. Spencer

EES:KLS

Personal note: Guess my grandfather lost the land he was expecting when his father died.  Fraud is fraud, no matter how you look at it. Mrs. Kirk (in my research) sounds like a real b***ch. My great grandfather Cary Wineland aka Bill Kirk, sounds like an interesting person and the theme "what comes around, goes around," seems to have happened to him in the end. 

1937 - Wallowa County Relief Committee

July 14, 1937

RE: WINELAND, Irvin George

Mrs. Esther Kelly Watson, Supervisor

Children’s Department

Multnomah County Relief Committee

552 County Courthouse

Portland, Oregon

Dear Mrs. Watson:

I have recently had the opportunity to again discuss with Mr. and Mrs. Archie Wineland the matter of them taking their nephew into their home. It was explained to them that the maximum amount that they could receive for the care of one child would be $18.00 monthly. It was felt that they could take the boy for that amount but that they did not wish to make it a permanent arrangement until they had seen the boy and he had spent some time with them. It is suggested that perhaps he could spend the two remaining months prior to the opening of the school year with them pending their permanent decision. If he were a likeable and desirable child they would then consider keeping him permanently if aistance were given them financially.

Would Multnomah County consider giving them a temporary grant for two months at $18.00 per month and would his transportation here and his return, if necessary, be provided?

Yours very truly

WALLOWA COUNTY RELIEF COMMITTEE

By

(Miss) Floris Sorensen,

County Administrator

1937 - Wallowa County Relief Committee

April 23, 1937

RE; WINELAND, Irvin

Mrs. Esther Kelly Watson,

Supervisor

Children’s Department

Multnomah County Relief Committee

551 County Courthouse

Portland, Oregon

My Dear Mrs. Watson:

I have recently discussed the matter of Irvin Wineland’s care with Mrs. Archie Wineland and she has indicated that it would not be possible for them to take the child in their home without financial aid and they would like to know what assistance they would receive and from whomit would be received, should it be decided to bring the boy to Wallowa. As had been explained in previous letters, Mr. and Mrs. Wineland and small daughter have been self-supporting since their arrival in Oregon from Kansas but they have had great difficulty in remaining independent and it would be impossible for them to take another member into the family without adequate financial aid.

It is the understanding of this office that in June the Dependent Children’s Program becomes effective. However, it is not known what the procedure will be regarding children o are non-resident in the County. Will Multnomah County care for Irvin Wineland in Wallowa County? Mr. and Mrs. Winlenad would like to know what amount they would receive monthly if they did take the child. I feel sure that if financial arrangements can be made that no better care could be obtained for the boy. Has Johanna Wineland reported the whereabouts of her parents?

Yours very truly

WALLOWA COUNTY RELIEF COMMITTEE

By (Miss) Floris Sorensen, Exec. Secy.

1985 - Wava Wineland

McPherson, Kansas,

Dec 20, 1985

Dear Mable,

I don’t think you know who I am. I remember meeting you only one time. My name used to be Wineland. I am the daughter of Ira Wineland & the Granddaughter of Marshall Wineland. My mother was a Seaman. Her brother Joe Seaman was married to Nettie White.

I have wanted to contact you or your daughter for some time but didn’t have an address. I know Aunt Laura used to be in contact with some of you folks. But she is gone. I saw this address in the Natoma paper. Anyway I know your daughter especially has done some research & gathered information on the Wineland Family History.

I just wrote a book on my memories of the Wineland Family. It is mostly a personal book written for my children and grandchildren. Telling mostly of my growing up years in Osborne Co. There were so many relatives, living near, that I knew personally not just heard of. The book has 200 pages of picturs, maps, stories & family history. It covers about five generations o Winelands. The books cost $26.00 each to hve made. I only had 50 books made up. I only have 2 or 3 left that are not spoken for. I could let you have one if you are interested. Total cost would be $28.00 as it takes $2.00 for mailing. (I’ve tried to get one into each branch of the John Wineland Family)

It is cold & miserable in Kansas. Hope this finds you & your family well and may you have a Merry Christmas. This may not reach you as I don’t have a street address.

Sincerely,

Wava Nelson

PS I sent this before Christmas but the letter was return – so will try again.

1971 - M Robinson

Seattle Wn.,

Jan -11-71

Dear Mabel –

Just a line to say hello and to thank you for the very nice xmas card. I wanted to send one to you but didn’t know where to sent it as I hadn’t heard from you since last xmas when you were in Alaska as I didn’t think you were still there or was very much surprised to hear from you from Japan, how long have you been living there?

Well I guess it’s a small world these days places are not as far away as they use to see to be before the fast planes brought them so much closer to every-thing.

Well I’m still here managing this apt. house but I am getting awful tired of it too. My one and only vacation I’ve had since 1965 was in November 1968.

So I am going to try and get away from here for a week, orso as soon as a friend of mine gets over the flu and feels better then she will come over and take care of the place until I come back.

I may give it up later on this year as its getting so dangerous here now with the robberies and all, a person is afraid to go out at night at all you are not safe even in the day-time.

It would be nice if a person could go out in the evening for a walk when the weather is nice but those day are gone for-ever I guess.

Sure hope you folks have more freedom from this sort of thing than we do.

Well Mable hope you and the family had a nice happy holiday season and also all well.

When are you coming back to the state? Glad to hear the people are so nice that helps a lot.

So will close for now I have a very bad headache excuse the scribbling.

Wishing you and yours the best for the New Year, as always

Margarite Robinson

PS Drop a line if you have time.

1971 - Elsie Woodside

 7544 – 15^th Ave. SW

Seattle Wash. 98106

Friday March 5-1971

Dear Mable.

Been waiting & waiting to hear from you. I’ve talked to Mrs. Taylor three or four times since she came home. One of these days I’m going to try and get over to her house and see the pictures she has. She certainly must have enjoyed her visit. I’m so glad.

I’ve been waiting & waiting to get at least a “why don’t you write letter,” from where ever you were at, until I talked to Mrs. Taylor. Myletters to you came back & so did the 2 bundles of shopping news I had mailed. Reason I sent them, was there were notices about Gil Conte and his new place of entertaining.

Haven’t even heard from your mother since I got her card Christmas. Then she was still in Ore, but said she was going to California for Christmas.

At least I know you are still with us on this old Planet, which is really getting abused. No wonder we’re having Earthquacks & by the way was your sister in that quack area? Right now we have had snow still little here & there & so cold for this time of year. Jim hasn’t been outside to walk even as far as Dunlaps for couple of weeks.

He hasn’t been feeling to good since Christmas. Looks good but right after Christmas he got this huge bail, or carbuncle or infection, thing on his neckjust above the hair line. That was the worse thing I ever tried to take care of. It’s still has little swelling. If he’d only stop picking it. Took Dr 3 trips out to see him. Now guess what? For a week now I’ve been trying to get, whatever caused this one that’s now on his left hand. It’s on his index finger, between the knuckle joint & first joint on that finger. I think it’sover the worse now. Needless to say, Jan & Feb. have been the months I sure haven’t had much sleep. My house is really dirty but, I just don’t have strength to do much cleaning. But one of these days, I’ll surprise myself & really dig things out.

I can’t go over & see Mother as often as I’d like too, but she calls me every night. I have only seen Pinky & Bee once since the middle of Dec. Christmas was a pai in the neck. But Just Jim & I and we enjoyed a quiet day. (I think)

Say Mable, I don’t think I told you before But the tag on the outside of your pkg to me said One Tea set.” When I opened it Gordon & Don had stopped by. It was the yarn winder. Don showed me how to put it together. Anyway I went down to Irene’s & Marcia was there so I told the girls, my tea set was a yard winder. Marcia looked at Irene & then they just hawled, she said, “Oh my yarn winder whatever that is, is a ice tea set.” O we all got a laugh out of that. I still haven’t seen her “yarn winder,” & some day when I can visit for more than 15 min or so, I’ll show Marcia the yarn winder.

Mable I have so much to tell you, but I’m going to make this little short. I’m sending it to Myron & see if you get this one. Did you even get the Christmas pkg Betty MacLaughlin sent you? This week she is home sick with the Flu. So Irene didn’t get to go over there, Irene said Mac isn’t very well. She can tell you about them. Irene’s letter came back too.

It’s 7:30 a.m. I’ve got to get up & fix breakfast, dress Jim’s finger, & if I’m ready by 9:50 a.m. Irene will take me up shopping. Atta never gets going until almost supper time. Once in a while I get her to go around 3 or 3:30 but then I’m always late with supper, but I’m thankful to have some one kind enough to take me shopping & to see mother.

I’m sending this to Myron & see if you get it. If you do, please drop me a note fast. Love, Elsie

Give our love to all Did you get your tax notice ours is over $200.00 next yer it will be more.

Note: this a Mable’s best friend from Seattle. They lived 3 houses apart from each other. This friendship lasted over 50 years. Jim and  Elsie passed away in the 70’s. Grandmother was without her best friend for close to 10 years. She was greatly missed by all (our family as well).

Jan 1929 - C D Brge

Boomsville MO

Jan 23th 1929

Mrs. Sarah A. True

Dear sister will write you a few lines & had a Letter from one of your friends I have forgoten her Name she said you had the flu I answered her Letter But have herd Nothing more from you hope you are well By this time if you Did Not Get well I hope Lance Brady will write me and Let me know I taken the flu too months ago today am up Now But am week

the weather is cold here and I Don’t Go out so if you Get thin Letter write or have some Body to write for you hoping this Letter Reaches you and finds you well or at least much improved

I am your

Brother C. D. Birge