Posts in July 3, 2021

An estate settlement for Michael Trautvetter indicated that his deceased sister Mrs. Ernestine Hess had three children, Wilhelmina Smith (her husband’s last name), Valentine Hess and William Hess. Just because Wilhelmina, Valentine Hess, and William Hess were children of Ernestine does mean they shared the same father. Valentine and William probably did, but it is very possible that Wilhelmina had a different father. Saying they are Ernestine’s children does not mean they all share the same father. Don’t read into documents what is not there.