Correspondence: Jean Valley -> G. E. Valley Jr., 16 Apr 1985
History · 16 Apr 1985
Linked to Shea Alice LaBont, Jean Marion Swanson, Frances Wingate Davis, Marie Dorothee Dalpe Pariseau Dolbec, Thomas Henry Valley, Sr., George Edward Valley, Sr. and George Edward Valley Jr
6970 Sylmar Court
Dayton, Ohio 45424
April 16, 1985
Dear George,
I am packing a box to send to you. All the papers and documents I have retained copies. The pictures are the originals; Tom enjoyed seeing his dad’s shop and if you want to share, or send me copies of those, I will be happy. The other family pictures are yours unless you already have copies.
In 1981 Tom started to search records in Ogdensburg. He made several trips and engaged a Mrs. Boyesen to search the records. I have sent you copies of her letters. They did not find a birth certificate for Pop; he apparently used this copy of his baptismal record in 1875 as a substitute. Tom visited the Notre Dame church and the priest found the record. He said the parents were not listed on their records until 1888, possibly at a time of confirmation. Mrs. Boyesen found Sophie and her children in the 1880 census, living at the same address as the Valley Brothers Dry Goods Store. The brothers were widowed at various times. He visited a daughter of A.A. Valley in a nursing home. She was not in good health and had no knowledge of Sophie.
I see Mrs. Boyesen wrote in March of 1982, suggesting Tom write to an address in Ontario. Tom had his first heart attack within a copy weeks of her letter, so never pursued it.
Tom was also in touch with an elderly Mrs. Cummins in Smyrna, Delaware. I enclose copies of her letters, as well. Maybe they will be of some use to you.
Thank you for the picture of Tom – it is one of my favorites. Should you have any others you can spare, I will love to have them.
If you are able to establish a family record and are willing to share, I know my children will be interested.
I hope the contents of the package will be of use and interest to you. Tom did hope to organize it eventually, but his time ran out.
I miss him just as much today as I did a year ago. I have no trouble keeping busy as I work 10 hours or more a day at the office. The debits and credits and the computer keep me occupied.
Trust your health is good. My best to you and Alice.
Jean