The Probate of Clinton K. Wells (1932, Eaton County, Michigan)
As I continue working through my WELLS notebook, I’m sharing another document that once lived only in my paper files but is now preserved digitally — the 1932 probate file of Clinton K. Wells of Eaton County, Michigan.
At first glance, Clinton might seem like a collateral relative tucked off to the side of my tree. But when we map the generations, he becomes much more meaningful.
- Ozias Wells – my 3rd great grandfather
- Benjamin Franklin Wells – son of Ozias
- Clinton K. Wells – son of Benjamin Franklin Wells
That makes Clinton K. Wells my first cousin three times removed.
Sometimes it’s these collateral lines that help fill in the broader family story.
The Probate File
Clinton K. Wells died on 10 May 1932. The probate file from Eaton County, Michigan includes:
- Petition for probate of will
- Copy of his 1922 Last Will and Testament
- Testimony determining legal heirs
- Estate valuation
- Land descriptions
- Later probate for his widow, Lydia A. Wells
The documents confirm that Clinton was a resident of Vermontville, Eaton County, Michigan, and that he died in Kalamo Township.
His Immediate Family
The probate determination of legal heirs identifies only two survivors:
- Lydia A. Wells, wife
- Nellie M. (Wells) Barningham, daughter
No additional children or heirs are named, suggesting that Nellie was likely the only surviving child in 1932.
The 1922 Will
Clinton executed his will on 14 March 1922. It was witnessed by Lewis J. Dunn and John C. Nichols of Charlotte, Michigan.
The will provides valuable genealogical and land information:
Land Devised to Wife – Lydia A. Wells
In Kalamo Township:
- East ½ of the NE ¼ of Section 3
- West ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 2
Land Devised to Daughter – Nellie M. Barningham
In Vermontville Township:
- East ½ of the SE ¼ of Section 34
In addition, Nellie received $2,000 from the personal estate.
All remaining real and personal property was left to Lydia.
Estate Value in 1932
The estate was estimated at:
- $4,000 in real estate
- $7,500 in personal property
- Total approximately $8,000
For 1932 — during the Great Depression — that represents a substantial estate.
What Happened Next?
Lydia A. Wells died on 19 January 1941, intestate (without a will). Her probate file identifies one heir:
- Nellie Barningham, daughter, age 54, of Vermontville
This reinforces that Nellie appears to have been the sole surviving heir of the couple.
Why This Record Matters
Even though Clinton is not in my direct line, this probate file helps:
- Confirm the children of Benjamin Franklin Wells
- Document residence in Kalamo and Vermontville
- Provide precise land descriptions
- Establish financial standing of the family
- Clarify that only one child survived into the 1930s
Collateral research strengthens the entire tree.
Sometimes the most valuable finds are not about our direct ancestor — but about the cousins who help confirm the structure of the family.
And that’s why this probate file earns a place in my Friday Finds.