Ninth Generation

224. Walter Spencer "Ted" VANDERVORT was born in June 1892 in La Grange Township, Monroe County, WI.^6,40 He lived at the home of his parents in La Grange Township, Monroe County, WI in June 1900.⁴⁰ He appeared in the census in 1905 in La Grange Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁶⁴ Ted appeared in the census in 1910 in La Grange Township, Monroe County, WI.^71,199

He may have married a "Mrs. W. S." about 1915, but he was listed as Single in the 1920 Census. He appeared in the census in 1920 in Cottonwood Township, Powell County, MT.^254,255 He was a prisoner in the Montana State Prison.

Ted was convicted for killing a man in Ismay, Montana, on December 6, 1917. According to an account in the Ismay Journal dated Friday, Dec. 7, 1917: "Ted and his brother, Worden, went to the Shaw ranch on Thursday morning to see George 'Slim' Davis.... Davis bought a wagon and a harrow from them recently, giving his note for the same. He had planned on selling these articles and other possessions of his in Plevaa today, and the object of the visit was to ask him for the money due them. He refused to pay, stating that he would give them the money after the sale. A quarrel ensued, and Davis was shaken up a little by one of the boys. Davis said there was no use of their having trouble about it. Saying something about getting a saddle horse, he went to the barn, soon returning with a horse and a shotgun. Arriving at the house he fired one charge through the top of the door and told them to get out of there. He went in with the gun and was shot by Ted, who had a revolver.... Shortly after the shooting, Ted gave himself over to Sheriff Jones at Baker.... The boys claim self-defense, it is reported.... The unfortunate affair is a source of regret to the residents of this section, where all the parties are very well known, and enjoyed good reputations as being industrious young men."

According to an account in the Ismay Journal dated Friday, March 8, 1918: "The jury in the case of the State of Montana vs. Walter Vandervort agreed on a verdict Friday morning, March 1st, after being out all night. The twelve jurors found the defendant guilty of second degree murder and court was convened at 9 o'clock when the verdict was read before the court.

The penalty is: To be imprisonment in the state prison for a period of not less than 10 years nor more than 20 years.

The case was a hard fought legal battle and the attorneys for both sides worked hard and it seemed to be the consensus of opinion from the beginning of the trial that the defendant would not be acquitted as much damaging evidence was introduced by the state that went to prove that the case was not one of self defense.

Information was filed in court Friday morning against Worden Vandervort, brother of Walter, charging him with being an accessory to the crime of which Walter stands convicted. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was taken into custody by the sheriff. At 1:30 Judge Law sentenced Walter Vandervort to the state penitentiary for a term of 10 years on good behavior.

(Worden Vandervort has been released under bonds of $7,000; his trial to come off at the next term of district court for Fallon County.)"

From the prison records: "Walter Vandervoort, #6232; received at Montana State Prison: 3-15-18; Fallon County; murder, 2nd degree; 10-20 year sentence; Occupation: Farmer; 6' tall; 165 lbs; Paroled: 3-13-21; Parole Expired: 10-2-26."

Ted then spent a few years in prison, and when he got out, he went to California and never returned to Montana. The family rumor was that Ted was not responsible for the murder, but his brother Worden may have been. Ted is said to have claimed responsibility to spare his brother from prison, since Worden had a family. The truth of the situation is not known.

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He appeared in the census in 1930 in Burlingame, San Mateo County, CA.²³⁹ His occupation was listed as "Taxi Driver." In September 1935 Ted was in Burlingame, San Mateo County, CA. Newspaper Article: "BUS HEARING ON TOMORROW.
San Mateo will send a strong delegation to the railroad commission meeting in Burlingame at 10 o'clock tomorrow for the purpose of opposing the franchise application made by Walter Vandervort.

The latter operates a Burlingame bus line and he wants to extend his route through San Mateo Park and to Bay Meadows. Resolutions in opposition have been adopted by the San Mateo city council and the chamber of commerce, the local bodies contending that the San Mateo bus service given by Roy Kelly and Andrew Byrd is sufficient.

At tomorrow's hearing, City Attorney Wilson will represent the city; Col. Charles N Kirkbride is to appear as attorney for Kelly, and Byrd; Mayor Simmen will be there in his official capacity; and Gilbert Keitle will represent the chamber of commerce.
Kelly and Byrd have been operating here for years. They will show that with day and night work they are earning only $5.19 a day, and their contention, is that the field is not large enough for two bus lines."

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He died on 8 March 1943 at the age of 50 in Burlingame, San Mateo County, CA.^6,256

Obituary Notes: "Funeral services were held today for Walter Vandervoort, 49, former Burlingame resident and operator of the Middlefield road bus line between Redwood City and Palo Alto for the last four years, who died yesterday at his home here, 726 Elm Street, of heart trouble.

He is a native of Wisconsin and is survived by a widow, Pearl, and a sister, Mrs. Pearl Wilson, in Montana. Cremation at Alta Mesa Memorial park, Los Altos, followed the services at Frankling and Croew chapel."
He was buried on 9 March 1943 in Ismay, Custer County, MT.^6,197,256 in the Ismay Cemetery.

Walter Spencer "Ted" VANDERVORT and Pearl UNKNOWN (VANDERVORT) were married about 1929.²³⁹

It was the second marriage for Pearl. According to the 1930 Census, she was married for the first time at age 20. Pearl UNKNOWN (VANDERVORT) was born about 1889 in Nebraska.²³⁹ She appeared in the census in 1930 in Burlingame, San Mateo County, CA.²³⁹