The discrepancy in dates has also puzzled me. The Rev. J. J. Watts, in his diary, states Valentine Wilson died on September 1, 1836, and Bill was born on October 28, 1837. Watts, who knew the family well and was married to Bill Wilson's cousin, Mary Jane Woolsey, thought Bill was Valentine's son as did family members. So it would appear that one of the dates was penned in error, probably the death of Valentine.

Land deeds indicate that Valentine Wilson received a patent for 80 acres in what would become Phelps County, issued on 7 November 1837 and a further 80 acres issued 10 August 1841.The two parcels were catercorner over the Little Piney River, east of Vessie. Because of the huge backlog caused by the rush of settlers west, it was often a year or so before the certificates for the patents were ready to hand to the landowners. This does not mean that Valentine was still alive in 1841 (he is not listed in the 1840 census) but it makes it more likely that he was when Bill was conceived.