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A biography said of James: "the subject of this review has a wide acquaintance and the esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact. In politics he has always been a Democrat, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his busienss affairs, in which he has met with creditable success." Residences and events in his life: Scott Co, IL. Again from his biography: "At the usual age James D. Van Gundy began his education as a student in the public schools of his native county and when he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught he put aside his text books and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in Scott county." 1873 Macon Co, IL. When his parents moved east, he went with them. 1882 Shelby Co, IL. He married there and stayed to farm for a about 1 yr. 1883 Moweaqua, IL. The next year James was engaged in the manufacture of tile. 1884 Kansas. Moving west, he returned to farming but finding life too hard there, fighting locusts, etc, he stayed only about 1 year before moving back home. 1885 Milam Twp, Macon Co, IL. He purchased a tract of land in sec 13 and "with characteristic energy he began its cultivation and development and continued there to engage in general farming until 1903." 1903 995 W Marietta, Decatur, Macon Co, IL. James retired to town but retained 200 acres of "valuable land" which he rented out for a "good" income. 1909-1910 Louisiana 1910 Decatur, Macon Co, IL. He moved back home again for reasons not known. 1919 Long Beach, CA. His wife always wanted to live in CA and finally convinced Jim to move there. After his wife died, he came out of retirement to work for the City of Long Beach in the Park Dept. His daughter also worked for the city at that time. Jame's obituary said he was "wharfinger on the old Pine Ave. Pier and then Belmont Pier." 1941 Los Angeles, or Long Beach, CA (depending on which newspaper article cited) was his address when his brother, DW, died. When he died his address was 2060 Cedar Ave, Long Beach and probably was Long Beach all along. |
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James' nephew, George Hoewing, was administrator of his estate. Virtually everything he owned went to his daughter after his son died. She still retained his land in Illinois as of 1994. |
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Patterson and Snively Chapel was the location of his funeral which was held on a Saturday at 1 PM with James C Gordon officiating. |