|
He was a farmer and also worked in several jobs with the NorthernCross (future Wabash) railroad,
everything from engineer to running arail hotel. There must have been some kind disagreement which caused Adam'ssiblings to move away, severing all contact. Adam's branch knewnothing of any other relatives, and were quite surprised to learn oftheir existence when discovered in 1993. Adam's line diminished, passing all the original Van Gundy property toMary Van Gundy Muckler of Tennessee, her nephew, Eric Van Gundyfarming the land for her. At this time, Mary's children, Eric, andhis brother are the last of the line. Residences & events in Adam's life: 1850 Exeter P.O., Scott Co, IL. In the census he had property =$3500/680. Also living with him were John Full, 22, from Germany, andEsther Oliver, 16, from MD, probably helpers around the farm andhouse. 1860 Exeter, with the same property worth $3500/680. 1870 Still at Exeter, his property now = $7000/1650. This residencemay have been the rail hotel he operated, there were several otherresidents there with various occupations. 1880 Same address and all the kids, except George, were still athome. Living with them were a servant girl and a 9 yr old, LorenzoRest, who may have been Sarah's nephew. 12/17/1883 Bluffs was organized as a town and Adam was electedpresident of the first board of officers. 1900 Adam was one of three Justices of the Peace in town. |
|
His 3 column obituary said: LIFE'S WORK OVER Brief Biographical Sketch of a Well Known, and Highly RespectedCharacter of Scott County "This ends the career of one of Scott county's oldest and mostinfluential citizens. Adam Van Gundy was born and reared on the same farm he owned atthe time of his death, being also the farm that was the home of hisfather, David Van gundy, one mile east of Bluffs. When a boy he tended the mill his father owned, and which waserected on the old home place, it being the only mill at that timebetween Quincy and Springfield, people driving and bringing theirwheat as far as 60 miles to have it ground. He saw the first rails laid of the present Wabash railroad andduring 1865 and 1866 he conducted a hotel at Naples, the termus of theroad. He, for a number of years was conductor on the line that runsfrom Springfield to Meredosia. He had spoken to his friends so manytimes of both serious and humerous incidents occuring during his timeas conductor. Bluffs station at that time being at the crossing eastof town and called the Van Gundy station. Twenty-five years ago this fall the Hotel Olive, now known as theWabash Dining Station, was erected by him and for about 3 years he wasproprietor, making many warm friends who are yet here and mourn hisdeparture." " He was a very public spirited citizen and always willing to dohis duty as far as was within him. When the town of Bluffs wasorganized he was made president of the village and from that time heldoffice of sime kind almost constantly, being Squire for many yearsbefore his death. He was a staunch democrat and a very radicaltemperance man, several of his writings on temperance being found inhis writing case after his death. He always disliked to have anyoneoppose him on the liquor question as he was so strong an advocate forthe right, and if necessary would fight for his principles. He was a man of warm impulse and generous heart and any one thatwas really needy was never turned from his door empty handed. He wasa great lover of children both of his own immediate family and outsideof the family children were a great delight to his heart. His last illness started just one week before his demise, and wascaused by a complication of kidney and bladder trouble. During hislast illness he was called upon by his pastor Rev. W.H. Lewis, and tohim he expressed himself that he knew he was going to die but he waswilling to go as he was ready for the great journey. He wasunconsious the last three days and when the time came for him to passaway, a peaceful expression came over his face and he was no more,death taking away the care worn expression that was caused by hisintense suffering." |
|
The funeral was held at the home of eldest daughter, MargaretTewksbury at 2 PM. "The many
flowers tendered were very beautiful andshowed in what esteem he was held by his many friends
and relatives" Pallbearers were grandsons, Roy and Charles Van Gundy, Harry andAlbert Vannier, Leonard Black, and Thomas Burrus. Adam and Sarah are buried a few rows higher up the bluff from hisparents and share a large stone. |