Robert Elmer VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 25 Apr 1887 in Milam Twp, Macon Co, IL. He died on 5 May 1952 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, at home at 1100 Bway. He was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Edna Lucretia POWELL on 5 Jan 1910 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL, by John W Walters, Christian Church Min.
Some descendants said he also had suffered from TB during his teen years, which was cured by a stay in the dry climate of Texas, as well as having a slight hearing problem.
In nearly every photo found of Robert, he looks like a southern gentleman, usually wearing a suit and tie, and always with a cigar.
He was a member of the First Christian Church of Mattoon and the Moose Lodge.
Residences & events in his life:
1910-11 It is unknown where Robert and Edna started housekeeping but was probably on one of the farms belonging to his father. At any rate, it was some distance away from home when Edna received a letter from her mother shortly after their marriage.
4/1912 Morocco, Newton Co, IN, was their address when their first child was born.
12/1913 Salem, Marion Co, IL. Robert's father had bought a farm there and sent Robert to take charge of it. Their second daughter was born while living there.
12/1914 Moultrie Co, IL. They were back home by the time their first son was born.
5/1915 Being a farm hand for Irving Shuman of Sullivan, Robert was sent to Zapata Co, TX, as Shuman's representative. He carried letters of introduction and 3 checks for $50 to be used only as necessary for expenses. His mission was to take possession of land Shuman had bought there and begin improvements.
6/1918 Morocco, IN. It is unclear what the attraction in IN was but it must have been a farm. At any rate, they had returned in time for son, Robert, to be born there.
12/1919 Morocco. Robert bought 1/2 interest in George Hammond's patent on a cultivator improvement for $1. Two more children were also born there.
1/1925 1100 Broadway, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, was their address when daughter, Maxine, was born.
2/1929 1412 Moultrie, Mattoon.
12/1930 1612 Prairie, Mattoon. Apparently Robert first rented this house, buying it a short while later. Two children were born while living there.
12/1/1931 Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. Robert bought 1612 Prairie (lot 9, blk 110) for $2500 from the Horace Clark estate.
Apparently daughter, Agnes and Emmett Young, lived with her parents for awhile, as their first 2 children were born in the house on Prairie.
9/13/1932 Moultrie Co, IL. He bought property at E1/2 of SE quarter, S21, T14N, R5, E of 3rd P.M. from his father for $1300 with $1000 as down payment, the balance at 7% for 1 year.
10/1932 Robert and Edna accepted another child into their family, taking in his first cousin, Robert Elmer Neaves, following the death of his parents.
5/1/1933 Robert bought more property in Moultrie Co by quit claim deed by paying $1 to his uncle, Elmer Van Gundy.
5/29/1933 Together with brother, Dewey, he bought more Moultrie Co land by quit claim deed, this time from their father for $1.
1937 The Mattoon property was in dispute due to abstract entanglements with the Clark estate settlement and Robert received a court summons along with several attorney letters.
7/15/1940 Along with his brothers and sister, Robert paid $1 for 1/256th royalty interest in an oil/gas lease in Marion Co, IL, which was probably located on his father's farm. He later allowed the land to be sold but retrained the interest for the next 10 yrs. No great
fortune was ever collected from this venture.1940-1942 Rockford, IL. Robert moved the family there after obtaining a job in a foundry. While at work he was involved in an accident in which he and a co-worker inhaled toxic fumes while working in a closed room. The other man died and Robert was in the hospital
for a week, his health never fully rebounding. As a result of not being able to return to work, they moved back to Mattoon10/4/1940 Son, Robert Elmer (Elmer Henry), who was serving in the Air Force at the time, picked up the payments on 1612 Prairie for his parents, including 3 back payments.
1941 It seems that as soon as one child left, another married and moved in. Son, Bill and his wife had their first son while living in the house on Prairie.
3/9/1942 Mattoon, IL. After 5 years of legal battles, they finally received a clear deed to 1612 Prairie.
9/5/1942 Cooks Mills, N Okaw Twp, Coles Co, IL. He traded their Mattoon property for William and Sarah Floyd's 14 acre farm in Sec 10. They were still living there at reunion time in 1943.
1943 Rt. 1, Humboldt, IL, was their address when they received war ration books. At that time Robert was still listed as a foundry worker.
1/30/1945 Mattoon, IL. He paid $4200 to Mrs. Helen Owens for 1100 Broadway (lot 12, blk 122), the same residence they had lived in some 20 years before, and refinanced the Moultrie Co property at the same time.
10/30/1946 He was billed for a 2 day stay at Memorial Methodist Hospital in Mattoon, complete with 2 sets of x-rays, 2 lab tests, medicine, and room and board at $5/day, for a total of $36.60. While the patient's name was not specified, Robert's name was the only one on the bill. He paid it in 2 installments within 4 months following discharge.
3/1948 Robert retired from Brown Shoe Co as a "moulder," the original date of employment is unknown but it must have been after 1943 when he was still a foundry worker.
5/9/1950 & 5/15/1952 He refinanced the Mattoon property.
Daughter, Dorisgene, holds some precious memories:
"When Joe and I were first dating, he knew Dad 'kinda liked a little nip' now and then, so one night when he came to pick me up, he asked Dad if he wanted a 'little drink,' returning with a fifth of Four Roses. Dad poured iced tea glasses about half full for himself and Joe, picked up his glass and said "Here's to ya!" He downed his drink and the sweat popped out, then he asked Joe, "Aren't you going to drink yours?" Joe took a sip, then handed his glass to Dad who finished it too! Joe responded with, 'I thought you had heart trouble!'
I remember all the work parties we used to have at home...the kids doing the painting, fixing up, and cleaning while Mom did the cooking. I didn't realize until later that she had the hardest job.
In her later years, Mom was quite a traveler. Once she took a bus trip seated next to a gentleman who said to her, "You're a real attractive woman till you get to your feet! Why do you wear those old ladies' shoes?" The shoes went to the Goodwill box as soon as she got home.
Being part of a big family has been a blessing. We have had many happy and many sad times but being together got us through them all, the reunions, the holiday dinners, the pinochle parties, and even the funerals. One time when we were burying a 'loved one' and money was scarce, June went to the bargain basement at the funeral home and bought a red casket for $200. There were few complaints about it."
Other children told about Robert's clothing problems as a result of being the father of several sons. As the boys grew into his size, he had trouble keeping clean clothes in his drawers, so every year when he received new socks for Christmas, he immediately put them into the safe so he could, at least, be the first to wear them.
Despite all the moves and any hardships associated with such a large family, they were always a closely knit goup, always remaining loyal and supportive to parents and siblings, passing those traits to the next generations.
Children declared this as the actual birth date even though his birth certificate read May 27, 1887, the error being discovered when he applied for Social Security benefits. The 1900 census also recorded his birthdate as 4/1887.
His death occurred at 6:10 PM, the result of a heart attack. Some of the children believed his heart problems were the result of a work accident at the foundry. He had bought his fishing license only 2 months prior. On one anniversary of his death, he was remembered in his wife's diary: "Bob been gone 5 lonely long years."
A wake was held at home from Wednesday until the funeral the next day at 2 PM which was conducted by Rev Mont Massey at the First Christian Church of Mattoon. Expenses paid by the family consisted of $600 to the Peers Funeral home and $25 for flowers.
Edna Lucretia POWELL [Parents] was born on 30 Jan 1892 in Moultrie Co, IL, at the Seass farm near Cadwell. She died on 10 Oct 1977 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She married Robert Elmer VAN GUNDY on 5 Jan 1910 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL, by John W Walters, Christian Church Min.
Among the traits distinguishing Edna was the red hair she inherited from the Purvis side of her family via the Powells, which she in turn passed on to several of her own children and grandchildren. In later years her hair turned snow white, making a stunning contrast to the red dress she wore for special occasions.
Another memorable feature was her exceptional mind which she retained until the end. In spite of having such a large family, she could recite full names and birth dates of each child and grandchild.
In 1943 she was working at the Brown Shoe factory with a yearly income by 1949 of $2392.99. Later until about 1972, she worked as a patient aide (private duty sitter), many of her patients being younger than she was.
Following Robert's death she lived in a tiny 2 bedroom house, probably not more than 800 sq ft total, on Champaign Ave in Mattoon but could squeeze in 40-50 people every week-end when the children came back to visit. It seemed like there was a revolving door with the guest list changing hourly.
She loved to travel and did so every chance she got, either to visit relatives or with them on their trips. On one occasion she spent 6 weeks in CA with her brother, Joe.
From "Gifts of Our Heritage" by granddaughter, Pat Van Gundy Courtney, is the following tribute to Edna and the family:
"Our parents gave us the gift of knowing 'Daddy's people' and many a thread in my life's tapestry is an Illinois one. There was hardly a summer we missed going to Illinois to see Grandma VanGundy and everyone. Our aunts, uncles, and cousins are much loved and thought about because of the Illinois visits. Grandma Van Gundy was the prettiest grandma; she always smelled wonderful; and called everyone 'honey.' It did not matter how many grandchildren she had, the newest one was always special. Even after we were grown, she sent us birthday cards and letters. Sadly, there are only whispers of
memories of Grandpa VanGundy. He died on my sixth birthday.At Grandma's house, whoever was up first or through the back door first made the coffee. No one complained how it tasted, but Uncle JD was fond of saying that he could drink one cup of Daddy's coffee and just add water to it the rest of the day. Also, one did not throw away the coffee grounds--they were put (along with egg shells) in a
metal pitcher kept by the kitchen sink.I especially remember Grandma's long table and all the activity centered there--a lot of it having to do with playing pinochle and telling tales on one another. As a child and even later, I would stand quietly and listen to the grownups talk. I most enjoyed hearing about 'olden days'--of times before radio and television when the only entertainment was self-made. They talked of singing at night. Daddy's favorite song was 'In the Garden' which I have since learned was the last song they would sing in the evening before going to bed. Of course, when telling about school days and walking to school, the walk became longer and the snow deeper. They talked of having boarders living with them and how the long table was set twice for every meal. Grandma told of the devastating flu epidemic when their hired hand died. She talked about when Aunt Dorie Jean was born and how she had a dream in which she was at total peace and walked through fields and fields of the most gorgeous flowers she had ever seen. Only later when she came around, as she put it, did the doctor say that they almost lost her.
And Grandma told of seeing Mother for the first time. Mother, from the hills of North Carolina, had never been away from home before when she went to Illinois on the bus. She was dressed in a brown suit and Grandma said she looked like a pretty, little brown bird. Mother always said that Grandma taught her how to be a mother-in-law; and I only hope that I have learned from our Mother how to be one.
We also loved Grandma VanGundy to visit us in North Carolina. Back before the interstates, she would ride the bus from Illinois to Charlotte. How she endured those bus trips is beyond me. Just the thought of being on the bus for the two-days journey makes me experience car-sickness all over again."
Up until the last months of her life, she had lived independently, but finally moved in with daughter, June Fitt, where she died. The cause of death was recorded as arteriosclerotic heart disease with chronic heart failure. Her obituary said that besides her children she
left 57 grandchildren, 80 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.Her will read:
"I, Edna Powell Van Gundy of Mattoon in the County of Coles, State of Illinois, being of sound mind and memory, and considering the uncertainty of this fail and transitory life, do therefore make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. I do hereby revoke all and every former Will or Wills made by me or for me.
First: I order and direct my Executors hereinafter named to pay all my just debts and funeral expenses as soon after my decease as conveniently may be.
Second: I do hereby make, constitute and appoint J.D. Van Gundy and Laura Van Gundy Young, Executors of this my Last Will and Testament and it is my wish that they may not be compelled to give bond or security as such Executors, and that they may settle the estate by selling of the real and personal estate, at private or public sale as they may think best and pay the debts without being compelled to account to the probate or any other court; estate to be closed within one year after decease.
Third: After payment of such funeral expenses and debts it is my desire that my children who contributed to the "Kitty" be re-imbursed in proportion as the amount contributed bares to the total amount contributed.
Fourth: After the payment of such funeral expenses, debts, and the "Kitty" it is my desire that the remaining monies be divided equally between my lawful children and in the event that one or more of my lawful children predecease me in death then their share is to be
divided equally between my lawful childrens lawful children. It is also my desire that Robert Elmer Neaves share in my estate, both real and personal, on the same basis as a lawful child. IN TESTIMONTY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subsecribed my name and affixed my seal this 30 day of June, 1954."
Edna Van
Gundy (signature)The will was witnessed by J.G. Powell and Nelson Earl Powell, her brothers. (The "Kitty" was a fund established by the children to help support their mother.)
The funeral was held on a Thursday at 2 PM in the First Christian Church of Mattoon with Rev Robert Clark officiating. Pallbearers were grandsons, Mark Fitt, Joe, Dale, and John Van Gundy, Van Webb, and Jim Neaves; honorary pallbearers were her sons. Meals were served to the large crowd of family and friends by both the First Christian and First Baptist Churches.
They had the following children:
F i Agnes Corinne VAN GUNDY was born on 16 Apr 1912. She died on 12 Mar 1976. F ii Laura Catherine VAN GUNDY was born on 14 Dec 1913. She died on 21 Aug 1998. M iii Elmer Henry "Bud" (changed to Robert Elmer) VAN GUNDY was born on 17 Dec 1914. M iv William Ansell VAN GUNDY was born on 4 Oct 1916. He died on 29 Nov 1990. M v Robert Earl VAN GUNDY was born on 29 Jun 1918. He died on 3 Oct 1986. M vi Joseph Dewey "JD" VAN GUNDY was born on 9 Dec 1919. F vii Ella Carrie VAN GUNDY was born on 18 Apr 1921. She died on 21 Oct 1997. F viii Edna Pearl VAN GUNDY was born on 25 May 1923. She died on 9 Feb 1924. She was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL.
Her mother remembered her in a diary entry: "This is always a sad day our Baby has been in Heaven 33 yrs today. The other children were just getting over whooping cough, they all greved so, was pitiful, Ella would say 'dont cry Mommie hers sleepin' All the Folks were so good to us & we had the other children & each other & Gods help, so life went on God has been so good, has spared our other 12 wonderful children & given us so many beautiful Grand Babies, my heart just bursts with gratitutde. But this little Angel still holds her own little place in my heart."F ix Eva Maxine VAN GUNDY was born on 26 Jan 1925. F x Wilma June VAN GUNDY was born on 6 Jun 1927. M xi John Louis "Jack" or "Derby" VAN GUNDY was born on 24 Feb 1929. F xii Pauline Elizabeth "Paud" VAN GUNDY was born on 10 Dec 1930. She died on 20 Jun 1997. F xiii Doris Gene VAN GUNDY was born on 7 Mar 1934.
George Nelson ARTHUR [Parents] was born on 21 Mar 1900. He died on 28 Mar 1955 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He was buried in Dodge Grove Cem, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He married Gretta Mae DAILY on 30 Dec 1919 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL.
Died of coronary.
Gretta Mae DAILY [Parents] was born on 8 Dec 1903. She died on 6 Feb 1992 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She was buried in Dodge Grove Cem, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She married George Nelson ARTHUR on 30 Dec 1919 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL.
Other marriages:ROBERTS, Dewey Noble "DN"
Gretta retired from the Brown Shoe Co, Mattoon, IL, as a union steward. She was also a member and officer of the First Baptist Church.
Her funeral was held at 2 PM on Sunday at the First Baptist Church, of which she was a member. Dr. Elbert Elliott officiated. Visitation was at Schilling's Funeral Home the night before.
They had the following children:
M i Warren Harold ARTHUR was born on 20 Dec 1920. F ii Dorothy Ellen ARTHUR was born on 17 Jun 1922. She died on 22 Aug 1992. F iii Rosalie ARTHUR was born on 20 Feb 1933. F iv Madonna Lou ARTHUR was born on 13 Feb 1936. M v Robert Joe ARTHUR was born on 23 Dec 1938.
Michael Todd VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 21 Aug 1961 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He married Michelle Ann ENRIGHT on 24 May 1981 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, First Baptist Church.
He has a varied personality, comfortable in both crowds and solitude depending upon the need or activity at hand. He is a strong, ambitious person who leans toward perfection in whatever he undertakes, having a special talent for perceiving the entire spectrum before focusing on details. In dealing with others, he can be conciliatory with their best interests as heart, as well as forceful, sometimes applying self imposed expectations and limits to them.
Residences and events in his life:
During his high school years, he worked as a meat cutter at a local grocery store. a handy occupation throughout life no matter what a person's career choice is.
4/25/1980 He joined the US Air Force, serving in the Military Airlift Command. While there, he became the youngest Load Master, then Load Master Instructor, in the history of the Air Force.
1981 Charleston, SC, where Todd was based in the USAF and their first child was born. He was discharged in 1983 with the rank of Sr Airman E4, Load Master Instructor.
7/1983 Villa Grove, IL. Upon leaving the service, his in-laws graciously offered the family a residence within minutes of Champaign where Todd had decided to go to college.
8/1983 Champaign, IL. Todd and his family joined the in-laws in their move and he enrolled in Parkland College. Their second son was born while living there.
5/1988 He graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science and a major in computer engineering.
He was the first of many things in both of his parents' families. Upon his graduation from college, his Grandmother Van Gundy wrote a poem detailing those firsts, such as first born child, first grandchild, first great grandchild.....first of all those to go to the Air Force, graduate from college, etc, and ended by saying everyone was proud of his achievements and they know he will be the first in his next big step.
1988 Boston, Mass. Following graduation, his first job as a computer engineer was with Prime Computer and the family moved again.
1989 Champaign, IL. Todd transferred to Lab Thermics, still working in computer research and development, where he also worked in collaboration with Harvard University on biomedical equipment. Shortly after he became a computer consultant and started his own
business.A newspaper reporter/photographer captured Todd at leisure, featuring his photo on the front page with the following caption: "Todd VanGundy of Champaign tees off next to a tree in full leaf Monday at the Mattoon Country Club. VanGundy was enjoying the spring weather by playing a round of golf with his father, Dale, of Mattoon."
8/1994 Morrisville, NC. As a participant of the technology boom, Todd moved his business nearer the Research Triangle Park area, then joined IBM where he worked as "swat" coordinator, analyzing computer problems and assembling teams to resolve them.
5/1996 Apex, NC. Moving farther out into the suburbs, they built a new house in a new subdivision and Todd received a promotion at IBM.
Michelle Ann ENRIGHT was born on 4 Jan 1961 in Alberta, Canada. She married Michael Todd VAN GUNDY on 24 May 1981 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, First Baptist Church.
Michelle's father was an employee of CIPS, as was Todd's.
She is an ambitious and frugal housewife and mother. She uses her talents wherever they are needed, whether sewing curtains, assembling floral arrangements, refinishing furniture, or caring for her garden and its fruits. She learned experimental cooking from her father and often serves gourmet meals to family and friends.
Her husband and children are her first concern and therefore does not feel the need for outside employment. She is also active in the children's activities and their schools, often serving as PTA officer, room mother, or printing newsletters.
They had the following children:
M i Ryan Michael VAN GUNDY was born on 20 Aug 1982 in Charleston, Charleston Co, SC. M ii Ian Christopher VAN GUNDY was born on 15 Mar 1985 in Urbana, Champaign Co, IL.
Rodney Dale RHOADS was born on 22 Feb 1961 in Charleston, Coles Co, IL. He married Julia Lynn VAN GUNDY on 25 Apr 1987 in Olney, Richland Co, IL. Rodney resided.
Rod earned an Associates Degree in broadcasting from Lakeland College and for awhile was sports broadcaster for WLBH radio in Mattoon and WACF in Paris, IL. He also worked in his family's heating/refrigeration business which specialized in ice cream machines. Later he obtained a job with Connor Co, a heating/air conditioning company. In his after hours, he serves as a disc jockey, providing music for special occasions such as school dances and
private parties.
Julia Lynn VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 28 Jul 1963 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She married Rodney Dale RHOADS on 25 Apr 1987 in Olney, Richland Co, IL.
Growing up between two brothers, she is somewhat of a tomboy, being athletic and extremely competitive. In high school, she was a track runner and often ran several miles during leisure time as well. Even into adulthood most of her activities centered around competition of some sort, such as playing softball with the church team.
Upon reaching teenage years, Julie developed an affliction similar to that suffered by her great, great grandmother, Delia Ward Weaver, fibrile seizures of epileptic type. As a result of medications in addition to the stigma and myths associated with epilepsy, her life has been a series of ups and downs.
However, she became an overcomer when she was touched by two people: a man who loved her enough to overlook occasional health problems and married her anyway; and a boss who was informed and supportive whenever she needed a boost.
She received an Associate's degree in business from Olney Central College.
They had the following children:
Brian Douglas VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 27 Nov 1964 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He married Robin Denise RUNYON on 24 Nov 1984 in Olney, Richland Co, IL. Brian resided.
He always loved tools, especially carpentry tools, and rope with which he tied bicycles, wagons, and often parked vehicles together. All through his childhood, he carried pliers and/or a screw driver in his pocket. He was curious, following in the footsteps of his uncle, Jim Thayer, by taking everything apart to see how it worked, often to the chagrin of his parents.
He discovered wood working in a shop class during high school and was involved in building a new house from the ground up. This had the effect of channeling his interests toward structures and gave him the training to attain perfection in his work. From then on he was
involved in building, everything from garages to additions to remodeling projects. When faced with a growing family, he bought a large old house and proceeded to gut it, one room at a time. The remodeling lasted for years but the end result was a masterpiece.For awhile he was self employed solely in construction but seeking job security and benefits, he joined General Telephone, rising to cable splicer/troubleman where he has remained for several years.
Ironically, Brian was the only child who objected to the move from Mattoon to Olney when his father was transferred and is now the only one left there, rooted by his job and wife's family.
Robin Denise RUNYON was born on 14 May 1966 in Olney, Richland Co, IL. She married Brian Douglas VAN GUNDY on 24 Nov 1984 in Olney, Richland Co, IL.
She is a tall, thin, strawberry blonde with freckles which she has passed on to the next generation. Robin is a joiner, usually in organizations involving both herself and the children. It seems she has acquired an aptitude for children. During most of their marriage she has maintained a day care for several children of all ages, in addition to her own family.
They had the following children:
Derek Sean VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 30 Apr 1969 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He married Sarah Kristine Daly on 10 Jun 1999 in Joliet, Will Co, IL.
He is a definite mix of the two personalities of his parents. He is a "people" person like his father, outgoing, personable, and comfortable with people in all walks and situations of life, spending the summers of his youth playing golf with the senior members of the country club.
Yet he is also pensive and reflective, living by faith in the Lord for his life, like his mother. He capitalizes upon these combined traits and uses them to accomplish feats others find difficult or even impossible, such as raising $10,000 for a youth trip to Russia.After an active childhood in youth groups through church, he carried similar activities into adulthood by becoming a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and eventually youth minister. He uses his talents and influence to organize events and raise the money to support them, such as concerts and trips, in an effort to keep young people involved and
focused in the right direction. Sean maintains his contacts and friendships, calling them to service when he needs them. During his college years, he organized a weekly Bible study among his friends, exposing some to Christianity for the first time.Sean is also an accomplished vocalist, having studied at Olney Central College. This talent was first discovered about age 11 when he was given a solo part in a musical at church, surprising the whole family on opening night. He continued singing for school events, once
opening the basketball game at high school by singing the national anthem a cappella, and later combined talents with mother at the piano, and sister, Jamie, at the electronic keyboard, performing for church services, weddings, anniversaries, and funerals.Residences and events:
1990 Olney, IL, where Sean was youth minister of Elm Street Christian Church.
1991 Bridgeport, IL, still working as youth minister, this time at the First Christian Church.
1993 Mattoon, IL. Moving back home while completing his college education, he began practicing accounting for his brother, Todd, as well as two local golf courses.
1995 He graduated from Eastern IL University with a Bachelor's Degree in accounting after first attending Olney Central College and Rose Hulman Technical Institute at Terre Haute, IN.
1/1996 Cary, N.C. Following graduation, Sean moved to be nearer Todd, as well as to take advantage of more favorable weather for year round golf, his favorite past time. He landed a job immediately upon reaching the area as accounting clerk for Triangle Laboratories,
moving rapidly into Assistant Controller.9/1996 Switching companies he worked as an accountant for Ruben H Donnelley Co, the yellow pages people.
4/1998 In a venture to challenge himself in his work, he joined QSP (Quality Software Products), a British company, as accountant who, along with a team, will install systems and train employees of companies with revenues over $500 million, then act as sole contact in case of problems.
Sarah Kristine Daly was born on 15 Oct 1974 in Joliet, Will Co, IL. She married Derek Sean VAN GUNDY on 10 Jun 1999 in Joliet, Will Co, IL.
They had the following children:
F i Kaelee Marie VAN GUNDY was born on 10 Sep 2000 in Cary, Wake Co, NC. M ii Owen Jack VAN GUNDY was born on 31 Jan 2002 in Cary, Wake Co, NC.
Sean Alan Brown was born on 30 Aug 1970 in Terre Haute, Vigo Co, IN. He married Jamie Leigh VAN GUNDY on 4 Sep 1999 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL.
Jamie Leigh VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 30 Oct 1972 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She married Sean Alan Brown on 4 Sep 1999 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL.
She is the scholar of the family, a quiet person, independent, yet conscientious, considerate and caring toward those around her. She is an avid reader and an accomplished pianist, although she prefers to play only for herself.
In a constant quest for betterment, she exercises her mind by discovering new things in daily life, being especially observant of nature, people, and her environment. She maintains her body with fitness exercises and diet control, acting as influence for others with less will power. And she sets goals for her future, then devises ways to attain them.
Religion has always played an important part in her life, setting her apart from many of her fellow classmates and associates by avoiding the problems and pitfalls of the world. As a young adult she still attends weekly Bible sessions with friends.
Residences & events:
8/1990 Olney, IL. She began college at Olney Central College, completing her first year there.
5/1991 Mattoon, IL. Following her parents, she moved to continue her education at Lakeland College.
1993 Macomb, IL, where she enrolled for her final two years of college at Western Illinois University.
1995 Graduating with honors, she attained a Bachelor of Science with majors in geography and math and plans to eventually enter the field of climatology with an emphasis on storm research.
6/1996 Cary, NC. Feeling it was time to strike out on her own but not wanting to get too far out, she decided to join her two brothers in the southeast. She immediately landed a job as customer service rep for Siemens Medical Systems but soon switched to an office position with a CPA firm. After fulfilling a residency requirement, she plans to return to college for her Masters degree and/or a degree in computers.
They had the following children:
F i Alana Eldorann Brown was born on 10 Jan 2001 in Raleigh, Wake Co, NC.
Donald Stephen MCCLELLAN was born on 3 Sep 1946 in Chicago, Cook Co, IL. He married Phyllis Ann VAN GUNDY on 30 Dec 1964 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, First Baptist Church.
Steve is a musician and played in a band during most of his adult life to supplement the family income, as well having fun. He plays several instruments, including trombone, trumpet, and piano, with an emphasis on drums.
Residences & events in his life:
1947 Macomb, McDonough Co, IL, where the rest of the McClellan clan lived.
1957 Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, where his father practiced medicine. Steve and Phyllis, being childhood sweethearts, married there.
1964 Decatur, Macon Co, IL. Immediately following the wedding Steve and Phyllis moved to the basement apartment of Phyllis' great aunt, Ella Walker, so Steve could be closer to Milliken University where he was a student.
1965 Mattoon Back home again, Steve worked at a drug store while finishing college at Eastern IL Univ, earning his bachelors degree in business.
1972 Jacksonville, Morgan Co, IL. His first job after college, Steve worked as an accountant, first for a CPA firm, then for a farm management company.
1974 Clearwater, FL. He was transferred to manage an apartment complex owned by the same corporation.
1978 Mattoon, IL. Moving back home, he obtained a job in the Sales Dept of Blaw Knox, a manufacturer of asphalt road pavers.
7/6/95 Bristol, TN. They moved when Steve switched companies within the same business of road pavers, as an outside Sales Rep covering several states.
5/1998 Cedar Rapids, IA. Moving into the home office as head of the Sales Dept, they finally settled on a home in Marion, IA.
Phyllis Ann VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 26 Jan 1946 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She married Donald Stephen MCCLELLAN on 30 Dec 1964 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, First Baptist Church.
In 1980 Phyllis suffered a hemorrhage caused by a brain angioma was near death for some time. After several weeks in the hospital and intensive rehabilitation, she regained ambulatory control but had a weakened right side with a slight limp and paralyzed right arm.
However, any disability never prevented her from accomplishing whatever she set out to do.
They had the following children:
M i Douglas Stephen MCCLELLAN was born on 6 Aug 1965. F ii Amy Jo MCCLELLAN was born on 1 Jun 1968. F iii Melissa Ann "Missy" MCCLELLAN was born on 16 Jun 1969. F iv Melinda Kay "Mindy" MCCLELLAN was born on 16 Jun 1969.
Robert Edward BUCKLEY was born on 7 Mar 1948 in Portland, OR. He married Barbara Ellen VAN GUNDY on 12 Sep 1970 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, First Baptist Church by Dr Edward E Elliott.
Residences & events:
Carbondale, IL, where Bob earned a bachelors degree in physical education from Southern IL Univ. Upon graduation he took a job as a coach and drivers' education teacher but found he did not want to spend the rest of his life in that profession.
Mattoon, IL. Bob worked at Central IL Public Service in various capacities, rising to Substation Electrician.
Barbara Ellen VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 14 Jun 1950 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She married Robert Edward BUCKLEY on 12 Sep 1970 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, First Baptist Church by Dr Edward E Elliott.
Barbara is a teacher's aide, primarily in Physical Education in the elementary grades.
They had the following children:
F i Kelly Lynn BUCKLEY was born on 8 Jun 1971. M ii Cory Edward BUCKLEY was born on 29 Dec 1973 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL.
Cory is co-owner of a construction company with several local
remodeling and new construction jobs around town to their credit.
Mark Edwin WETZEL was born on 17 Sep 1955 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He married Terri Jo VAN GUNDY on 21 Aug 1977 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, First Baptist Church.
Mark, hailing from a farming family, earned a bachelors degree with a major in agriculture at the University of IL.
Residences & events:
Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. Following graduation from college, he obtained a position as a banker in the Agricultural Dept, managing farms in their trust, while Terri worked for the US Post Office.
Champaign, IL. Switching banks, Mark still works in the Agricultural Dept, overseeing the operations of several farms. He also is a physical fitness instructor at the local gym, the same one where Terri is employed.
Terri Jo VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 26 Jan 1959 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She married Mark Edwin WETZEL on 21 Aug 1977 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, First Baptist Church.
At age 2, Terri fell into the floor furnace at home, severly burning the palms of her hands, necessitating surgeries with skin grafts to free her fingers over the years. However, this never prevented her from becoming an excellant typist and other than her fingers appearing
shorter, no one would ever notice.While in Mattoon, Terri worked at the US Post Office as a mail handler/deliverer.
In Champaign, IL, she worked for a local fitness club, first as a part time physical fitness instructor, then as full time sales rep.
They had the following children: