Descendants said that James' generation of sons dropped the "Van."Melv in was the only male descendant (of James), and when he was 8years old h e was legally given the "van" so that the family namewould continue."
Residences & events:
6/12/1896 He and Julie moved into their new house where 4 days laters on Melvin was born.
6/1/1900 Fitchland Ave, Toledo Ward 10, Lucas Co, OH. The censusreco rded James E Gundy, 33, married 5 years to Julie C, 24, who hadbirthed o ne child: Melvin R, 3, all were born in OH. Also livingthere were Un cle William R Fuller, 46, and his son Melbourn C, 6,both born in PA. J ames' occupation was tinner, Fuller was a daylaborer. Two doors down w as first cousin Jacob Gundy, 55.
Abt 1908 Again from descendant's letter: "When he (Melvin) wastwelv e years old his father and mother were separated, and he livedfirst wi th one parent and then with the other."
4/20/1910 W Woodruff Ave, Toledo Ward 5, Lucas Co, OH. James andJuli e were separated that year at census time but still lived in thesame c ity. James was listed as J E Gundy, 43, married 14 years,working as a n apartment janitor. Living with him was son Melvin R,13.
Abt 1912 Homeland, Charlton Co, GA. James and son Melvin movedsouth. A pparently Melvin must have moved back north when James diedas he was b ack in OH by 1918.
The cause of death was said to be a heart attack while drilling a wello n the property of the parents of soon-to-be daughter-in-law Lucile.
From cemetery records:
