From History of Vernon County, Missouri. 1887, p. 806.

Not every person could be a landlord or run a hotel successfully. So much is expected, so many requirements are necessary and such order is looked for that the patience of an ordinary being is often seriously tried. And yet a landlord is supposed to be always genial. In the present instance, however, appears the case of one well adapted to his calling. Mr. Vandiveer is a success as a hotel proprietor, and as landlord is the right man in the right place. In 1886 he erected his present building, a commodious, neat and well arranged house, which was given the name of Hotel Vandiveer, and over this he now presides, conducting a hostelry that has already an excellent reputation. Mr. V. was born in Hickory county, Mo., May 13, 1850, and is the son of Pollard W. and Eliza (Cummins) Vandiveer, the former of Tennessee and the latter of Virginia nativity. James, the eldest of eight children, accompanied the family to Texas in 1853, but two years later returned to Missouri and settled in Dallas county, where he became familiar with farming in all its details. In 1867 he settled in Walker township, this county, where Walker is now located, and until about 1872 was engaged in agricultural pursuits, but afterwards devoted considerable of his time to school teaching, merchandising and stock and grain shipping, mostly at Ellis. During the terms of W. H. Taylor as sheriff of the county, and Mr. A. Cutninins as collector, Mr. Vandiveer served as deputy, under both, in an acceptable manner. January 3, 1877, he was married to Miss Pernie Still, of Johnson County, Mo. They have two children: Lola M. and Earl W. Mr. V. is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. His father is now a respected resident of Ellis, Deerfield Township, this county.