James studied under several of the most noted teachers who ever taught in Tuscaloosa. Among these are the Rev. R. D. Nevins, Prof. W. C. Richardson, and Prof. B, F. Meek, LL. D., one of the most finished English scholars in the South. At the age of fifteen young VanHoose began to make his own living, and when not working for a livelihood was engaged with his studies. He naturally desired to excel, and with this laudable spirit devoted himself to them with no uncommon assiduity. His life continued in this manner, alternating between work and study up to the year 1871. In July of that year he entered the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee. He was educated here for the ministry of the Episcopal Church. He distinguished himself for unflagging devotion to his studies, and after an arduous course of five years, four and a half of which were spent in the academical department, and the remainder in the theological, he received the diploma of graduation in 1875 in the former department. After leaving the university he returned to Tuscaloosa, and at once set about to prepare himself to stand an examination preparatory to entering the ministry. He studied the Greek Testament, unfortunately printed in very small type, a month prior to the time when the examination was to take place. During this time he only allowed himself a few hours sleep out of the twenty-four. At length he became stricken with temporary paralysis of the muscles of his eyes, caused by excessive use of the eyes in reading this small-print Greek Testament. As soon as his sight was sufficiently restored he stood the examination with credit to himself, and was ordained in St. John's Church in obile, of which the Rev. T. J. Beard, now the rector of the Church of the Advent in Birmingham, was rector. This ordination took place in the early part of 1876, and Mr. VanHoose at once came to Birmingham and became the pastor of the Church of the Advent in February, 1876, also taking charge of the missions at Athens, Decatur, and Trinity. He was the second minister of this church, the first being the Rev. P. A. Fitts, who after this went to Tennessee. Mr. VanHoose remained in nominal charge of this church until August of that year. Although his impaired eyesight disabled him from reading or studying, he worked with great earnestness and zeal in behalf of his church, and, though with it for so short a period, left a very sensible impress behind him of the work he had accomplished.

In October, 1876, he returned to Sewanee, Tennessee, and became the General Agent of the Endowment Fund of the University of the South, and filled this position until August, 1877. He was then elected Proctor of the University, and by virtue of the position became responsible for the discipline of the institution. This was, indeed, for so young a man, a great trust and care, but as in every other capacity in which he had been called on to act, he proved himself both equal to and worthy of the charge. It was in 1879 that he gave up this position and returned to Tuscaloosa, and after remaining here a short time came to Birmingham, and with the consent and approval -of the bishop of the diocese of Alabama went into temporary secular employment until the time, if ever, when his eyesight would be sufficiently restored to enable him to go on in his chosen calling. The best medical advice since then seems-to make that hope a very doubtful one, the injury in all probability being for life.

In February, 1880, Mr. VanHoose went into the wholesale grocery trade in Birmingham with Mr. J. M. Maxwell, of Tuscaloosa. The firm was known as J. M. Maxwell & Co., and was among the first wholesale houses of this kind established in Birmingham. In August, 1881, Mr. Maxwell having died, Mr. Joseph McLester, of Tuscaloosa, purchased his half interest, and the new firm was known as McLester & VanHoose. It is one of the most prosperous houses in the city, and its volume of business constantly increasing.

Since his residence in Birmingham, Mr. VanHoose has been identified with every movement, either actively or with influence, calculated to build up Birmingham's interests. He was very active in establishing a board of trade for the city, and was its first president. He was also one of the main factors in organizing and holding the Alabama - State Exposition in 1884. In 1886 he was one of the prime movers in putting on foot the Birmingham and Pratt Mines street railway, and was elected president and general manager. Here again he gave evidence of his ability to conduct to a successful issue any enterprise to which he saw fit to devote his energies. This road has steadily increased in popular favor and patronage, until now it is one of the most progressive in the city. Mr. VanHoose, as president of the company, in all of his acts has shown himself thoroughly capable. He was also the originator of the East Lake Land Company, and with the able assistance of Mr. Robert Jemison organized and put in shape that company, which has since proved a wonderful success.

Ever since Mr. VanHoose's residence in Birmingham the second time, he has had charge of several missions in behalf of his church. Among these we may mention Decatur, Gadsden, Athens, Pratt Mines, and others. He also acts as assistant to the rector of the Church of the Advent in this city, having been assigned to this duty by the bishop. He is ever ready to respond to the calls of duty. It is due him to state that ever since the affecting of his eyesight, as above mentioned, he has never had perfect use of it, and even now he cannot engage in study at all. It is owing to the cause that he was compelled to give up the active and continuous work of his high calling. Mr. VanHoose's domestic relations are in the highest sense pleasant and happy. He was married in June, 1877, to Miss Jennie McLester, of North Port, Alabama, a daughter of one of its most successful and respected merchants. He is the father of several children, all of whom are living.

Since the foregoing was in type the Birmingham and Pratt Mines Street Railway Company has bought a controlling interest in the Birmingham Street Railway Company, and the two have consolidated, the former name remaining the name of the new consolidation.

John went to the schools around his native place, and studied at a public school in New York for eighteen months.

In Cass County, Georgia, now Bartow, he learned the practical work of a molder. After residing in various other places he went back to Cass County in 1861, and was there when the war broke out. Early in the war he happened to be in Jacksonville, Alabama, where he heard Hon. J. L. M. Curry, Member of Congress, make a war speech under a flag that had the smoke of the first Manassas on its folds. Becoming enthused with the spirit of the occasion, he volunteered in Selden's Battery. The battery was sent to Mobile. John Veitch and his brothers, being found out as skilled men in iron work, were put in the arsenal at Selma, where they remained hard at work until captured and paroled by Wilson's men in the last days of the war.

Mr. Veitch had been connected in responsible positions with the furnaces in and around Birmingham since they were built, until he voluntarily retired to go into the saw-mill business, which he now conducts successfully.