James Michael : Short Biography

James was born in 1820 in County Londonderry, the son of James Michael and Mary Bridget Gardiner. He lived in the Porterville, Tulare, California, United States area for 50 years prior to his death. He died 22 June 1924 in Porterville. He never married and had no children. He was a rancher. 

His death was under mysterious circumstances. It was alleged that he halted a robbery in progress in his home but most likely died from the exertion as he was found lying on the ground outside his home with his rifle near him. He was 103 at his death. He is buried at the Home of Peace Cemetery in Porterville, California. Due to the size of his estate and having no immediate heirs and no will, it took over a year before the courts settled on 14 nieces and nephews who would inherit.