BIOGRAPHIES Source:
History of Hancock County, Ohio
Publ: Chicago - Warner, Beers & Co.
1886
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Findley Twp. -
WILSON VANCE was the son of
Joseph Colville Vance, and Sarah, his wife, whose maiden
name was Wilson. Mr. Vance's father was born March
24, 1759, and was married April 10, 1781, in Loudon County,
Virginia. He emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1783.
Mr. Vance's parents were both what was called Scotch Irish
Presbyterians. They emigrated to Kentucky in 1788, where
Wilson Vance was born Jan. 19, 1796, in Mason County.
The family came to Ohio in 1800, and settled in Old Town, Greene
County. In 1804 they removed to Urbana. In 1816
Mr. Vance and his brother William went to Fort Meigs,
on the Maumee River, where for a time they clerked for their
brother Joseph, who was afterwards Governor of Ohio.
On the 14th of March, 1820, he was married to Sarah
Wilson, by Rev. John Thompson, in Champaign County,
and returned with his wife to First Meigs, where they remained
until the fall of 1821, when with his wife and one child, and
all their earthly possessions on an Indian Pony, he came to
Findley, himself walking the distance. He moved into the
old fort until his log cabin was completed. The next
season he erected a two-story log house, and kept a tavern.
These buildings were situated on the south bank of the river, on
the east side of Main Street. Mr. V. also farmed
the bottom lands along the river, and by industry and economy
laid the foundation of his future prosperity.
In 1830 he built a one-story frame house with five
rooms, and in 1831, he in company with John W. Baldwin,
opened up a dry goods store, using the south room of the house
as a business room. This is the same building now occupied
by G. C. Barnd, in rear of the Sherman house.
In 1837 Mr. V. bought out the interest of Baldwin,
who went to New York City. Vance was engaged
actively in mercantile pursuits up to 1852, when he sold out his
stock at auction.
He however did not wholly retire from business, but was
a partner with his sons, Miles W. and William, at
Bluffton, Ohio, up to the date of his death.
Mr. Vance was one of the first Justices in the
county, and officiated at the first marriage in the county.
He was the first Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, and the
first County, Treasurer of Hancock County, and the second Post
Master at Findley. He superintended the building of the
first flouring mill in the county. The structure was put
up in 1825, and belonged to Elnathan Cory, and was on the
site of the present Carlin Mill. His wife did all
her own work, and that which was necessary in the boarding of
the sixteen men employed in putting up the building, digging the
race, and building the dam, although at that time she had three
little children to look after and care for.
Mr. Vance and his wife were of the first
membership of the Presbyterian Church, and I believe both were
still members at their decease. The Church was organized
at his part in sustaining the church, and contributed liberally
to its various objects.
Mr. Vance was a good neighbor, an upright
citizen and an honest man. He was a man of strong
convictions, not easily swerved, and whilst honest in his
opinions, and determined in his actions, he of course made some
enemies for the time being, but no one questioned his motives.
Mr. Vance was the father of twelve children, eight sons
and four daughters, all of whom are dead but three, William,
Horace M., and Bridget. Wilson Vance died March
1st, 1866. His children were all born in this county
except Joseph, who was born at Ft. Meigs, and Miles W.,
who was born in Urbana. William was the second male
child born in the county.
Source 3: History of Hancock County, Ohio - Publ: Chicago -
Warner, Beers & Co.,
1886 - Page 292 |
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Orange Twp. -
ISAAC F. VERMILLION (deceased) was born in
Union Township, this county, Feb. 20, 1836, son of Charles
and Ann (King) Vermilion, natives of Virginia and Ohio,
respectively, who married in Champaign County, Ohio, and
removed to this county about 1831 or 1832. Of their family
of twelve children nine are still living, who now reside near
the town of Dexter, Iowa. The subject of this sketch was
married, May 3, 1860, to Mary E. Elzay, of Orange
Township, this county, born in Champaign County, Ohio, Apr. 14,
1837. Her parents, Newton R. and Julia A. (Ralston)
Elzay, came to this county in 1845. Mr. and Mrs.
Vermillion were blessed with seven children:
Elizabeth A., Harriet A., James W., Levi F., Daniel E.,
William A. and Turley B., all living in this county.
Mr. Vermillion cleared and improved his farm in Orange
Township, this county, which his widow still operates. He
was a highly respected citizen, and served his township in some
of its offices. In politics he was a Republican. His
death occurred Mar. 16, 1880.
Source: History of Hancock County, Ohio - Publ: Chicago -
Warner, Beers & Co., 1886 - Page 821 |
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