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ALEXANDER F. VANCE.    In the history of Urbana, its upbuilding and its progress, the name of Alexander F. Vance figures conspicuously and honorably.  He was born Aug. 25, 1811, and died on the 13th of February, 1889, when in the seventy-eighth year of his age.  His parents were Governor Joseph and Mary (Lemon) Vance.  His birthplace was what has been known through long years as the Governor Vance Farm.  In the usual manner of farm lads of the period the boy was reared and in the district schools of the neighborhood began the education which he continued in the old Miami University.  After his marriage he lived on what is known as the Eichotz farm for several years and then removed to Saratoga, Ohio, where he took charge of a mill, conducting its operation until a short time before his father's death.  His share of his father's estate was the old farm homestead, and thereon Alexander F. Vance remained until 1859.  He removed to Urbana after having sold the farm.  From that time until his death he was a well known figure in the city, respected by all for his genuine worth.      Mr. Vance took in trade for his farm a hat store which was then located in a frame building which stood in the southeast corner of the public square.  He only retained possession of this, however, until the stock was sold out.  Called to public office he was long a prominent representative of the county’s interests along judicial lines.  It was in 1861 that he was elected probate judge of Champaign county and his service in that office is almost unparalleled in the history of the state, for he continued in the position through six consecutive terms, leaving the office in 1879.  He was the second probate judge elected under the new constitution, but that he proved a most capable, faithful and just official is indicated by his long continuance in the position.  No higher testimonial of his ability could be given and he left office as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of all concerned.  After his retirement from the bench he was engaged in no active or professional business but enjoyed a well earned rest throughout the remainder of his earthly pilgrimage.      On the 6th of August, 1835, Judge Vance was united in marriage to Miss Mary R. Ward, a daughter of Colonel William Ward, who; resided upon a neighboring farm.  Their marriage relation was an ideal one, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years passed.  They celebrated their golden wedding marking the close of a half century of happy married life.  The children of this union were William W. now deceased; Joseph C., of Chattanooga; A. F., who is represented on another page of this book; John, also a resident of Chattanooga; H. Colwell, who is living in Urbana; Mrs. Rev. John Woods, of Ludington, Michigan; Mrs. Thomas C. Berry and Ella P. Five other children have departed this life.  One child died in infancy and another at the age of seven, while Ed was accidentally shot about the beginning of the late war.  Major D. M. Vance died in March, 1887, and Elizabeth in April of the following year.  The relation between father and children was a most happy one, for he was not only their guide and counsellor, but their friend.      Judge Vance took a deep and active interest in every movement and measure calculated to benefit his community and advance its upbuilding.  He was very prominent in military affairs at an early date and under the old military organization of the state served as adjutant general of militia for his district.  When the war broke out he raised a company for service at the front and was elected its captain.  This command was mustered in at Camp McArthur and offered its services to the government at once, but as the quota was already filled the offer was not accepted and circumstances forbade Judge Vance from again enlisting, but he was ably and nobly represented in the great conflict by four of his sons.  His loyalty all through the years of his active and useful life was above question and his devotion to his country furnished an example well worthy of emulation. The Judge was a very prominent Mason, having become a member of the order in Harmony Lodge, May 15, 1845.  Steadily he advanced through the various degrees and in his life exemplified the beneficent teachings of the fraternity.  He also took the degrees of the Chapter, and in that organization filled many offices in a most capable manner.  He also received the three degrees of Cryptic Masonry and became a templar in 1869.  Again official honors and duties were conferred upon him.  He believed most firmly in the teachings of the craft, which are based upon the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God, and while he was well informed concerning the work of the lodge room he also exemplified in his daily life the true spirit of Masonry.   In September, 1850, he became a member of the First Methodist church of Urbana, but later united with the First presbyterian church and his life was that oif a faithful, constant Christian.  In 1865 he was chosen a ruling elder and remained continually in that office until 1880, when, at his own request, he was omitted from the board.  As long as his health remained he was a regular attendant on the church services, but for five months prior to his demise he was not able to leave his home.  He had firm and unbounded faith in a future life and welcomed his release from pain not as one who enters upon the unknown, but as one who. goes to his old home.  Devoted in his attachment to his wife and children, faithful to his friends, loyal in citizenship, honorable in business and conscientious in his church life, his was a noble example which made the world better for his having lived. Source:  A Centennial Biographical History of Champaign Co., Ohio - Illustrated - New York and Chicago - The Lewis Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 279

A. F. Vance, Jr.

MAJOR ALEXANDER F. VANCE, JR.     Honored and respected by all, there is no man in Urbana who occupies a more enviable position in commercial and financial circles than Major Alexander Franklin Vance.  Not alone because of his splendid success, but also by reason of the straightforward, honorable course he has ever followed.  He forms his plans readily, is determined in their execution and is notably prompt, energetic and reliable.  His business ability has been an important factor in the successful conduct of more than one enterprise which has contributed to the general prosperity and welfare of Urbana and his career proves that success is not a matter of genius, but is the outcome of persistent and earnest effort guided by strong judgment.      Major Vance is a native of Salem township, his birth having occurred on the 26th of January, 1840.  He is descended from Revolutionary ancestors in both the paternal and maternal lines and has back of him an ancestry honored and distinguished.  For eighteen years his father served as judge of the probate court of Champaign county, while his grandfather, Joseph Vance, represented this district in congress for twenty years and was the eleventh governor of Ohio.  In the militia he advanced until he became major general and high political honors were conferred upon him.  He served in the state militia in 1812, represented his district in congress from 1820 until 1836, and again was chosen to that office in 1843, while in the meantime he had been called to the highest office within the gift of the people of the state, serving for one term in the executive chair.  In 1839 he was a member of the Ohio senate and in 1851 served in the constitutional convention.  His death occurred in 1852 but he left the impress of his individuality upon the public life and policy of the state.  The history of Judge Vance, the father of our subject, is given on another page of this work.      Major Vance, whose name introduces this record, spent his youth as a farmer boy until eighteen years of age and after putting aside the work of field and meadow he 'accepted a clerkship in a dry goods store owned by Simeon Weaver, subsequently he became bookkeeper in connection with the Stoney Point Mills conducted by his uncle, and as an accountant served in that establishment until after the inauguration of the Civil war.  No longer could he content himself to remain in the. quiet pursuits of civil life when, the country needing the aid of her loyal sons, he assisted the government by becoming paymaster clerk in 1862.  Toward the close of the time he was appointed paymaster with the rank of major of cavalry.      Immediately afterward Major Vance went to New York City. where for five years he was engaged in the wholesale boot and shoe business and upon returning to Urbana he took up his abode on the old farm, devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits, but his services were needed in other fields of labor and public enterprise sought his assistance.  In 1875 while he was still serving upon a farm, he was elected assistant cashier of the Third National Bank of Urbana and in March, 1881, he succeeded to the office of cashier.  Soon afterward he left the farm and has since resided on Scioto street in Urbana.  He served the Third National Bank and its successor, the National Bank, with fidelity and ability and the prosperity of both institutions has been largely due to his capable management and  untiring vigilance.  A man of resourceful business ability his efforts have not been limited to one line alone, for he has been for some years president of the Natural Gas Commission and has been an active and influential factor in public affairs, serving as a member of the board of education of Urbana for three terms, as infirmary director for one term and was elected for another term, but resigned shortly afterward.      In February, 1868, Major Vance was united in marriage to Miss Mary Glenn Jamieson, a representative of one of the well known and honored families of Urbana.  Their union has been blessed with one child, Louise, now the wife of Charles Brand.  The Major is connected with the Masonic fraternity and is one of the most prominent representatives of the craft in the state.  He has held the office of master, high priest, thrice illustrious master and eminent commander in all the local organizations.  In Harmony Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M., the Major, his father and grandfather have all served as masters.  He has also been grand commander of the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar of Ohio, and on the 18th of February, 1873, obtained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, while in 1885 he received the thirty-third degree in Boston, Massachusetts, being one of the very few who have attained to that rank in the United States.  As a citizen he is public spirited and progressive  local advancement and national progress both being dear to his heart.  He was never allowed the accumulation of wealth to warp his kindly nature, but has a hearty hand clasp and ready smile for all of the old-time friends, as well as those  whom he has won in later years.  He is indeed an honored and valued native son of Champaign county and his efforts have contributed to the general good as well as to his own individual success. Source:  A Centennial Biographical History of Champaign Co., Ohio - Illustrated - New York and Chicago - The Lewis Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 246