ROBERT B. VANCE is a representative of an old and highly esteemed family of Independence township. He is of Scotch descent, the first ancestor of the family to immigrate to America being one Joseph Vance, who was born in Scotland about the middle of the seventeenth century. In early manhood Joseph Vance left the "bonny braes" of Scotland, landing in America some time after, and becoming a pioneer settler of Pennsylvania. He located in Cross Creek township, Washington county, while the Indians were still numerous, and soon achieved a widespread reputation as an Indian fighter, many of the dusky warriors having fallen by his unerring rifle. Few if any were more prominently identified with the early settlement of the western portion of Washington county than was Mr. Vance. He married and passed the remainder of his life in the wilderness where his first log cabin was erected; during his lifetime the uncultivated land had become a fertile farm. He and his wife passed to their rest at an advanced age, leaving their children to finish the work so nobly begun. Among these children was a son William, born in 1776 and reared in Washington county, amid the usual trials and dangers of pioneer life. His education was necessarily limited, as schools were few, and at best afforded but meager opportunities. He was first married to Rachel Patterson, a resident of Cross Creek township, who bore him six children. She died, and a few years afterward he married, for his second wife, Hannah Patterson, a member of an old family of Cross Creek township. To this union also were born six children. Mr. Vance always lived in Cross Creek township, and was one of the representative men of the day. He died in 1856. He was a Whig in politics, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church.
James Vance (the third child of his father's first marriage) was born July 22, 1804, in Cross Creek township, and passed his boyhood days on his father's farm receiving instruction in the principles of agriculture, of which he made so practical a use in later life. He received a somewhat limited education in the subscription schools, and in 1829 was united in marriage with Susan Walker, who was born December 22, 1809, daughter of Alexander Walker, of Cross Creek township. The children born to their union were: Alvira (Mrs. James Dodds, of Independence township), Rachel (Mrs. Perry Liggett, of West Middletown, Penn.) and Robert B. (subject of this sketch). Mr. Vance continued to live in Cross Creek township until 1837, when he came to Independence township, locating about two miles east of the village of that name, and there made his permanent home. Mr. Vance was formerly an Old-line Whig, and on the formation of the new party united with the Republicans. Much of the success in his business life was due to his own efforts and sagacious management. Mr. Vance died in 1881, and September 29, 1889, was followed by his widow, who was laid to rest by the side of her husband. Both were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church.
Robert B. Vance was born August 30, 1842, on the old farm in Independence township, which is his present home. He attended the district schools, and assisted in the farm work. On March 8, 1866, he was married to Rebecca McCleary, who was born January 1, 1844, daughter of Ewing McCleary of Brooke county, W. Va., and the following children were born to them: Cynthia (Mrs. Samuel Dunbar, of Smith township), Alvira, James E. and Sadie, the latter three living with their parents. Mr. Vance has always resided on the home place, and follows general farming and stock raising, being especially successful with the latter business. He is a well-known and popular citizen; in politics he is an active member of the Democratic party and has been called upon to fill various township offices. Although Mr. Vance is not a church member, he believes in and supports the cause of religion. The "Golden Rule" is his motto, and by observing the precept which it contains he and his family have won the esteem and friendship of all who know them.
Text taken from page 1363 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed January 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]