St Paris -February 21, 1889
Judge AF Vance of Urbana, died at his home on the 13th at the age of 88 years. He was Probate Judge of this county for 20 years.

Urbana Daily Citizen - February 18, 1889
Alexander F Vance, Senior, was born August 25, 1811, and died February 1 8, 1889, aged 78.
He was the second son of Governor Joseph and Mary Lemon Vance, and was born on what was known as the Governor Vance farm. He attended Miami University and was associated with such students as General Robert Schenck, Hon Samuel Galloway and others.
After his marriage he lived on what is known as the Eichholtz farm for several years, and then moved to Saratoga, where he took charge of the mill until a short time before the death of his father. His share of the inheritance was the old homestead farm, where he remained until 1859, when he moved to Urbana, having sold his farm to Edward Jennings.
His first location in Urbana was in the Wright property on East Court street~ he then moved into the residence on Scioto street, where he continued to live until about seven years ago, when he came to the home on West Court street, in which he closed his eyes forever last Wednesday.
After selling his farm and coming to the city he took in trade, a hat store which was then located in the frame building the site now occupied by the Kersey Roberts shoe store.
In 1861 he was elected Probate Judge of Champaign County, a position he served for six consecutive terms, leaving the office in 1879. On the 6th day of August, 1835, he married Mary R, daughter of Col Wm. Ward, who lived on the neighboring farm now owned by A C Jennings. To them was born five sons, William W, Joseph C, of Chattanooga, Maj A F, Jr, John, of Chattanooga, and Colly, and three daughters, Mrs Rev John Ward, of Merriam Park, Minn, Mrs Thos C Berry and Miss Ella P Vance. Five children have preceded him into the Valley. One died in infancy, another at the age of seven, Ed was accidentally shot about the beginning of the late war, Major D. M. Vance died in March, 1887, and Miss Elizabeth in April, 1888.
In his younger days he was prominent in military affairs. Under the old military organization of the State he was Adjutant General of Militia for this district. When war broke out he raised a company and was elected its Captain. It was mustered at Camp McArthur and offered its services to the Government at once. But, on account of the State having more men at the ti me than it could dispose of, its offer was declined. He was represented in that conflict by four of his sons, one, in the years following the war, sacrificed his life in the service of his country by exposure and privations on the Western frontier .
For many years Brother Vance was a well-known figure in Masonic circles. He was initiated in Harmony Lodge May 15, 1845. He held several offices as had his father and followed by his son, A F Vance, Jr in 1877.
In September, 1850, he united with the first Methodist church of this city. Three years later he took his letter, and with his wife, united with the First Presbyterian church, on December 30th, 1853. He held offices in that church as long as his health permitted.
About five months ago a long and deep-seated trouble began to increase in irritation and acute pain. It rapidly grew worse, and then he was confined in his walks, to his house. His mind was clear, his spirit unbroken, and his manner as earnest, jovial and kindly as ever. His death bed was an occasion of triumph. In it the grave won no victory, and death had no sting for it was a glorious and happy rest.