Robert Dixon Vance was born 20 Apr 1857 to Samuel B. Vance (unknown-1901) and Nannie Dixon Vance (unknown-1905).
Robert served two terms as prosecuting attorney. He was a member of the American Bar Association and president of the Henderson Bar Association.
A Suggestion for His Promotion to a Higher Sphere.
Henderson Journal: One of the worthiest young gentleman in our community is Robert D. Vance, esq. He enjoys, in an eminent degree, the confidence and esteem of all who know him. He is unassuming, genial and frank. With great assiduity he has devoted himself to his profession of the law, and by his work has secured a lucrative practice. His courteous manners have won him great popularity, and his faithfulness to every trust and his energy and ability have won for him the respect of all of is fellow citizens. By a remarkable vote he was lately elected city prosecuting attorney. He has hosts of friends who recognize his merits and are proud of him. Whilst the voters are thinking of who shall represent this county in the next legislature of the state, it gives us sincere pleasure to call attention to Mr. Vance, as one, among various others, eminently fitted to fill the position with honor to himself and satistaction to the county. Without espousing his cause, or that of any one else, we suggest the consideration of his claims.
Robert married Annie Beatty Vance (1864-1946) on 31 Oct 1888. They lived at 227 S Elm in 1900.
In 1906, Robert formed a partnership with S. O. Heilbrenner, which lasted for 30 years.
On 8 December 1909, their house at the NE corner of Powell and Main (209 Powell) burned down. It was the oldest house in the city at that time. The lot is now the location of 138 S Main.
Robert and Annie moved to 109 Clay Street by 1910.
Robert and Annie Vance raised two daughters:
Susanna Vance Johnson (10 May 1890 – 11 May 1914)
Cordelia Vance Lambert (23 Jan 1892 – 17 Oct 1964)
Robert D Vance died on 27 Aug 1936 (aged 79) and was buried Fernwood Cemetery / Section 7 / Lot 518 / Grave 6.
Obituary:
HENDERSON, Ky., Aug. 28 — Robert D. Vance, 79, who had been an attorney here for over half a century, is dead. Mr. Vance, a native of Henderson, studied law with his father, the late Samuel B. Vance. When his father died, he became a partner of former Gov. John Young Brown. He later practiced law with Judge John Francis Lockett and in 1906, formed a partnership with S. O. Heilbrenner, which lasted for 30 years. As a young man, he served two terms as prosecuting attorney. Mr. Vance was a member of the American Bar Association, past president of the Henderson Bar Association, member of the Commercial Law League of America and of the bar of the U. S. Supreme Court.
Mrs. Cordelia Lambert, a daughter, survives.
Funeral services will be held at 5 p. m. Friday at the home, in charge of Dr. R. E. Douglas. Burial in Fernwood Cemetery.
References:
The Kentucky Post from Covington, Kentucky August 29, 1936
Daily Courier 28 October 1886