William A. Vance, a native of Butler county, Pa., was born in 1847.  In 1866 he commenced dressing tools in the Pennsylvania oil field, and was drilling and pumping until 1877, when he commenced producing oil in the Butler field and was engaged in that vicinity until 1883 when he came to Alma.  Here he drilled 18 wells for Anderson, Otis & Co., and wells for other parties.  Since 1884 he has been in the business for himself.  Mr. Vance has held many town offices, highway commissioner for three years, assessor, constable and overseer of the poor.  He is a member of Wellsville Lodge, No. 230 F. & A. M.  Mr. Vance married in 1871 Emma S. Thompson.