| VANCE, Robert Brank, (uncle of Robert Brank Vance [1828-1899] and Zebulon Baird Vance), a Representative from North Carolina; born on Reems Creek, near Asheville, Buncombe County, N.C., in 1793; attended the common schools and Newton Academy, Asheville, N.C.; studied medicine at the medical school of Dr. Charles Harris in Cabarrus County, N.C.; commenced the practice of medicine in Asheville, N.C., in 1818; held several local offices
U.S. Representative (DR-NC) 1823-1825; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1825 and 1827
During the campaign of 1827, Vance charged that the father of his opponent, Samuel P. Carson, joined the Tories near the end of the Revolution. Carson challenged him to a duel, held after the election. At the duel, which was fought on 11/5/1827 in SC, Vance was mortally wounded. He died the following day near Saluda Gap, N.C., 1827; interment in the family burial ground on Reems Creek, near Asheville, N.C.
[Link] Connecticut Courant, 11/26/1827 for details on the duel (BDAC had some incorrect information); New Hampshire Sentinel , 12/7/1827 | 
