Hon. Philemon B. Stanbery was born May 5, 1832, in Lancaster, Ohio. He is the son of Henry Stanbery. The latter warm born in New York city in 1803. While in his youth he removed with his parents to Zanesville, Ohio. Studying law, he was admitted to the bar at Gallipolis, Ohio, and soon after removed to Lancaster, Ohio, where he began the practice of his profession. While living in Lancaster he was married in 1829 to Frances E. Beecher, by whom he had five children: Francis E. (deceased), Henry (deceased), Philemon B., Louisa and George. Henry Stanbery died in July, 1881, and his wife in 1840. By a second marriage to Cecilia Bond, who also died May 1, 1889, Mr. Stanbery had no children. Philemon Beecher Stanbery, the grandfather, and the one for whom our subject was named, was a native of Virginia, where he was born. His death occurred some time about 1840. The Hon. Philemon B. Stanbery, a concise outline of whose life will now be given, was educated in the public schools, and later at the Kinsley Military academy, situated one mile below West Point. At the latter institution he remained from his thirteenth to his seventeenth year. Subsequently he matriculated at Kenyan college, and was a student in that excellent institution of learning for two years. He then entered the Ohio university at Athens, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1853. Having finished his collegiate training, Mr. Stanbery began active life as a member of a railroad civil engineering corps, then surveying the Ohio Central railroad, and also the Little Miami road. Having concluded his services there he went to Indianola, Iowa, 1856 being the date of his removal. There he was admitted to the bar, and soon after opened a law office at Fort Des Moines, now Des Moines city. After a residence of some two years at the latter place, he removed to Leavenworth, Kan., remaining there two years. At the expiraion of this time he came to Pomeroy, Ohio, and established law business, forming a partnership with Capt. S. A. Burnap. This firm lasted for several years. At the outbreak of the war enlisted in Company E, Fourth regiment, West Virginia infantry, July, 1861, having been the date of his enlistment. He as mustered in as first lieutenant of Company E, but immediately afterward was made adjutant general, and in 1862 was promoted to he dignity of adjutant general, and placed on the staff of Gen. H. B. Ewing. At the time of his honorable discharge, September 10, 1863, he still held that office. It was only on account of grievous wounds That Mr. Stanbery left his country's battle-field at the last. His wounds were received during the siege of Vicksburg, while discharging the duties of a patriotic soldier. After his discharge he returned to Pomeroy, and was soon after elected the first mayor of that city. After serving several terms, in 1870 he was elected probate judge of Meigs county, and served three terms of three years each. He then resumed the practice of his profession. On the 20th of November, 1867, he was married to Miss Margaret M. Hart. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stanbery as follows: Cecila B., Henry, Philemon B., Hart and Louisa. Mr. Stanbery is a member of Gamaliel Bartlett post, No. 548, G. A. R. It is to such men that this country owes its union and prosperity.

This Bio was transcribed by Mark Meinhart from the History of the Upper Ohio Valley - Vol. II from 1891 by Brant & Fuller.