Urbane L. Loomis, a well known figure in the commercial life of Cassville, New York, for many years, was born in that village on July 6, 1849, his parents being George and Angeline (Maxon) Loomis, both of whom were born in Oneida county. The Loomis family originally came from Windsor, Connecticut, but several members of the family early removed to the Empire state. George Loomis died on June 25, 1900, at the age of eighty-four, and his wife died on June 6, 1903, aged eighty-five years. They were the parents of five children: Edwin; Emma (Mrs. George Oliver) is dead; Delia, now Mrs. N. Kingsbury; Lucy, now Mrs. R. O. Jones; and Urbane L. of this review.
Urbane L. Loomis was educated in the public schools of Cassville and at the John Williams private school, then started as clerk in the general store of Norman R. Merrill and remained for several years, after which he was taken into partnership. In 1880 Mr. Loomis succeeded to the business and continued in the general store until his death on June 14, 1923.
On August 2, 1871, in Cassville, New York, Mr. Loomis was united in marriage to Julia R. Nichols, daughter of Henry and Martha (Pelton) Nichols, also descendants of an old Connecticut family. Mr. and Mrs. Loomis have one child: Martha L., who married Griffeth George Williams of Cassville, and has one daughter, Miss Dorothy Elizabeth Williams.
Mr. Loomis was always interested in reading, was a collector of books and antiques, and had accumulated a valuable collection of both. While fond of a quiet home life, he took an active part in civic affairs and the betterment of community life. The Loomis residence now stands on the site of the old Stage Hotel, on the plank road, which in early days was the scene of considerable active life.