Biographies and Obituaries
In loving memory
Thomas S. Banta
The Washington Democrat
Monday, 20 DEC 1926, p1
Thomas S. Banta Victim Of Heart Disease Sunday
Prominent Sugarland Farmer was Returning to Bed Early Sunday Morning When Stricken by Heart Disease - Death Occurred Before Physician Could Arrive
Thomas S. Banta, 55 years old, one of Daviess County's most prominent farmers and dairymen, died suddenly about 5:30 o'clock Sunday morning at his home about five miles northeast of Washington, follwiing an attack of heart disease which struck him as he was returning to bed after he got up to start a fire in the heating stove.
As was his custom, Mr. Banta got up shortly before 5:30 o'clock, shook down the stove until it began burning as he wished and then returned to his bedroom. As he started to lie down, he was stricken it is believed as Mrs. Banta said she heard a peculiar noise and ran to the room and found her husband lying on the bed gasping for breath.
Mrs. Banta called to her two children, Ralph and Marie Banta, who were sleeping upstairs, saying that something had happened to their father and that he was either dead or dying. Neighbors and a physician were called but Mr. Banta breathed his last before any of them arrived. He lived but a few minutes after being stricken.
The deceased man had not been complaining of feeling ill, Mrs. Banta said and he had been going about his farm duties the past few days the same as was his custom. After being stricken, Mr. Banta never spoke a word and did not recognize any members of the family before death came.
Thomas Banta had been a resident of Daviess County all his life and was one of the most widely known farmers and dairymen in the county. He was a success in his live of work and took great pride in his farm and dairy. He was proprietor of the "Cloverlead Dairy".
An upright citizen, kind by nature and of a disposition to make friends with whomever he met, the deceased man was loved by hundreds. He was a loving husband and father and would have sacrificed anything for his home.
Mr. Banta was born in this county, March 25th, 1871 and was the son of Abraham and Eliza Ann (Stevens) Banta. His parents preceded him to the world beyond.
During the past thirty years, Mr. Banta had lived with his family on the farm where his death occurred. Here he lived a happy and contented life, devoted his time to his family and business interests and as a result was known as one of the most successful farmers in the county. His crops were as good as any produced and his dairy ranked among the best in Daviess County.
June 14th, 1894, Mr. Banta was united in marriage with Miss Ella Keith of the Sugarland District, and to this union nine children were born, seven of whom survive their father. Two died in infancy.
Mr. Banta early in his life united with the Bethany Christian Church and was an active church worker and attendant. He lived a true Christian life. He held membership in no lodge.
Surviving Mr. Banta besides the widow, are the following children; Mrs. Zora Perkins of Washignton; James Banta of Washington; Mrs. Lillie Ellis of Montgomery; John Banta of Washington; Mrs. Anne Price of Washington, and Marie and Ralph Banta at home. Two brothers, Charles of Steele Township and Henry of Missouri, and two sisters, Mrs. Del Hunter of Montgomery, and Mrs. Mary Green of California, also survive him.
Contributed by: Sandra Hedrick Allen