John W. Banta, insurance and real estate agent, Vevay, office with Works & Schroeder, was born in Pleasant Township July 13, 1823, and received a common school education. His parents Henry D. and Eleanor (Van Osdol) Banta, were born in Henry County, Ky., the former January 28, 1785, the latter May 4, 1786. They moved to Indiana and followed farming all their lives, the father dying January 21, 1867, the mother April 27, 1879. Mr. John W. Banta was raised on a farm. He was married, September 9, 1841, to Miss Nancy Ferris, who was born in Kentucky June 7, 1825. By this union were born two children: Henry D., August 31, 1842, and Dallas F., born August 27, 1844. Mrs. Banta died June 26, 1846, and our subject was married June 30, 1847 to Mrs. Martha A. (Vance) KYLE, who was born in Lexington, Ky., February 4, 1818. Four children were born of this marriage: Alice, born October 11, 1848 (now Mrs. J.D. Works); Thomas S., born January 27, 1852, now in California; Ida, born October 23, 1855; Lula, born February 27, 1859 (now Mrs. Dalmazzo). Mr. Banta farmed up to 1842. He then learned the carpenter's trade in Vevay, and continued in that business up to 1872. He then engaged in his present occupation. He was justice of the peace in Vevay and has been a member of Indiana Lodge No. 126, I.O.O.F., for over thirty years and is a member of Naomi Encampment No. 13, also Degree of Rebecca. Mr. Banta has been a temperance man all his life. he and his estimable wife are members of the Universalist Church.
Source: History of Switzerland County, Indiana 1885. Chicago, Illinois: Weakley, Harraman & Co., 1885
Transcribed by: Sheila Kell