Thomas S. Banta, river pilot, Vevay, was born January 27, 1852, and received a common school education. Mr. Banta's early life was spent principally in clerking in stores at which he continued up to January 1, 1877, at which time he went upon the river as steersman and worked for three years. He was married, February 6, 1877, to Miss Adelia BAKER, a native of Illinois, born November 28, 1858, and one child, Clarence L., is the result of this marriage. In 1880, Mr. Banta was licensed pilot, and holds a captain's license from Cincinnati to New Orleans. He is a member of the Phoenix Lodge I.O.O. F. Mrs. Banta is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Source: History of Switzerland County, Indiana 1885. Chicago, Illinois: Weakley, Harraman & Co., 1885
Transcribed by: Sheila Kell