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David Banks
History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania...
Edited by F. Ellis and A. N. Hungerford.
Published in Philadelphia by Everts, Peck & Richards, 1886
Pages 824-831
CHAPTER XV.
FERMANAGH TOWNSHIP
by A. L.
Guss
The oldest member of the Banks family of whom any knowledge has been obtained was Hugh, who resided in Ayrshire, Scotland, at the close of the sixteenth century. He appears to have been a man of vigorous physical and mental make-up, strong convictions, and decided moral and religious habits. He had one son, named James, who was the ancestor of the Banks family in America, and was born, most likely, in the town of Ayr, in 1732. Whilst there is no reason to believe that he was brought up in luxury, he enjoyed the advantages of a fair education, and, according to the custom of the place and day, was carefully indoctrinated in the principles of religion, the hopes and habits of which were strictly adhered to in all his subsequent life.
He spent some time in travel in England, where he witnessed something of the profligacy and intolerance of the reigning power, and acquired an intense dislike for monarchical institutions. Immediately upon his return from a second tour through England, he took, as the partner of his life, Miss Anna Small, a lady endowed with a vigorous constitution, and personal beauty, intelligence and religion. The union was a very happy one, and James Banks had a wife well qualified to share with him the adventures and trials which were to follow. Shortly after their marriage they began to meditate emigration to America. The chief hindrance to this step in Mrs. Banks’ mind was the fear that in this then new and far-off country they would be deprived of the ordinances of religion, which she valued so highly at home.
Two brothers of Mrs. Banks had emigrated to America a short time previously, a circumstance which may have had some influence in favorably disposing her toward the step they were about to take. Having collected together what little property they had, they sailed for America and landed at Christiana Bridge, in the State of Delaware. From here they at once went to New London Cross-Roads, Chester County, Pa., where they made their first home in this country, in a house owned by Captain William Clinton, a brave and noble-hearted man, who treated them with the utmost generosity and respect—a kindness and courtesy of which they afterward made frequent and grateful mention. About this time the inhabitants of Western Pennsylvania and Virginia were much annoyed by frequent incursions of bands of Indians, who broke in upon the border settlements, butchered the people and burned their dwellings. It became necessary to do something for their protection. A small army was raised, and Colonel Washington, then a rising young officer, was put in command. Captain Clinton raised a company of volunteers, in which James Banks enlisted and served two years, sharing in all the discouragements, toils and dangers of the campaigns of 1756-57 on the western frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia. After his return from this expedition, James Banks, in 1758, enlisted in the army of General Forbes, which marched against Fort Du Quesne. The term of his enlistment having expired, James Banks returned to his home in Chester County, and resolved to settle down in the quiet pursuits of a farmer’s life. With the money which he had saved from his meager pay as a soldier he purchased a small tract of land in York County, Pa., about ten miles southeast of York, and eight miles from Wrightsville and two miles from Brogue Tavern. This was the first property owned by the family in America. He purchased another tract two miles south of the one on which he resided. This was known as “the Mount Gilboa tract.”
In 1772, in company with Joseph Bogle, he took a tour through Cumberland County, which at that time embraced an immense tract in Central Pennsylvania. He purchased of William Sharon a tract of one hundred and seventy-two acres, for about seven hundred and seventy-two acres, for about seven hundred dollars, in Lost Creek Valley, now embraced in the Heckman farm, six acres only being cleared, and no building on it except a little log hut. His companion, Joseph Bogle, purchased the land on which McAlisterville now stands.
Soon after making this purchase, James Banks sold his lands in York County, and removed, in 1773, with his family, to his new farm in Lost Creek Valley.
The route taken was by way of Carlisle, thence to the Juniata, crossing it at Millerstown. Here they spent the night in the woods beside a huge fire of pine knots. The next day, about noon, after a very tedious journey, they arrived at their little cabin in the wilderness. The day following their arrival being Sabbath, the family, worn out by their week’s travel, rested; but James walked two miles to the Cedar Springs, where Rev. Mr. Kennedy preached to a few settlers. Whilst he was absent, a fire broke out in the woods, which for a time threatened to leave the new-comers entirely shelterless; but by the strenuous exertions the hut was saved. During the summer this humble habitation underwent some improvement. The clapboard roof was taken off and it was raised four rounds of logs higher, and covered with shingle roof. This was the second shingle-roof in the neighborhood, that of Major McAlister’s being the first.
As already stated, the tract in Lost Creek Valley upon which James Banks settled, in 1773, was for the mos part heavily timbered. He, however, entered upon the improvement of his new farm with characteristic vigor. Each year he added as much as possible to the amount of cleared land, and it was not long until he found himself possessed of a property of considerable value. The low marshy parts had been converted into goo grass-producing meadows, and the higher ground into fields yielding heavy crops of wheat and corn. Sixteen acres had been added to his original purchase. After a lapse of ten years’ unabated labor on his farm James Banks began to realize that he was in the decline of life. The severe endurance of army experience, and the subsequent years of toil in clearing and cultivating his land, now began to tell upon his naturally vigorous physical frame. He accordingly handed the management of the farm over to his sons and spent the evening of life in quietude. Retaining his mental vigor and being fond of books, he gave himself principally to reading. He had a large acquaintance with history, read many works on doctrinal and practical religion, and even acquainted himself with branches of science not at that time familiar to the generality of readers. The Bible, however, was the book of his daily and diligent study. He died in June, 1793, aged sixty-one years. His remains were interred in the place of burial at “Old Seceder Church,” two miles distant. In Scotland James and Ann Banks had both been members of the Presbyterian Church; but after coming to America, from some unknown cause, the joined the Seceders. The change may have been caused by the absence of any church of their earlier preference in the neighborhood in which they resided in York County.
In stature James Banks was five feet nine inches high; he weighed about one hundred and sixty pounds, had red curly hair, fair complexion and blue, piercing eyes. He was a congenial companion, interesting and instructive in conversation, firm in his convictions and averse to controversy. He was a loyal citizen, and took a lively interest in public affairs. He was esteemed by all who knew him.
Ann Banks survived her husband a number of years. This period she spent in the home of her oldest daughter, Mrs. Walker. Becoming aged and infirm, and for the most part confined to her room, she passed much of her time in reading. She died November, 1805, in the seventy-seventh year of her age. She was buried by the side of her husband in the grave-yard at the “Old Seceder Church.”
Mrs. Banks was low of stature, somewhat fleshy, of strong constitution and no way backward in the performance of household duties. She had black hair, black eyes and a very melodious voice. She was a woman of intelligence, vigor and remarkable powers of endurance. She was amiable, cheerful, affectionate and charitable. But, above all, she was a devout, faithful Christian.
James and Ann Banks had six children,--Margaret, Jean, Ann, James, Andrew and John.
Margaret, the oldest of the family, was born in Chester County. In 1780 she married Andrew Moore, of Lost Creek Valley. After living for a short time near the place where Patterson now stands, in 1784 they removed first to Fayette County, and not long afterward to Westmoreland, where some of their descendants reside.
Jane, in 1782, married John Beatty, and they moved to Penn’s Creek, where New Berlin now is. She died in 1801, leaving two sons and three daughters. John Beatty subsequently moved to Ohio, where his descendants are a wealthy and influential people.
Ann, the youngest daughter, was born in 1755, and married David Walker, of Juniata County, who afterward served in the army of the Revolution, and was present at the massacre at Paoli. He narrowly escaped the sad fate of many of his companions. He, however, unwilling to leave the field without some trophy, transfixed with his bayonet a large piece of bacon and fled. A British horseman pursuing, overtook him on the edge of a deep marsh, and was upon the point of cutting him down with his sword, when Walker leveled his musket and fired. The horseman, to use his own words, “followed him no more.” It was not until after his return from the army that his marriage with Ann Banks took place. In business he amassed a large estate. He stood high in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and held various places of trust. He died at his residence in Walker township in August, 1831, aged about eighty years. His wife died before him.
David and Ann Walker had eight children,--James, Elizabeth, Ann, Margaret, Mary, Jane, Andrew and David. Mary, David and Andrew died young. The other children lived to mature age and died within the radius of a few miles of where they were born.
James Banks, the eldest son, was born in York County in 1765, and was consequently only about eight years old when the family settled in Lost Creek Valley. He was eighteen years of age when the entire management of affairs devolved upon him. At the age of twenty-four he married Catharine Nelson, and about this time a division of the tract embraced in the original purchase of their father, between him and his brother Andrew, was made. In this division the mansion and the western part of the farm fell to James, whilst Andrew had the eastern part.
James Banks purchased of James Alricks what is now known as the “Oakland property.” The purchase was made when money was plenty and property high. In the course of time, however, this state of things was reversed, and James, on seeking new fields for investment, disposed of the property at a loss. Our settlement had now reached an era in which new fields for investment began to excite the minds of many of our citizens, and James concluded Tennessee at this time offered an inviting home to new settlers; he therefore resolved to move his family and locate where both climate and investment were more inviting. His first settlement was in Henderson County, in the southwestern part of the State, but he afterward purchased a tract of land adjoining the city of Memphis. After residing here about a year he died, leaving a large family. His age at death was seventy-two years.
He was a fine appearing man, and was five feet ten inches high. He was dark complexioned, had black eyes and black hair. He was a man of intelligence, firmness and perseverance, was much interested in public affairs, was an active political partisan, was generous and liberal. The children of James and Catharine Banks who grew to manhood and womanhood were Ephraim, Enoch, James Augustus, David, Martha, Ann, Margaret and Eliza.
The members of the family that accompanied their father to Tennessee were James, Augustus, Enoch, David and Eliza.
Enoch and James alone remained in Tennessee. David removed to Kentucky. Eliza married a Mr. Huntsman and settled in Texas. He died, and she returned to Pennsylvania, and was again married to a Mr. Carnahan. Ann married Robert Knox and lived in Pittsburgh. Augustus returned from Tennessee; was for a time editor of a paper in Huntingdon; married a Miss McConnell, and afterward moved to Peru, Ind. Martha married Hugh Wilson, a merchant in McAlisterville. Their children Lucian Banks and Latimer Wilson, are well-known citizens of Juniata County. Mrs. Catharine Doty, widow of E. S. Doty, Esq., of Mifflintown, is the daughter of Hugh and Martha Wilson. Margaret married Wm. McMeen, and lived on their farm, near McAlisterville. Most of their children died young, but those that are still living occupy a very respectable position in the communities in which they reside. Ephraim, the oldest son, entered the practice of the law, was married and resided in Lewistown; was a man of many sterling qualities; was much interested in public affairs; held numerous responsible official positions; was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and an active worker in every good cause.
Andrew, the second son of James and Ann Banks, was born in York County January 12, 1767; was about fifteen years of age when the management of the farm devolved upon him and his older brother James. On January 14, 1790, he married Elizabeth Lintner, the daughter of Christian Lintner. Their first place of residence was on the portion of land which had been allotted to him in the division of the homestead farm. Here they remained a number of years, but at length parted with that tract and went to live on his half of the joint purchase he and his brother James had made. Here he continued to live during the remainder of his life.
This farm was greatly improved, and comfortable buildings were erected. He made two trips through Western Pennsylvania on horseback, and purchased a tract of land not far from New Wilmington, in what is now Lawrence County. On this his son James afterward settled, and it is still in possession of his descendants.
Andrew Banks was a man of medium height; his hair and eyes were black; his constitution was very robust; his figure erect and he always walked with a quick, elastic step. He acquired a fair English education and was a life-long reader. His power of memory was remarkable. He seemed able to recall names, dates and facts at pleasure. This made him remarkably interesting and instructive in conversation. He never seemed to grow old, but retained a degree of youthful sprightliness down to the close of his life. He was equally at home among children or people of mature years.
In religion he was a Presbyterian, and although not narrowly sectarian, he was very much interested in the progress of the church, in which he was for many years a ruling elder. He was very regular in his attendance upon the ordinances and even after his hearing became so impaired that he could get but little of the sermon he seemed to feel that it was good to be at the place of worship. He was a diligent Bible-reader and was accustomed to memorize favorite passages of Scripture. These afforded him great satisfaction when, in extreme age, his vision became so impaired that he could no longer read.
The close of life was very peaceful. He enjoyed the respect of all his neighbors and the affectionate regard and kindly offices of the household in which he lived. His death was attended by no protracted sickness or suffering. He was simply worn out. He sank beneath the weight of years. He realized that the time of his departure was at hand, and quietly committing his soul to the care of that Saviour whom he had trusted and served so many years, he patiently awaited the moment of departure to the better country. He died on the 28th day of December, 1855, in the eighty-eighth year of his age, and was buried in the grave-yard at the Lost Creek Church by the side of his wife, who had been borne thither seven years earlier.
Elizabeth Banks, the wife of Andrew, as already stated, was the daughter of Christian Lintner, a respectable farmer in Lost Creek Valley. She was one of a family of nine children. Of these, the third son, John, although a young man of extraordinary physical strength, died early. The others all married and removed either to Ohio or to some part of Pennsylvania. Elizabeth was born in Kingswood township, Hunterdon County, N.J., September 14, 1766.
When she was six years of age her father purchased a farm and settled in Lost Creek Valley. She grew up an intelligent, well-appearing young lady; and as the wife of Andrew Banks, acquitted herself with great credit, in patience and fortitude sharing with him the toils and privations incident to the times in which they lived. She was a woman of great industry and economy. Even in the decline of life she was no way backward in the discharge of household duties. She was a well-informed, devoted Christian; was interested in every good work, and spared no pains in the relitious instruction of her grandchildren, living in the same house with her. She died of asthma, April 4, 1848, in the eighty-second year of her age. Her remains rest beside those of her husband, who followed her to the grave a few years later. Andrew and Elizabeth Banks had four children, all sons. These were born and spent their earliest days on the farm on which Andrew first lived after the division of the property between him and his brother James, lately known as the Heckman farm. The school-house where these boys received their education was a little log structure which stood just at the bend of the road about one hundred and fifty yards southwest of the Hoffman bridge. Close observation will enable the passer-by to discover the face of a flat rock at the surface of the ground on the east side of the road. It was on that rock that the school-house stood, and of which it probably constituted the floor. Who the instructors were is not now known; but judging from the attainments of the Banks children, it is clear that the rudiments of a good English education were imparted there.
James Banks, the eldest son of Andrew and Elizabeth, was born June 18, 1791. He lived with his parents on the farm until 1815, when he married Miss Law. He then removed to the farm which his father had purchased in Mercer County, where he continued to reside until the time of his death, which occurred at a very advanced age. His family consisted of five children—two sons and three daughters—some of whom are still living in Western Pennsylvania.
James Banks was a large, muscular man, of fine figure. He was well-informed and very entertaining in conversation. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and for many years a ruling elder, and also a member of the Legislature of Pennsylvania. The circumstances of his death were somewhat remarkable. Being at church—for he was always accustomed to attend when it was possible—the minister asked him to lead in prayer, which he did with his accustomed earnestness, without any apparent faltering of the voice. At the close of the prayer he sank down, and in a few minutes breathed his last. This was indeed a fitting close to a life that had been so largely devoted to the progress of God’s cause as his was,--speedy and peaceful transfer from the church on earth to that on high.
John, the second son of Andrew and Elizabeth Banks, was born May 13, 1793. His earliest years were spent at work on the farm, but inclining to study, he attended a classical school taught by Rev. John Hutcheson, in Mifflin. He walked three miles every day to recite, and made rapid progress in his studies. He was an accomplished scholar in Latin, Greek and German. He pursued his course in law at Lewistown, and after being admitted to the bar he married Katharine Keiser, an estimable lady of Lewistown, and located in the town of Mercer (1819). He was very successful in his profession, and grew rapidly in the esteem and confidence of the people. He was chosen to represent his district in Congress, (1830) was twice elected his own successor, and was the youngest member of the Congress of Clay and Webster. After serving eleven years he resigned and accepted a presiding judgeship from Governor Ritner, for the counties of Northampton, Lehigh and Berks, which office he filled with credit and distinction eleven years, after which he resigned, and was nominated for Governor on the Whig ticket in 1841.
The State at that time being largely Democratic, he was defeated, although his personal strength reduced the State majority. Subsequently he was elected State treasurer, after which he gave exclusive attention to the practice of law, and was engaged in very many heavy suits, involving the highest legal ability in the State. After his appointment to the judiciary, he removed from Mercer to Reading, where he resided until his date of death, April 3, 1864. John Banks was a man of many valuable traits. He was intellectually very strong, refined in his manners and upright in his habits. He was distinguished for his integrity and high sense of honor, and in executive and legal ability ranked among the first men of the State, while socially, he commanded the respect of all who knew him.
His widow still lives in Reading, spending the evening of life in the quietude of her own pleasant home, enjoying the constant presence and affection of a dutiful daughter and son, all that remain of a large family of ten children.
William Banks was born November 17, 1795. He worked on the farm until he had attained nearly to years of manhood. But his health giving way, he was compelled to seek some less severe occupation. For a time he taught school and in the mean time pursued a somewhat liberal course of classical and other studies. He studied law in the office of his brother, John, and after being admitted to practice, located in the town of Indiana, 1826, where he remained until the time of his death, which occurred August 10, 1871.
After entering upon the duties of his profession he soon obtained a large and profitable practice, and, as a result, accumulated a very handsome estate. He was once elected to the State Legislature, the only official position he ever sought. He lived single until late in life, when he married Mrs. Charlotta Patton, and died childless. His widow, a lady of intelligence and remarkable force of character, survived him thirteen years, when, in a good old age, she followed her husband to the grave.
David was the youngest son of Andrew and Elizabeth Banks; and as he alone of the family continued to reside in Juniata County, as somewhat more extended mention of him may be appropriate here. He was born May 23, 1798, and spent his entire life in sight of the place of his birth. His early education was such only as could be acquired at the common schools. Being diligent, however, and apt to learn, he became a reasonably good scholar. He grew up on the farm, and, after his older brothers left home and his father had became too old to work, he succeeded to its management, his father retaining a third interest in the proceeds. April 10, 1827, he was united in marriage to Jane T. McAlister, daughter of the late Judge William McAlister, and granddaughter of Major McAlister, of whom mention is made in an earlier part of this narrative, as having been among the very first settlers in Lost Creek Valley. And we may be permitted to say, in passing, that it would not be easy to speak too highly of the many valuable qualities of this estimable lady.
With a helper in life every way suited to his wants, David Banks addressed himself industriously to the cultivation and improvement of the farm. The buildings were repaired and rendered more commodious and comfortable. A purchase of eighty acres from the Walker estate, and which bordered his farm on the south, added greatly to its value, as did also a tract of woodland on Horning’s Ridge, a mile and a half away. At the death of his father he came into full possession of the farm, the improvement of which may be said to have been his life-work. As he advanced in years and became disqualified for severe labor, he passed the management of the property over into the hands of his son William, whose ambition has been realized in making it one of the best farms in the county.
The life of David Banks was a somewhat uneventful one. He disliked publicity and excitement. He was chosen one of the associate judges for the county in 1856, and served faithfully till 1861. He was once selected as a candidate on the Democratic ticket for Legislature, but as the district was hopelessly Republican, he made no effort for securing an election. Although defeated, he proved much stronger than his party. He was deeply interested in national affairs. He believed in the constitution and laws, and during the Rebellion favored the vigorous prosecution of the war for their defense. In stature he was five feet six inches, and weighed two hundred and twenty pounds; he has dark hair and dark eyes. He was widely known in the county, and highly esteemed as a citizen. In his family he was extremely kind and sympathizing, and his children remember him rather as a congenial, playful companion than as a severe parent. And yet they also well remember that in the household his word was law. His government was not harsh, but it was strong.
In religion he was a Presbyterian by education and honest conviction. It is somewhat remarkable that although a quiet, regular attendant at church, a life-long student of the Bible and a strict observer of the Sabbath, he did not make a public profession of religion until late in life. But when he did do so he bore most convincing testimony to the sincerity of his intentions and his readiness for the step he had taken. He was a devout, humble, hopeful Christian.
David Banks died of heart-disease. He was taken ill in November and lingered during the winter, gradually failing. His sufferings at times were great, but he bore them patiently and with Christian resignation. Everything was done to stay the progress of his disease and mitigate his sufferings that could be done, but all was of no avail. He began to sink rapidly, and on Sabbath morning, March 6, 1870, he quietly breathed his last, in the seventy-second year of his age. The next Tuesday his remains were followed to the Lost Creek burying-ground by his bereaved family and a large procession of sympathizing friends and neighbors. His wife, Jane T. Banks, survived her husband ten years. She died July 29, 1880, in the seventy-seventh year of her age. After the death of her husband she continued to live in the old homestead until it took fire and burned down. After this she lived in the family of her son William. The last years of her life were very calm and peaceful. The frequent visits of her sons, in whose welfare she always took the deepest interest, gave her great pleasure, as did also the presence of her numerous friends in the neighborhood.
She can hardly be said to have died of disease. The vital forces had done their work and simply ceased to act. She suffered very little pain during her decline, and only one day did she complain of any. Death had no terrors for her. She had prepared for her departure, and when the summons came she was ready to go and be with Christ. The funeral took place on Saturday, July 31st. The Presbyterian Church having no pastor at the time, the services were conducted by Rev. Joseph Mathers, of Bell’s Mills, and an intimate friend of the family. She was buried by the side of her husband, and in the same grave-yard where sleep the remains of her parents, two of her sons and numerous friends and relations.
David and Jane Banks had seven children, all sons.
The oldest son, James Andrew, grew up a young man of considerable promise. Resolved to make his own way in the world, he left home, and after living for short periods in various places teaching school, or working at carpentering, he went to California about the time the “gold fever” was at its height. In the excitement which prevailed during the reign of the vigilance committee he took an active part. At a time when many who had been church members in the East were casting aside their religion he united with the First Presbyterian (Dr. Anderson’s) Church, and was elected first president of the Young Men’s Christian Association of San Francisco. He grew rapidly in influence, and was elected five times to the Legislature and three times to the Senate of California, and was Speaker of both branches of the legislature. He afterwards moved to Nevada, as superintendent of a mining company; was a member of the convention which framed the Constitution, and at the time of his death was Speaker of the State Assembly.
His death, which occurred August 1, 1867, was peculiarly sad. He was spending a few days on a visit to friends at Fort Winfield Scott, in Paradise Valley, in the northwestern part of the State. One day, when up the Humboldt River, only a short distance from the fort, he was waylaid and shot by three Indians. His body was recovered and subsequently removed to San Francisco for burial, where the Young Men’s Christian Association have erected a monument to his memory. The letters written to friends in the East, the obituary notices published in the papers and the addresses made upon the occasion of his burial fully attest the high esteem in which he was held by all classes of society.
Robert Edwin, the fifth son of David and Jane Banks, began a course of liberal education at Airy View Academy, and had entered the sophomore class in Cannonsburg College. Two of his fellow-students, boarding in the same house with him, took the typhoid fever and died. He had waited on them assiduously during their sickness. He was then himself taken down with the same disease, but seemed on a fair way to recovery, when he took a relapse, and, after lingering about three months, died April 17, 1858. His death was a very painful stroke to the family, for he was a lovely youth and gave great promise of being a very useful man. His body was brought back to Juniata County and lies in the family burying-place.
John Edmond, the fourth son, died in infancy, April 7, 1836.
The living sons of David and Jane Banks are William, David Stuart, John Nelson and Lucian.
William resides on the farm in Lost Creek Valley; he married Jennie Hamlin, oldest daughter of Dr. Philo Hamlin. Their family is composed of six children living, named as follows in the order of their ages: William, James, Andrew, Ella, Philo and Jennie; Anna Mary died in infancy.
Daniel Stuart is a Presbyterian minister of reputation, now pastor of a church in Appleton, Wis.
John is an attorney in the town of Indiana, Indiana County, Pa.; is married to Ella Wilson, of Monongahela City, Washington County, Pa. They have two children—Willie and Anna.
Lucian is a physician, residing in Mifflintown.
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© 2013 by Michael Milliken
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