William D. Banning

As printed in 1902

WILLIAM D. BANNING.

The name of Banning has been so closely connected with the history of Knox county through almost a century that a member of the family needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, especially if he be as widely and favorably known as is William D. Banning, who is now living a retired life in Mount Vernon. He was born in this city and is a grandson of Judge Anthony Banning, who came to the county in 1812. His father, James S. Banning was a leading and influential resident of the county for many years and died in 1867, at the age of sixty-seven. He married Eliza Blackstone, who was born in Connelsville, Lafayette county, Pennsylvania, the only daughter of James and Sarah (Rogers) Blackstone. The Blackstone family was of English lineage, and her great-great-grandfather of William Blackstone, an uncle of Governor William Blackstone, the famous author of the celebrated treatise on real estate law, which has become a text-book in all law colleges throughout the country. Mrs. Eliza (Blackstone) Banning received superior educational advantages and was a lady of marked culture and refinement. She brought the first piano to Mount Vernon and took great pleasure in teaching the young people of this then pioneer town music and other accomplishments. She was one of the charter members of St. Paul's Episcopal church and her whole life was one of beneficence to her family and to the community. Her influence was that of a cultured, refined lady, and her memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew her. Unto James and Eliza Banning were born the following named: Sarah D. died at the age of fifty-six years; James Blackstone, who made his home in Clinton township, married Miss Mary Prentiss Williams, who survives her husband, and lives in Mount Vernon; Anthony, of Banning, Pennsylvania, married Catherine Torrence, of Connelsville, that state; Priscilla became the wife of J. D. Thompson, of Mount Vernon, but both are now deceased; William D. is the next of the family; Henry B. died in Cincinnati and his sketch is given on another page of this volume; Eliza is the wife of William Brown, ex-mayor of Mount Vernon; Thomas D. resides on the old homestead in Mount Vernon; and Mary is the wife of Frank Watkins.

William D. Banning, whose name introduces this review, spent his youth in acquiring his education in the public schools and in Sloan's Academy in Mount Vernon, and since putting aside his text-books he has devoted his energies to farming and to the management of his property interests. He wedded Miss Mary Lake, of Wooster, Ohio, a daughter of Constance and Eleanor (Jones) Lake. Her father was a prominent merchant and banker at Wooster, while the Jones family were prominent in Wayne county. Her grandfather Jones was for two terms a member of congress and was a recognized leader of public thought and feeling. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Banning were born six children, but they lost three. Those yet living are: Priscilla, the wife of Harry Sanderson, of Mount Vernon; Anna, at home; and Lake, who is attending school. The family is one of prominence in the community, enjoying the warm regard of a very large circle of friends. Their home is noted for its gracious and pleasing hospitality and its social functions are always regarded as among the most enjoyable of the season. Mr. Banning represents one of the oldest and most honored families of the county and is a worthy schon of his race, upholding the untarnished name which has ever been a synonym of loyal citizenship and upright conduct.

As printed in The Biographical record of Knox County, Ohio : to which is added an elaborate compendium of national biography (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.