Banks, Parker Morse

BANKS, LANE, BELL

Posted By: Janelle Martin (email)
Date: 2/4/2010 at 18:11:32

History of Hamilton County, Iowa, Vol II, 1912, p.114

PARKER MORSE BANKS.

Among the capable officials of Iowa is numbered Parker Morse Banks, who for thirteen consecutive years has filled the position of city clerk at Webster City, his reelection to the office standing as incontrovertible proof of his ability, fidelity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He was born in Bath, Maine, January 9, 1841, the son of Charles and Alethea (Spinney) Banks. The parents resided for many years in the Pine Tree state and at one time the father went on a three years' whaling voyage from New Bedford, Massachusetts, to the Pacific but returned and became connected with industrial activities. He was a millwright by trade and had charge of the construction of the celebrated Winnegance mills at Winnegance, Maine. In 1861 he removed westward to Illinois with his family and in 1866 took up his abode in Franklin county, Iowa, where he remained until 1869, when he came to Wright county, Iowa. Here he turned his attention to farming, which occupation he followed until advanced age caused him to put aside the active work of the fields. He passed away in 1898, at the age of ninety years, having long survived his wife, who died in 1870, at the age of sixty-five years.

P. M. Banks was a pupil in the common schools of Maine and started in the business world as clerk in a country store in Winnegance, being thus employed until 1861, when he accompanied his parents to Illinois. At Cherry Valley, that state, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, marching to the defense of the stars and stripes as a member of the One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Infantry, which was a part of the First Brigade, Third Division, Twentieth Army Corps, under command of General, afterward President, Benjamin Harrison. He participated in all of the battles near Atlanta and went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. He was wounded in the engagement of Lost Mountain, June i6, 1864, but returned to his regiment and served until the end of the war. He never faltered in the performance of any duty, whether called to the firing line or stationed on the lonely picket line, being ever valorous and loyal.

When the country no longer needed his military aid Mr. Banks returned to Cherry Valley, Illinois, and was made assistant agent at that place for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. There he remained until 1866, when he removed to Ackley, Iowa, where for a year he was in the employ of the firm of Burns & Rath, lumber dealers. He then purchased the interest of the senior partner and the firm became Rath & Banks. This connection was continued until 1870, when Mr. Banks disposed of his interest in the lumberyard and accepted a clerical position in the private bank of Werst & Cameron. A year later, in 1871, he came to Webster City and engaged in the clothing business with Gerson Levi under the firm style of Levi & Banks. When a year had passed he was appointed assistant postmaster under J. D. Hunter, serving in that capacity from 1872 until 1876, when he accepted a situation with the Hamilton County State Bank, with which he was connected for three years. On account of his health he turned his attention to farming, renting a tract of land at Woolstock, where he continued for two years. On returning to Webster City he became assistant cashier in the First National Bank, occupying that position for thirteen years, or from 1881 until 1894. During the succeeding five years he was out of business but in 1899 was elected city clerk and has continued in that office to the present time, or for more than thirteen years, recently resigning, his resignation to take effect May 1, 1913. The record which he has made in this connection is unassailable. He is systematic and methodical in all that he does and sound judgment and loyalty are also features of his work in the office which he has so long filled.

In June, 1871, Mr. Banks was married in Belvidere, to Miss Belinda B. Lane, a daughter of Samuel Lane, of Belvidere, who was a farmer and removed from Maine to Illinois during the period of its pioneer development, there spending his remaining days. The death of Mrs. Banks occurred in 1883. The children of that marriage were Ernie and Vernie, the first twins born in Webster City, and both died in infancy. Bertie, born in 1872, married Lillian Bell and resides in Clarion, where he is clerk of the court of Wright county.
They have three daughters and two sons.

Mr. Banks makes his home at No. 703 Des Moines avenue. He is well known in various public connections, being an exemplary member of Acacia Lodge, No. 176, A. F. & A. M.; Hope Chapter, No.88, R. A. M.; and Triune Commandery, No. 41, K. T., of which he is a past eminent commander, having served for two terms. He is also a past commander of Winfield Scott Post, No. 66, G. A. R., and thus maintains close relations with his old army comrades. He attends the Congregational church and is a citizen whose loyal support can always be counted upon to further any movement for the material, intellectual, social, political or moral welfare of the community. His record in every relation of life, as a soldier, as a business man and as a public officer, is most creditable.