William Bannister, farmer, section 15, Carroll Township, was born in Willshire, England, in 1815, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Davis) Bannister, who were the parents of seven children, of whom our subject was the second child and the eldest son. He remained at home until sixteen years of age, and was then employed on the railroad for several years, working three years at boiler making. He was married in 1840 to Miss Priscilla Parker, who was born in Somerset, England, and a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Smith) Parker. Her parents had eleven children, Mrs. Bannister being the fifth child. Mr. and Mrs. Bannister resided in England until 1856, when they came to America, first settling in Gilbert, Kane County, Illinois, where they lived six months, then removed to Cook County, same State, where they lived about seven years. They then went to Huntley, McHenry County, remaining two years, thence to Carroll County in 1865, locating on the land where he now resides, which was in its primitive condition. He held the position of section boss on the railroad for ten years. His farm contained 160 acres of good land, which is in a good state of cultivation. He has a good, well-furnished residence, with buildings for stock. Mr. and Mrs. Bannister are the parents of nineteen children, five of whom are living—Sophia, Frances, Frederick, Addie and Rosie. In politics Mr. Bannister is a Republican. He has by fair and honest dealing secured the confidence of all who know him.

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