Biography of William N. Banks

William N. Banks was born on August 15, 1865, in Hobart, Indiana, and moved with his family to Montgomery County, Kansas, in 1871. He began teaching at eighteen and later studied law at Purdue University. After marrying Ollie M. Jones in 1887, he continued teaching until 1892, when he began his legal career. He was admitted to the bar in 1894, eventually founding his law firm. Banks served on the board of education and was involved in various fraternal organizations, remaining a committed Republican throughout his life.

WILLIAM N. BANKS—William N. Banks, of the firm of Banks & Billings, lawyers, was born on August 15th, 1865, at Hobart, Lake county, Indiana. In August, 1871, his father, George L. Banks, moved with his family to Montgomery county, settling on a farm seven miles west of Coffeyville on the Indian Territory line. Since that time William N. has been a resident of Montgomery county.

At the age of eighteen he commenced teaching school and after teaching for two years went to Purdue University at Lafayette, Indiana, for two years, after which he returned to his home in Kansas and continued teaching.

Upon the 18th day of July, 1887, he was married to Ollie M. Jones, after which time he and his wife resided upon the farm, Mr. Banks continuing his teaching in the winter time, until October, 1892, when he entered the law office of A. B. Clark as a law student. In August, 1894, he was admitted to the bar and in the following March formed a partnership with O. P. Ergenbright for the practice of law. This partnership continued until July, 1902, when Mr. Banks became senior member of his present law firm.

There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Banks three children, two of whom, Thomas L. and Edith M., are living, the third having died at the age of three months.

Mr. Banks has never held public office, except while living in Fawn Creek township he was clerk of the township, and is at the present time serving his second term as a member of the board of education of Independence. In politics he is and always has been Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.