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William H. Banks (deceased) was born in Goshen, Orange Co., N. Y., April 16, 1806. His parents, Henry and Susanna
Banks, were natives of England, and in 1818 settled in Wheatland Livingston Co , N Y He served an apprenticeship
with his father at the age of 21, and worked as a mechanic eight years. In March, 1832, he entered 200 acres of
land in Commerce tp., Oakland Co. The Indians were then in possession of this State and Pontiac was but an Indian
trading post In November, 1867, he sold and went to Grand Rapids for the purpose of educating his children. In
1868 he purchased a pine tract in Montcalm county and engaged in lumbering until 1871, when he settled on a farm
in Ada. He was married Oct. 1, 1834, to Jane F. MeWilliam, born at Schenectady, N Y May 1, 1812, daughter of William
and Margaret McWilliam, natives of Scotland, who came to America in 1810. Mr. and Mrs. Banks have eight children,
John W., James A , William H , Alice S., , wife of Levi Moore; Mary J., Mrs W M Hathaway, Margaret A, Charlotte
A and Joseph R. Mr Banks died Sept 19, 1876 He spent his life in usefulness and was an exhorter of the Wesleyan
Methodist Church for a number of years. He was a public spirited man and actively interested in all political and
religious affairs. In early life he was a Whig, but became a Republican, and an uncompromising Abolitionist. His
loss to family and friends is one that cannot be repaired.
From:
History of Kent County, Michigan
Chas C. Chapman & Company
Chicago 1881.
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