My Genealogy Hound

CAPT. HENRY D. BANTA, farmer, was born in Craig Township August 31, 1842. Capt. Banta, in addition to farming, learned the cabinet-maker’s trade, but has given his attention chiefly to farming. He enlisted, July 22, 1861, in Company A, Third Regiment Indiana Cavalry and was elected sergeant. He served three years, came home and raised Company E, One Hundred and Forty-Sixth Indiana Infantry and was elected captain, and served over seven months in that capacity. The Captain was wounded five times, in the hands, arms and scalp. In one hand-to-hand struggle he made a miraculous escape, after being badly punished at Poolsville. In about one year thereafter, in a charge, his horse fell through a bridge at Morton’s Ford, Rappahannock River, in September, 1863, by which he sustained injuries, and he also received a severe sun-stroke at Stephenson’s Station, in Virginia, and from this he has never recovered. He carried many burdens for weak, private soldiers, and he participated in many bloody conflicts, which sowed the seed for aches and pains that have troubled him ever since. Capt. Banta was married, October 4, 1865, to Miss Hattie Gelson, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, born October 4, 1849. Unto them have been born nine children, May, Alice, Nannie, Harry, Jacob G., Thomas J., Benjamin, Janie and Sadie. Mr. Banta is liberal in his religious views. He has always been a Republican, and never took a dram of whisky or beer in his life. He is a man of a warm, kind nature and generous impulses, always liberal in his support of those in need. He is a good neighbor, a kind husband and an indulgent father. Mrs. Banta is a member of the Episcopal Church.