John E. Banta, son of Peter J. and Mary A. (Brewer) Banta, was born on the farm where he now lives, March 29, 1845. He was reared on the farm, and had the advantages of attending the common schools and Hopewell Academy. By occupation, Mr. Banta is a farmer, and at twenty-one years of age settled on a farm one mile west of Hopewell. In 1879 he removed to what is known as the Ellis Farm, and in 1881 settled where he now resides, and where his paternal grandfather settled in 1828. The marriage of Mr. Banta was solemnized in 1870, to Miss Margaret J. Lagrange, daughter of Daniel and Catherine Lagrange, who was born November 26, 1848. To this union is one daughter, Minnie, born November 16, 1874. A staunch democrat in politics, he manifests an active interest in the welfare and public prosperity of his township, county and state. Mr. and Mrs. Banta are members of the Hopewell Methodist Church, and are well known and highly respected.