Peter J. Banta, one of the old settlers of Johnson County, is a native of Henry County, Ky., born October 3, 1821, son of John P. and Catherine (List) Banta, and is of German descent. His father was born in Henry County, Ky., in 1802, and died in Johnson County, Ind., in 1873, and his mother was born in 1802, and died in Franklin, Ind., in 1881. In 1826, his father came to this county, and entered 275 acres of land, and then returned to Kentucky. In 1827, he returned to this county, and built a hewed log house in the extreme western part of Franklin Township; he then returned to Kentucky, and in 1828, removed his family to the new house, and upon which our subject now resides. In 1850, the parents of our subject removed to Franklin, and there resided until their death. Mr. Banta is the eldest of seven children, three of whom are now living. He was raised on the farm, and attended school at Hopewell. In early life, he learned the tanner’s trade with his father, and afterward engaged in this business for himself, and continued it until 1843, when he located where he now resides. Mrs. Banta owns a fine farm of 275 acres, well improved and nicely located. The marriage of Mr. Banta occurred in November, 1843, to Miss Mary A. Brewer, born in Mercer County Ky., April 19, 1819, and who came to this county in 1831. To the above union were born five children, viz.: John E., born in 1845; David B., born in 1847; George C., born in 1850; David W., born in 1853, and Mary, born in 1857. In politics, he is a true democrat, and is one of the leading and prominent citizens of Franklin Township. Mr. and Mrs. Banta are members of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church.