NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

In view of the nomadic spirit which dominates the American public and causes its citizens to wander relentlessly about from one place to another, it is most gratifying to come in contact with a man who has passed practically his entire life in the county of his birth. Frank N. BANTA, who has been most successfully engaged in the grocery and meat business in Boonton, New Jersey, since 1890, was born in Montville, Morris county, this State, the date of his nativity being February 20, 1869. He is a son of Henry W. and Susan G. (MARTIN) BANTA, both of whom were born and reared in New Jersey and both of whom are now deceased. The father was a farmer by occupation and was recognized as a highly responsible citizen in his home community. He and his wife had issue as follows:

• Anna M., deceased;
• Hattie E., wife of Phineas TREDWAY, of Pasadena, California;
• Frank N., of this sketch;
• Rhoda M., wife of James W. SMITH.

After the completion of a common school education, Frank N. BANTA began to clerk in a grocery store and in 1890 he located at Boonton and here, in partnership with Albert HUSK, opened a general store for the handling of groceries and meats. This establishment is now one of the well stocked and up-to-date stores of Boonton and is known under the firm name of BANTA & HUSK. Mr. BANTA is a valued and appreciative member of the Business Men’s Association of this city, and in politics he is an unswerving Republican. He is secretary of the Boonton board of health and for the past two years has given most efficient service as coroner of Morris county. He is businesslike and on the level in all his dealings and commands the unqualified respect of all with whom he comes in contact. He and his family are zealous members of the Dutch Reformed Church.

On October 26, 1892, Mr. BANTA was married to Dora E. VREELAND, a native of Boonton, daughter of Silas J. and Emma L. (JACOBUS) VREELAND, the former a carpenter by occupation.

Mrs. BANTA has a sister,

• Laura B., and a brother,
• Clayton J.

Following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. BANTA:

• Beatrice G.,
• Bertram M.,
• Estella,
• Emily.

The two youngest children are twins and all of them are pupils in the public schools of Boonton. The BANTA family occupy a beautiful home in this city and they are noted as good, hospitable entertainers.

This biography was transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003).

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