John Banks collection


Descriptive Summary
Title: John Banks collection
Creator: Banks, John, 1797-1870
Inclusive Dates: 1830-1865
Language(s): English
Extent: 0.5 Linear Feet 1 box
Collection Number: ms2540
Repository: Hargrett Library

Collection Description

Historical Note

John Banks (1797-1870) was a banker, merchant, and planter who resided in Elbert and Muscogee County, Georgia. He is the son of Ralph and Rachel Jones Banks.

Scope and Content

The collection consists mainly of an autobiography of John Banks written sporadically from 1830-1865. His autobiography outlines his boyhood and family background; service in the Seminole Indian Wars in 1818 in Florida; his involvement in various mercantile businesses in Elbert and Henry counties; his presidency in the Planters & Mechanics' Bank in Columbus; ownership in the Howard Manufacturing Company (textile) in Columbus; the Civil War and his sons', Daniel Watkins, Richard Eugene, and Willis Dunston service in the Confederate Army; and Sherman's march through Georgia. The collection also includes the Banks family bible containing births, deaths, and marriages, and two published works on the Banks and Winstanley families' genealogy.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

John Banks collection, ms2540, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries.

General Notes

Cataloged as part of the Georgia Archives and Manuscripts Automated Access Project: A Special Collections Gateway Program of the University Center in Georgia.