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[edit] Obituary of Nathaniel P. BanksObituary of Nathaniel P. Banks. Hobart News, page 1 and 3, Thursday, 12 May 1927. [edit] FacsimilePage 1 and Page 3 [edit] Transcript[Page 1] Even though this community had for several weeks been conscious of the certain and steadily approaching death of its esteemed and honored citizen, Mr. Nathaniel P. Banks, president of The First State Bank of Hobart, the word of his passing at 11:30 Friday morning, May 6, 1927, struck a deep chord of sorrow throughout this city, when it was realized that this staunch friend of Hobart, this still greatly useful servant of the community, this familiar friend of young and old, was gone. Mr Banks, while in declining health for a number of years, was stll actively engaged in business and on Friday evening previous to his being stricken down on Saturday, March 26, had attended a directors' meeting of The First State Bank. His condition rapidly became so critical that he was taken to the home of his son-in-law, Dr. John W. Iddings, of Lowell, where everything that loving thought could devise or medical skill suggest was done for his welfare and comfort. Strong and courageously as he had always faced life, as calmly and confidently he met death, his steadfast faith his source of strength and serenity. So he passed — a man of sterling character, "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." [1] His was a long and eventful life. He was born in Lake county, Ohio, Sept. 25, 1845. In his infancy his parents and their family moved to Laporte county, Indiana, where they remained about seven years, at the end of that time removing to Lke county, Ind. where they thereafter resided. As a boy Mr. Banks worked on a farm during the summer months and during the planting and harvesting seasons, while during the winder months he attended school. Until a few years ago the old frame school building where he spend many days as a pupil, remained in this city. Upon this site now stands the Masonic On Feb. 14, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Clara Elizabeth Chandler, daughter of Thomas Peach and Betsy (Woodmansee) Chandler of Deepriver. They settled upon a farm southeast of Hobart where they resided until about seventeen years ago when they built and moved into the present home on Water street. Theirs was a long and gladsome married life. On Jan. 14, 1919, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, a happiness few are privileged to enjoy during the span of wedded companionship. Their home was ever open to young and old, a home where genial kindness and warm friendship was radiated with happy hospitality and where, again and yet again, one was wont to go for social enjoyment, or for counsel or for that closer touch of sympathy and helpfulness never once stintingly given. On Jan. 9, 1921, Mrs. banks passed away, she being the last of her family of two sisters and one brother. Mr. Banks has taken a lively interest in the affairs of his community. He studied deeply into the needs and the future of Hobart and through investigation and wise judgements has lent valuable assistance, always standing by any improvement that was for the city's substantial growth and welfare. He has been honored by positions of public trust and in return has given honor in the efficient service he has rendered to the public. In 1895 he was elected trustee of Hobart township, which office he filled for five years, his duties including the supervision of all the schools and the roads of the township. During his administration he caused to be built the first free gravel road in the county, which extended the entire length of the township. Under the approval of State School Superintendent Geeting, he inaugurated the first school transportation in the state, running a bus from the north end of the township to transport pupils from that section to the township High school in Hobart. Another of his worth-while achievements was, through the assistance of Congressman Crumpacker, the establishment of the first rural mail delivery route in northern Indiana, including Hobart enroute. He became president of The First State Bank on June 30, 1910, and had for nearly seventeen years continuously held this responsible position. For many years he served as secretary of the Farmers Mutual Insurance company of Lake county, and old and reliable institution. In addition to his affiliation with M. L. McClelland lodge, F. & A. M.[2], and Hobart Chapter, O. E. S.[3], he was a member of the veterans' organization of the Grand Army of the Republic. Besides his hosts of friends and acquaintances he leaves to mourn his passing, three daughters, Myrtle, wife of Dr. J. W. Iddings of Lowell; Bessie, wife of Rev. Dunning idle of Ypsilanti, Mich., and Mrs. Florence Naumann, his widowed daughter, who has always resided at home. Three daughters are deceased: Miriam, who died Nov. 20, 1880, on a farm at the age of seven years; Mary, the wife of J. M. Sholl of Milwaukee, her death occurring March 29, 1907, and Miss Carrie banks, who died in Hobart Sept. 24, 1914. There are also eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; also one sister, Mrs. Sarah Adams, who resides in Deering, Kan. The body of Mr. Banks was brought from the home of his daughter in Lowell to his own late residence in this city Saturday. Monday it was placed in the Methodist church in this city, where it lay in state from one until two o'clock under guard of the American Legion, who had also "kept watch" at the Banks home, thus paying their last tribute of honor and respect to their comrade and friend. The funeral services were conducted at the Methodist church at two o'clock Monday afternoon, the Rev. V. B. Servies of Culver, a former pastor of the Hobart Methodist church, assisted by its present pastor, the Rev. G. F. Craig, and the Rev. Mr. Daugherty of Lowell, officiating. Interment in the family lot in Hobart cemetery. He has left behind him "a name honored and beloved for the good he has sought to accomplish, for the misery he has labored to ameliorate, for the happiness he has striven to create."[4] [edit] Notes
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