James W. Banks was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 21, 1861, being the son of Absalom and Susan (Little) Banks. The father was born in North Carolina in 1826, farmed in Iowa and Missouri and settled in Nez Perces county in the fall of 1901. The mother was born in Henry county, Kentucky. Our subject was reared in Iowa and there received his education. His parents were his companions until he was twenty and then he began to step forth into the world for himself. He farmed in Iowa for a time and in 1895, removed to Missouri and farmed until October 26, 1901, when he settled on his present place about three miles southeast from Ilo. He has a quarter section of good land, has devoted himself to its improvement and takes great pride in having everything thrifty and in order.

On September 25, 1881, Mr. Banks married Miss Milley N., daughter of Warren and Evelyn (Boulds) Phillips, natives of Greene county, Kentucky, on February 14, 1823, and May 11, 1831, respectively. Mrs. Banks has the following brothers and sisters, Dabney A., Ermine Myres, James, Richard, Lou, Mary E. Mr. Banks has the following named brothers and sisters: George W., Andrew, Isabelle Egerton, Mary Simmons, Cora J. Miller. To Mr. and Mrs. Banks have been born eight children, Carrie Cox, Warren A., Myrtle E., deceased, Edith, Ethel, Albert, Lenore, Elias M. Mr. and Mrs. Banks are adherents of the Adventist church and he is a Democrat in political alliances.