William N. Banks, lawyer at Independence, Kan., was born at Hobart, Lake county, Indiana, Aug. 15, 1865, son of George L. and Olive W. (Chandler) Banks, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Vermont. These parents were married in Indiana, and in Lake county, the father farmed. In 1871 they came to Kansas, settling on a farm in Montgomery county. Fifteen years later they returned to Indiana, resided at Angola for a while, and then at Camden, Mich. Later, they again came to Kansas and purchased a farm in Montgomery county.

William N. Banks was six years of age when his parents first came to Kansas. After attending the common schools, he spent two years in Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind., and then returned to Kansas and began teaching school in Montgomery county. He taught school and followed farming several years, and in 1892 began the study of law in the office of A. B. Clark, at Independence, Kan. He was admitted to the bar in 1894, since which time he has been actively engaged in the practice of law at Independence. Meanwhile he has retained farming interests and has become largely interested in stock raising. Mr. Banks is a Republican in politics and accords unstinted support to the men and measures of his party. In public affairs he manifests a commendable interest. The cause of education has found in him an ardent supporter. For several years he has served on the Independence city school board, and he has otherwise won admiration for his spirit of public interest and service.

Mr. Banks married Miss Ollie M., a daughter of John W. and Elizabeth (Harrold) Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Banks have a son and a daughter—Thomas Lloyd and Edith Banks.