Louis J. Banner, the genial and accommodating agent for the Missouri Pacific Railway at Clyde, was transferred to that city from Glen Elder, where he had been stationed for several years - March 1, 1898. 0.K. has doubtless been stamped to his credit in the various branches of his railroad career, for he has been associated with the present company since 1893, with but sixty days respite.

Mr. Banner is a native of North Carolina, born in Banners Elk, a summer resort named in honor of his father's loyal patriotism during the stirring times of the south. Our subject's paternal and maternal grandparents were slaveholders, but freed them during the war. All the Banners in the mountain district of the Carolinas were slaveholders, but they were Republicans, freed their slaves and fought in the Union army. His father, William D. Banner, was a sergeant of Company A, Fourth Tennessee Regiment of Volunteers. He also had four brothers who served under the stars and stripes. Several of the relatives were southern sympathizers, among them a maternal uncle, who was visited by a band of Confederates, with a battering-ram and tried to compel him to join their forces. He shot one of the rebels and the body was left on the doorstep all night. The uncle afterward joined the Union.

Although born in the south Mr. Banner is a Kansan and was reared in the vicinity of Clyde. He visited the place of his birth about ten years ago and after being introduced to a score of relatives, a "darkey," who had been a family slave, was presented as a "cousin," bringing to mind the story of an unsophisticated old lady, whose husband had been elected "squire." When the announcement of his honored position was made, the half dozen or more of children clamored around the maternal parent and eagerly plied her with questions, one hopeful saying: "Ma, are we all squires?" Where upon the supercilious mother, with lofty pride, responded to the inquiry of her offspring: "No, you silly; no one but your 'Pap' and I."

Mr. Banner's father came to Kansas in 1870 and located in Clifton. Ten years later he removed to Vining, which was then a flourishing town, where he was postmaster for fourteen years, and where he still resides. He owns a drug store and does an extensive business.

Mr. Banner's mother was Sally B. VanCannon, of North Carolina. Her mother is enjoying life at Banners Elk, at the age of ninety-one years. She passed through a siege of la grippe in 1901.

Mr. Banner was married in 1892 to Ida Z. Miller, a daughter of J.T. Miller, who homesteaded near Palmer, Kansas, in 1870. He later resided in Clifton, where he conducted a merchandising business for fifteen years. He is now retired and lives at San Antonio, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Banner are the parents of two little daughters - Vera, aged ten, and Margaret, aged six. In 1901 Mr. Banner established a marble works in Clyde, under the name of the Clyde Monument Company, situated at the corner of Washington and French streets, with A.H. Lewis, a practical and competent workman, in charge. Their trade is far reaching, receiving orders from many outside towns in northwest Kansas and various Nebraska towns. Mr. Banner plays the saxophone in the Clyde Military Band and to him is conceded much of the success of this popular company.

Socially Mr. and Mrs. Banner are among Clyde's most esteemed citizens and as a railroad agent our subject is universally admitted to be one of the most congenial in their employ.