W. V. Banks, a well-known citizen of Versailles, is at present justice of the peace, and has been a resident of the city for five years. He was born in Adams County, Ky., and is the son of John and Mary (Browning) Banks, and grandson of Vandevere Banks, who was a native of Maryland. John and Mary (Browning) Banks were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. They moved to Illinois in 1837, settling first at Macomb, McDonough County, where they lived three years. The father then engaged as contractor and builder, and erected many of the principal buildings in Macomb, among them the old McDonough College, which is still a noted landmark in that city. In 1840 Mr. Banks and family moved to Hancock County, Ill., and purchased 160 acres of land, which he improved and made a comfortable home. W. V. Banks remained with his parents until twenty three years of age, when he left home and went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he engaged as clerk in the Gate City Mills. He was married in 1855 to Miss Elizabeth Buncher, a native of Germany, and to them have been born three children: Charles M., at merchant and miller of Versailles; James P., also a merchant and miller, and Joseph, a merchant. Mr. Banks remained at the Gate City Mills until 1857, when he went to Hamilton, Ill., and there built a mill, which he operated for some time. He then went to Dallas City, Ill., purchased a large mill, and operated the same for eleven years, after which he went to Tioga, Ill., and there, in connection with a brother, built a mill which they operated four years. Mr. Banks then returned to Hamilton, Ill., operated a mill there until 1823, when he came to Versailles, and purchased the Versailles Mills, which are now operated by his sons. In 1887 he was elected justice of the peace, and also occupied the same position while living in Hancock County, Ill. Mr. Banks and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is one of the substantial citizens of the county.
History of Cole, Moniteau, Morgan, Benton, Miller, Maries and Osage Counties, Missouri, Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1889.