McDonough County Genealogical Society
VANDIVER BANKS, HIRE TOWNSHIP
Vandiver Banks was among the earliest of settlers of what would be called Rock Creek Township - later changed to Hire Township. His first name is sometimes written as Vandever. Banks located there in 1836 what later would be the south-west quarter of section 30 and immediately erected a house thereon, and soon afterward purchased other land. He was successful in all his undertakings and at the time of his death had acquired considerable property. An 1871 map shows the additional land purchase in section 31.
Vandiver Banks was born in Adair County, Kentucky, April 16, 1804; a son of Vandever and Elizabeth (Walford) Banks, the former a native of Maryland, the latter was a Virginian by birth. During his early life, Vandiver worked at the carpentry trade. He was a successful farmer in Hire Township.
He was married to Loraner A. Sharpe August 31, 1826 in Kentucky. Together they had eleven children: five of whom were living in 1885 - Elizabeth W., the wife of Thomas Massie of Hancock County; Sarah M., the wife of John M. Lyon; James C., Millard T. and Job V., all residents of Hire Township Vandiver was described as well-known throughout the county, being highly respected by all with whom he formed an acquaintance with. In the 1878 History of McDonough County, it was written that he was an influential citizen of McDonough County for over forty years and always bore a prominent part in the affairs of the county. When the Morman troubles came to a fevered head in nearby Hancock County, Banks was one of the McDonough County volunteers to push the Mormans from Nauvoo. Mr. Banks was elected captain of one of the companies and as such served through the continuance of the armed disturbance.
