I don't know if you know it yet, but our Great Great Grandfather (Captain William Banta), and 5 other Bantas that were Texas Rangers will be honored in Harper, Texas by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and Texas Rangers on October 30 starting at noon at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. There very well could be an answer to your questions there. In case you are wondering, here is how I am related...

(ME) Donovan W. Banta> son of Garland Wilson Banta > son of Cecil Loren Banta > son of Brook Wilson Banta > son of Captain William Banta > son of George Gordon Wilson "Witt" Banta > son of Isaac William Banta > son of David Banta > son of Hendrick H Banta...... and that is as far as I have made it

Another long lost relative for ya!! I have learned that the Banta clan is extremely large and has done a good job of keeping track of family history. Hope you can make it to Harper on that date, you can find any other information on the web if you follow this link:

http://www.formertexasrangers.org/Calendar.htm