1925
(468)
(Coal Merchant).
Son of Thomas Banton of Leic. and descended from the Bantons of Ticknall, co. Derby. Born at Melton Mowbray 31 December 1856, educated at various schools and was first apprenticed to a local cabinet maker but did not continue long in that vocation. He entered the council chamber as one of the representatives for Wyggeston Ward 1 November 1896, was elected an alderman 27 March 1906 and placed on the Commission of the Peace for the borough the same year. During his year of office, the Old Guildhall, after extensive restoration, was reopened 19 May 1926 by Dean lnge of St. Paul's, London. At the bye-election in March 1922 he successfully contested the Eastern Division of the borough for Parliamentary honours in the interest of the labour party ; was again returned at the general election in December 1923 but defeated at the general election in October 1927, being then beaten by Capt. Loder, the conservative nominee.
Ald. Banton married twice, (1) Sarah Jane Freer of Leic. and (2) Ruth Elboume of Shelford, Cambs., and had issue. He was an energetic member of the corporation and actively engaged up to the time of his death, which took place at his residence, Clumber Road, Leic., 19 April 1932, aged seventy~five. His remains were interred at the Welford Road Cemetery. M.I. there. Will proved at Leic. 9 July 1932 by Ruth Banton, widow, the executrix. Effects £1,194 18s. 9d.
