A Bit of Banner Family History

Howdy

Since you're looking at the Banner family page we probably are or could be distant cousins. I belong to the Banner branch that came to Texas following the Civil War. Dr. Matthew Rauley Banner was my great-grandfather and a descendent of Henry Banner who immigrated to Surry county North Carolina (now Stokes Co.) in the early 1750's. Following Civil War Matt returned to Dalton, Georgia and in 1872 moved to Banner Elk, North Carolina, founded by five of his brothers. In 1880 poor health caused him to follow his son to Texas permanently settling in Jacksboro. There his health improved and he resumed his dental practice becoming the town's first dentist.

My booklet, Vicksburg's Confederate Banner is about the Vicksburg campaign and Lt. Banner. It tells of his activities while a member of the 39th Georgia Regiment, Company I, during the Mississippi campaign, and provides a through understanding of the campaign and siege. However, Lt. Banner's letters, being the core of the booklet, view the Vicksburg campaign and siege from a different perspective, unlike the "big picture" usually described by generals and historians. His letters provide a unique personal view of the trials and tribulations endured.

Following are comments from some who have read the booklet:

"Thank you so much for writing to me. I descend from the brother that didn't go to Banner Elk. My check is in the mail and I would love a copy of your book! Thank you for telling me about it! Thank you so much for writing and I look forward to the book!"

"I read your booklet on M. R. Banner at Vicksburg and felt as if I have gotten to know the old man a bit through these letters. The quality of his character shows in the letters you included in the account of Vicksburg."

"I received the booklet yesterday and I love IT!! Thank you so much for helping pass on the Banner family history!! A friend just completed a civil war book on local soldiers and would like to buy a copy, so please send her information on ordering your book!!"

"Thank you so much for sharing with me and thank goodness, Matthew's civil war letters were saved, what a treasure!!"

"After reading Vicksburg's Confederate Banner I was overwhelmed - you did a magnificent job. It is a welcome addition to our family history."

If you're interested in a copy the booklets are $5.00 each plus $1 for shipping and handling totaling $6.00, payable to Nick Banner, 1419 Ventura Ave., Midland, Texas 79705. For information e-mail npbanner@sbcglobal.net

If you're interested in history I've also written two other things:

Jeff Davis' Camel Corps on the Western Frontier: an attempt to research and evaluate this little remembered episode in frontier history. It tells the story of an experiment with camels while attempting to solve frontier travel and communication problems. ($5.00)

Texas' Federal Forts 1845 - 1899: a set of three Texas maps and a narrative on the United States Forts on the Texas frontier. They show how the line of forts advanced across Texas with the advancing frontier as well as giving a brief history of the forts and what they accomplished. ($4.00)

If you are interested or know anyone interested in any of these please contact me or refer them to me. The booklets make nice gifts, or stocking stuffers, for family members or anyone interested in history. There is no additional charge when ordering extra items it remains $1.

Thanks for your consideration,

Nick Banner

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