Abraham Van Rance Bancker (abt. 1804 - 1869)

Descendants

Biography

Abraham Van Rance Bancker^[1] was born in Baltimore, Maryland,^[1] about 1802/1804,^[2][1] Reportedly, according to unsupported family tradition, his father's name was also 'Abraham Van Rance'.^[1]

In 1825, he married Elizabeth Grubb.^[3] They reportedly had eleven children:^[1]

Valeida Bancker (1826-1900)^[4]

John Bancker (1830-1880)

Morris Bancker (1845-)

Marinus Bancker (1845-1919)

Charles Bancker

William Bancker (1830-1884)

Mary Bancker (1825-?)

Louise Bancker (1832-?)

Van Rance Bancker (1837-?)

Hiram Lee Bancker (1833-1859)

Joseph Bancker (1835-?)

On 15 December 1840, he enlisted in the Dragoons, at Carlisle Pennsylvania. He enlisted for a five-year term, but was discharged on 14 May 1842, apparently having found a substitute (Michael Curran) to serve for him. ^[5]

In 1850, he was living in ward 1 of Southwark, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. He was a tailor.

Living with him were Elizabeth (presumably his wife), and William, Mary, John, Maryann, Lueza, Hiram, Josiah, Vanialt [?], Mary, Marienus [?], and William Banker (presumably their children).^[6]

He enlisted in the 91st Pennsylvania Infantry on 11 September 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was mustered into service as Drum Major on 4 December 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Some records report him as the Principle Musician.^{[7][8][9][10]}

His son, Meriners Bancker, also served in the 91st.

He is listed on the 2 August to 31 October 1861, and 2 August to 31 December 1861, muster rolls, but whether he was present or absent isn't recorded.^[8]

He was listed as present on the January/February, March/April, May/June, and July/August 1862 muster rolls, as well as a special muster roll for 18 August 1862.^[8]

On 9 October 1862, he was discharged by general order of the Secretary of War (presumably because Congress had disbanded all regimental bands).^[11] He was then principle musician.^[7] He had last been paid to 30 June 1862. ^[8]

On 3 April 1864, he led the drum corps during a ceremony presenting a new set of flags to the regiment. The Philadelphia Press praised him for the drummers' proficiency. ^[12]

He died at 1 PM, on 12 November 1869, of phthisis. He was a tailor. He died at, or was buried from, 1916 Pemberton Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On 14 November, he was buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ^{[2] [13]}

Research Notes

Although Banker's biography claims that he 'served throughout the Civil War in the same regiments as his son Marinus', and Marinus served in the 18th Pennsylvania,^[1] the pension index cards for Abraham's widow do not mention his serving in the 18th Pennsylvania,^[14] and the roster for the 18th Pennsylvania in Bates' History of Pennsylvania Volunteers does not mention him.^[15]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5} 'Abraham Van Rance Bancker of Philadelphia', in Howard James Banker, A Partial History and Genealogical Record of the Bancker or Banker Families of America and in particular the descendants of Laurens Mattyse Bancker (1909), pp.338-341; image copy, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/15375/images/dvm_GenMono000806-00174-0?pId=339 : accessed 7 November 2023); transcribed here.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, death certificate, no. 13318 (12 November 1869), Abraham V. Bancker; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DY89-ZB1 : accessed 7 November 2023).

   'RETURN OF A DEATH,'

   'IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA.'

   'PHYSICIAN'S CERTIFICATE.'

   '1. Name of Deceased, Abraham V. Bancker'

   '2. Color, White'

   '3. Sex, Male'

   '4. Age, Sixty five'

   '5. Married'

   '6. Date of Death, 1 P.M. November 12th 1869'

   '7. Cause of Death, Phthisis'

   'Dwight M.D.'

   'Residence, 336 S 15th St.'

   'UNDERTAKER'S CERTIFICATE IN RELATION TO DECEASED.'

   '8. Occupation, Taylor'

   '9. Place of Birth, Baltimore'

   '10. When a Minor, [blank]'

   '11. Ward, 26 [?]'

   '12. Street and Number, 1910 [?] Pemberton St'

   '13. Date of Burial, Nov 14th 1869'

   '14. Place of Burial, Mount Moriah'

   'Lafayette B. Henits [?] Undertaker.'

   'Residence, 1019 Lombard St'

3. ↑ 'Philadelphia Register of Marriages of Dates 1806-1870, begun in 1860', p.5, line 17, Abraham V Bancker and Elizabeth Grubb; image copy, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/2451/images/42154_330001-00019 : accessed 8 November 2023); Pennsylvania and New Jersey, U.S., Church and Town Records, 1669-2013; citing Board of Health Records.

   No. '17'

   Date of Registration '" [sc. 1872]"

   Date of Marriage '1825'

   Full Name of Male 'Abraham V. Bancker'

   Residence '" [sc. Phila Pa.]'

   Full Name of Female 'Elizabeth Grubb'

   Residence '" [sc. Philada]'

   Ceremony Employed [blank]

   Name of Person Pronouncing Ceremony 'Rev. Henry G [?] King'

   [rest blank]

4. ↑ Vital Statistics Division, Michigan, death certificate, 19 June 1900, Veledia M Arnold; image copy, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/60872/images/44471_355264-00705 : accessed 8 November 2023).

   Veledia [sic] M. Arnold

   female, white, married, housewife

   born 5 Sept 1826, Penn, to V. A. Banker and Betsey Grubb (both born Penn)

   informant Nellie [or Nettie?] Swonthorst [?], Chicago Ill

   died 19 June 1900, Ionia Township, Ionia County

   buried 21 June 1900, Highland Park

   cause of death: cancer of stomach

5. ↑ 'Descriptive and Historical Register of Enlisted Soldiers of the Army', no. 597 (Abraham V R Bancker); image copy, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/352983:1198 : accessed 9 November 2023); citing , National Archives and Records Administration, microfilm series M233, 1840 June - 1846.

   NO.	7
   NAMES.	Bancker Abraham V. R.
   [the Ancestry index has 'Abraham V K Bancker'; while that's possible, the top of the second initial looks closed, and not open]
   Age. Years.	33
   Eyes.	blue
   Hair.	" [sc. brown]
   Complexion.	" [sc. fair]
   [Height]	5 feet 5 inches
   WHERE BORN.	N. J. New Brunswick
   Trade or Occupation.	Tailor
   ENLISTED. When.	[1840 Decr] 15
   Where.	Carlisle
   By whom.	" [sc. Lt] West
   For what Period. Years.	5
   Regiment and Company.	Drag
   DISCHARGE. Date of	14 May '42. Substituted by Michael Curran
   Cause of	[blank]
   Died.	[blank]
   Deserted.	[blank]
   Apprehended.	[blank]
   Enlistment.	[blank]
   REMARKS.	At Carlisle Pa. P.O. [sc. paid off?] Decr 23 /51 [???--the year is very light]

6. ↑ 1850 U.S. census, ward 1, Southwark, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, population schedule, p. 34 recto stamped = p.67 penned, family 572; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DCXW-Q6M : accessed 7 November 2023).

   Abraham V. Banker, 48, male, tailor, born New Jersey

   Elizabeth ", 45, female, born Pennsylvania

   William ", 22, male, tobacconist, born Pennsylvania

   Mary ", 25, female, born Pennsylvania

   John ", 21, male, segar maker, born Pennsylvania

   Maryann ", 21, female, born New York

   Lueza ", 18, female, born Pennsylvania

   Hiram ", 17, male, musician, born Pennsylvania

   Josiah ", 15, male, born Pennsylvania

   Varianlt [?] ", 13, male, born Pennsylvania, attended school within the year

   Mary ", 10, female, born Pennsylvania, attended school within the year

   Marienus ", 5, female, born Pennsylvania, attended school within the year

   William ", 1, male, born Pennsylvania

7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1} Regimental Descriptive Book, 91st Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, Abram V. Bancker; regimental descriptive book and consolidated morning reports, 91st Pennsylvania Infantry; National Archives and Records Administration, record group 94; Washington, DC, National Archives and Records Administration.

   'No. 5'

   'NAMES. Abram V Bancker'

   'Rank Principle Musician'

   'DESCRIPTION [blank]'

   'OCCUPATION. [blank]'

   'ENLISTMENT. [blank]'

   'REMARKS. Mustered out of service by Order of Sec of War'

8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3} Compiled service record, Abram V Banker, Principal Musician, 91st Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Record Group 94: Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917; National Archives and Record Administration, Washington, D.C.

   [card 1]

   '136

   'Banker Abram V.

   'Co. F+S, 91 Pennsylvania Inf.

   'Drum Major | Prin. Musician

   '

   'CARD NUMBERS.

   '1 22039597

   '2 22039611

   '3 22039625

   '4 22039636

   '5 22039650

   '6 22039664

   '7 22039680

   '8 22039695

   '9 22039710

   '10 22039920

   '11 22038832

   '

   'Number of personal papers herein 0

   'Book Mark: [blank]

   'See also [blank]

   [card 2]

   'B | 91 | Pa.

   'Abraham V. Bancker

   'Rank D. Maj, 91 Reg't Pennsylvania Inf.

   'Age [blank] years.

   'Appears on

   'Field and Staff Muster-out Roll

   'of the organization named above. Roll dated

   'Camp in the Field Va July 10, 1865.

   'Muster-out to date [blank].

   'Last paid to [blank].

   'Clothing account: [all blank]

   'Due U.S. for arms, equipments, &c., $[blank]

   'Bounty paid [blank]

   'Valuation of horse, [blank]

   'Valuatioon of horse equipments, [blank]

   'Remarks: M.O. of service by order of War Dept.

   '

   'Book mark: [blank]

   'Black Copyist.

   [card 3]

   'B | 91 | Pa.

   'Abram V. Bancker

   'Rank Prin Musc, 91 Reg't Pennsylvania Inf.

   'Appears on

   'Field and Staff Muster Roll

   'for Mar + Apl, 1862.

   'Present

   'Stoppage, $[blank]

   'Due Gov't, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse, $[blank]

   'Valutation of horse equipments, $[blank]

   'Remarks [blank]

   '

   'Book mark: [blank]

   'Black Copyist.

   [card 4]

   'B | 91 | Pa.

   'Abram V. Bancker

   'Rank Prin Musc, 91 Reg't Pennsylvania Inf.

   'Appears on

   'Field and Staff Muster Roll

   'for May + June, 1862.

   'Present

   'Stoppage, $[blank]

   'Due Gov't, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse equipments, $[blank]

   'Remarks [blank]

   '

   'Book mark: [blank]

   'Black Copyist.

   [card 5]

   'B | 91 | Pa.

   'Abram V. Bancker

   'Rank Pr. Musc, 91 Reg't Pennsylvania Inf.

   'Appears on

   'Field and Staff Muster Roll

   'for July + Aug, 1862.

   'Present

   'Stoppage, $[blank]

   'Due Gov't, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse equipments, $[blank]

   'Remarks [blank]

   '

   'Book mark: [blank]

   'Black Copyist.

   [card 6]

   'B | 91 | Pa.

   'Abram V. Bancker x

   'Rank Pr. Musc, 91 Reg't Pa Inf.

   'Appears on

   'Field and Staff Special Muster Roll

   'for Aug 18, 1862.

   'Present

   'Stoppage, $[blank]

   'Due Gov't, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse equipments, $[blank]

   'Remarks [blank]

   '

   'x Col Pres. [??] Banker

   '

   'Book mark: [blank]

   'McCormack Comp.

   [card 7]

   'B | 91 | Pa.

   'Abram V. Bancker

   'Rank Drum Maj, 91 Reg't Pennsylvania Inf.

   'Appears on

   'Field and Staff Muster Roll

   'for Aug 2nd to Oct 31, 1861.

   'Present or absent not stated

   'Stoppage, $[blank]

   'Due Gov't, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse equipments, $[blank]

   'Remarks [blank]

   '

   'Book mark: [blank]

   'Black Copyist.

   [card 8]

   'B | 91 | Pa.

   'Abram V. Bancker

   'Rank Drum Maj, 91 Reg't Pennsylvania Inf.

   'Appears on

   'Field and Staff Muster Roll

   'for Aug. 2" to Dec 31, 1861.

   'Present or absent not stated

   'Stoppage, $[blank]

   'Due Gov't, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse equipments, $[blank]

   'Remarks [blank]

   '

   'Book mark: [blank]

   'Black Copyist.

   [card 9]

   'B | 91 | Pa.

   'Abram V. x Bancker

   'Rank Drum Maj, 91 Reg't Pennsylvania Inf.

   'Age 50 years.

   'Appears on

   'Field and Staff Muster-in Roll

   'of the organization named above. Roll dated

   'Phila Pa Dec 4, 1861.

   'Muster-in to date Dec 4, 1861.

   '

   'Joined for duty and enrolled:

   'When Sept 11, 1861.

   'Where Phila Pa

   'Period 3 years.

   'Bounty paid $[blank]; due $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse equipments, $[blank]

   'Remarks: [blank]

   [despite the 'x' by his name above, no alternative spelling or other note is present]

   'Book mark: [blank]

   'Black Copyist.

   [card 10]

   'B | 91 | Pa.

   'Abram V. Bancker

   'Rank Drum Maj, 91 Reg't Pennsylvania Inf.

   'Appears on

   'Field and Staff Muster Roll

   'for Jan + Feb, 1862.

   'Present

   'Stoppage, $[blank]

   'Due Gov't, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse equipments, $[blank]

   'Remarks [blank]

   '

   'Book mark: [blank]

   'Black Copyist.

   [card 11]

   'B | 91 | Pa.

   'Abram C. [sic] Bancker

   'Princ Musc, 91 Reg't Pennsylvania Inf.

   'Appears on a

   'Detachment Muster-out Roll

   'of the organization named above. Roll dated

   'Camp near Sharpsburg Md Oct 9, 1862.

   'Muster-out to date Oct 9, 1862.

   'Last paid to June 30, 1862.

   'Clothing account: [all blank]

   'Due U.S. for arms, equipments, &c., $[blank]

   'Bounty paid $[blank]; due $[blank]

   'Remarks: [blank]

   '

   'Book mark: [blank]

   'Black Copyist.

   [card 12]

   'B | 91 | Pa.

   'Abram V. Bancker

   'Rank Prin Musc, 91 Reg't Pennsylvania Inf.

   'Appears on

   'Field and Staff Muster Roll

   'for Sept + Oct, 1862.

   'Present or absent [blank]

   'Stoppage, $[blank]

   'Due Gov't, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse, $[blank]

   'Valuation of horse equipments, $[blank]

   'Remarks Discharged (and Final Statements given) By G.O. no. [blank] W.D.

   '

   'Book mark: [blank]

   'Black Copyist.

9. ↑ Samuel P. Bates, History of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-5 (Harrisburg: State Printer, 1870), vol. 3, p.194, Abrah'm V. Banker, 91st Regiment); image copy, Making of America (https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/moa/aby3439.0003.001/202?q1=Ninety-First+Regiment&view=image&size=100 : accessed 4 November 2023).

   [name] 'Abrah'm V. Banker'

   [rank] 'P'l Muc'

   [date of muster into service] 'Dec. 4, '61'

   [term—years] '3'

   [remarks] 'Discharged by General Order—date unknown.'

10. ↑ 'Index to Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldier Who Served in Organizations from the State of Pennsylvania, 1861-1865', Abram V Bancker, 91 Pennsylvania Inf.; image copy, Fold3 (https://www.fold3.com/image/288410230 : accessed 9 November 2023); citing National Archives and Records Association, microfilm series M554, 'Alphabetical card index to the compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers belonging to units from the State of Pennsylvania'.

    'Bancker Abram V.'

    'Co F + S, 91 Pennsylvania Inf.'

    'Drum Major | Prin. Musn'

    'REFERENCE CARD.'

    'Original filed under'

    'Banker Abram V.'

    'GENERAL INDEX CARD.'

    
    'Index to Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldier Who Served in Organizations from the State of Pennsylvania, 1861-1865', Abram V Banker, 91 Pennsylvania Inf.; image copy, Fold3 (https://www.fold3.com/image/288412747 : accessed 9 November 2023); citing National Archives and Records Association, microfilm series M554, 'Alphabetical card index to the compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers belonging to units from the State of Pennsylvania'.

    'Banker Abram V.'

    'Co. F+S, 91 Pennsylvania Inf.'

    'Drum Major | Prin. Mus'n.'

    'See also [blank]'

    'GENERAL INDEX CARD.'

11. ↑ U.S. Congress, The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, 1789-1873, 17 vols. (Washington, D.C.: [various publishers], 1845-73), 12: 594-597, 17 July 1862, 'An act to define the pay and emoluments of certain officers of the army, and for other purposes', chap. 200; image copy, Library of Congress (https://www.loc.gov/resource/llsalvol.llsal_012/?sp=626&st=image : accessed 21 November 2023).
12. ↑ 'Presentation of flags', Philadelphia Press, Thursday, 4 February 1864, p.2, col.7; image copy, GenealogyBank (https://www.genealogybank.com/ : accessed 9 November 2023).

    'THE CITY.

    'PRESENTATION OF FLAGS.--Last evening Concert Hall was crowded to excess with ladies and gentlemen who had assembled there to witness the presentation of the National and State flags and three guidons from the ladies of Philadelphia, to the 91st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Gregory. The flags were made in a beautiful and substantial manner, at a cost of three hundred dollars. The officers and members of the regiment were present with their torn and tattered battle-flags which added solemnity to the scene. The stage was draped with a number of American flags. A band was in attendance which discoursed patriotic airs before the exercise began. Mr. George W. Magee acted as chairman of the meeting. A prayer was then offered by the Rev. Dr. Mears, on behalf of the country and the 91st Regiment, and imploring a blessing upon all, after which Professor Saunders, of this city, was introduced.

    'He said: The most experienced speaker might feel abashed at looking over this vast audience. He knew that if he would fail, there were speakers to follow that never failed. His greatest embarrassment would be, not that he stood before the beautiful and the accomplished, or the young and the aged, but that there stood behind him the brave men who had bared their bosoms to the shots of the enemy. There is more vauable history connected with this war thus far than has ever been connected with any war, either in ancient or modern times. The speaker then made a few running remarks of the gallant deeds performed by the 91st Regiment on the different battle-fields, which were received with great applause.

    'At the conclusion of his speech, the reveille was beaten by the drum corps of the 91st Regiment, directed by Major [sic] Bancker, which was on the platform at the time.

    'The flags were then presented to the regiment on behalf of their lady friends by ex-Gov. Jas. Pollock. Before commencing his remarks he proposed three cheers for the 91st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, which were given with a will, the ladies and gentlement standing upon their feet to do so. The speaker then paid a glowing tribute to the position which the sons of Pennsylvania took at the commencement of this mighty rebellion, and of the great part which they have played in the crushing of it. His remarks were received with great applause. He handed the colors to Col. Gregory, commander of the regiment, who received them in [sic] behalf of the officers and men. In doing so he said:

    'Mr. President, ladies and friends of the 91st Regiment, we accept this suit of colors with grateful hearts. Boys, these are your colors, the colors of your country. I need not say that you will defend them. The audience know it. He then proposed three cheers for the colors, which were heartily given. The men then sat down, and the Colonel proceeded. He said: We receive these colors with gratitude to you; with thankfulness to God that we have friends at home. We have returned to your midst, but not all of us. We have left brave men behind, but we expect to meet them at the judgment seat, where they will not be condemned for what they have done on the battle-field. He had made up his mind that when the last chain shall be severed from the body of the last slave in America, then he believed the war would be at an end, and he hoped it would be at the time when Abraham Lincoln was re-elected President of these United States. [Cheers.] We have lost many dear ones on the fields of Virginia. The day will come, and, we trust, before long, when this was will be over. We have 403 [my note: last digit unclear] men left out of 1,100 and odd, and we have recruited about one hundred lately. We come to Philadelphia to fill our regiment to a thousand strong, and we expect to do it, and you young men must come forth. We are in for this war to the end. This Government was founded upon principle--the principle of freedom to every man. The Government was ordained by God, and we believe that it was ordained that Abraham Lincoln was to lead us through this trial. We accept these banners, and they will be accepted and protected we believe. He then introduced to the audience Sergeant Chism [presumably Robert Chism], who, he said, had carried the other flag through every battle. Should these banners fall, I should find you, from your past character, beneath them. These colors you are to carry. May God spare you to carry them through this contest. Take this color, and I ask no more of you in the future than I have had from you in the past. The State flag was then placed in the hands of Corporal Winner [sic]. This rebellion, he continued, has cost much and it will cost more. This Government is destined to be the greatest in the world, and to-day there is not a monarchy in the Old World which does not tremble at the power of our Government. This all arises from the one national principle of freedom to all within it. He believed that this rebellion would have been crushed before had it not been for the fire from the Copperheads in the rear. [Applause.] Heaven grant that there shall never be peace until every rebel shall lay down his arms, and the shackles be broken from every slave in the land. [Applause.]

    'At the conclusion of his remarks, the tattoo and the Star-spangled Banner were beaten by the drum corps, which elicited much applause. The proficiency attained by these drummers is wonderful, and great credit is due to Drum Major Bancker, who has charge of them. At the conclusion of this part of the exercises the large audience retired.'

13. ↑ A V Bancker, death notice, Public Ledger, Saturday, 13 November 1869, p.2, col.2; image copy, GenealogyBank (https://www.genealogybank.com/ : accessed 7 November 2023).

    'BANCKER--On the 12th instant A V. BANCKER, in the [illegible] year of his age

    'The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral from his late residence 1916 Pemberton street above Fitzwater on Sunday afternoon, the 14th inst at 1 o'clock.'

14. ↑ see pension index by name and pension index by unit
15. ↑ Samuel P. Bates, History of Pennsylvania Volunteers 1861-5 (Harrisburg: state printer, 1869), vol. 1, pp.168-175; Making of America (https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/moa/aby3439.0001.001/7 : accessed 26 November 2023).

See also:

• Abraham V Bancker, on FamilySearch's Family Tree