Page 645-646 - William B. Banks. Upon the shoulders of William B. Banks has rested the responsibility of management of the Hart Mirror Plate Works, of Grand Rapids, since 1916, and that the company has enjoyed continued success since that time is proof positive that he fully merits the name given to him in Grand Rapids of being one of the city’s ablest business men. William Banks is of English descent, his great-grandfather, John Banks, coming with his wife, Muria Nauton, from England to settle in Richmond, Virginia. Grandfather Bartholomew settled in Marshall, Michigan, in the early days around 1830. John Banks, father of William, was a native of Marshall and engaged in railroading during his entire life. He came to Grand Rapids, where he was in the employ of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad. He married Caroline V. Roberts, of Canastota, New York, and to them on February 28, 1878, was born a son whom they named William B. William Banks attended the public schools of Grand Rapids, entering the high school in that city from which he was graduated in due course in 1897. For two years thereafter he worked in the offices of the railroad company at Grand Rapids. He began his connection with the Hart Mirror Plate Company in 1900 as stock and order clerk. His faithfulness to duty and the characteristic energy with which he applied himself to his work soon attracted the attention of his superiors and he was steadily advanced through the various departments of the company until, in 1916, he became secretary and treasurer and general manager after the death of Joseph S. Hart. The Hart Mirror Plate Works was incorporated in 1899 with George G. Heye as president and Joseph S. Hart as secretary and treasurer, the original plant being located on the same site at 101 Front street, southwest, that is occupied by the present factory. Mr. Hart continued as secretary-treasurer and general manager until his death, in 1916, at which time Mr. Heye retired and was succeeded by Mrs. Rose S. Hart. Mr. Banks through his connection with the company, has gained an enviable reputation in the manufacturing circles of Grand Rapids, where he is recognized as one of the ablest men and most influential citizens of which the city can boast. The business of the company is steadily growing under his efficient management and at the present time the firm is ranked as one of the substantial enterprises of the city. Mr. Banks married Marion, the daughter of John Savage, of Grand Rapids.