F. J. Banta
F. J. Banta, one of the leading business men of Lima, a member of the firm of F. J. Banta & Son, manufacturers of candy, confectionery and chewing gum, was born at Troy, Miami County, Ohio, in 1857, being a member of one of the old families of that section.
Mr. Banta was reared and educated in Miami County, began his business career as a clerk in a grocery store and for five years was interested in that line of business at Troy.
In 1881 Mr. Banta came to Lima and here entered the grocery field, but finding it well occupied, one year later became a wholesale candy manufacturer. He has established an enormous trade based on the superior quality of his goods, the business expanding from a very small beginning until at the present time it averages $150,000 annually. The goods manufactured include choice chocolates and creams- daintily prepared and on fine, pure flavors- and some eight of ten brands of chewing gum, the leader being "Banta's Pepsin." The plant is located at No. 122 West Wayne Street, and traveling salesmen visit the dealers in the territory adjacent to Lima. In 1902, Roy Banta, a son of our subject, was admitted to a partnership in the business.
Mr. Banta belong to the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He is ranked with the city's most enterprising and progressive business men.