A Tribute to Mr. Joel Banks of Richland Parish Louisiana-1961
Submitted by Donnis Banks



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 "3 Score and 10, Plus 34"     
Richland Beacon Saturday 13 May 1961
by Lonez Traweek
 
Richland Parish was honored this week in helping celebrate 
one of their oldest citizens' birthday.
Mr. Joel Banks, of Mangham, celebrated his 104th birthday 
in the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Mae Banks.
"Uncle Joel" as he is known to his friends, was born in 
Alabama on May 3rd 1857. His home he remembers well as a 
log cabin, dirt chimney and wood fires. Uncle Joel is the 
father of four children, Mrs. Mary Barnett, Charlie, Joe 
and Jessie Banks. He has seven grandchildren, 17 great-
grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.
At 104 years old, "Uncle Joel" is still in perfect health. 
He has a good appetite and his eyesight still permits him 
to read his morning paper. His memory of the present is 
vague, but his memory of the past is like things we saw 
yesterday. He talked all about the things we read about 
in history. He talked of the Civil War, Lincoln and his 
assassination, and the nineteen presidents whom he has 
lived to remember. He talked of all the presidents as 
being good ones.When talking of his long life and good 
health, he remembers he came to Richland Parish in 1890 
and was the first to enjoy electricity. He was a farm boy 
and compared the farming of today to the farming when he 
was young. "Uncle Joel" is a member of the New Light Baptist 
Church and has been for years. He refers to his longevity as , 
"It just hasn't come my time and the good Lord has had His 
hand in it all."
Mr. Banks lives a few miles from Mangham and is surrounded 
by his many friends. He resides with his son and his wife, 
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Banks. Mrs. Mae Banks is like an Angel of 
Mercy to him and Uncle Joel will never be a burden to her.
I sat and talked to "Uncle Joel" for a long time and as I 
started to leave, he shook my hand and told me, "See you 
next year?"Joining in with the others, "Uncle Joel", we 
wish you a very Happy Birthday and many, many returns.
 
*Note-Joseph Joel Banks died 4 months after this article 
was written.