Civil War Union Brevet Major General, US Congressman. Born in Bannings Mills, Knox County, Ohio, he attended Kenyon College, studied law, and became a prominent lawyer in Mount Vernon, Ohio. He was also a supporter and member of the Douglas Democratic Party. When the Civil War began, he volunteered and enlisted in the 4th Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a Private. He soon accepted an officer's commission as Captain and was later assigned to organize the 87th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in June, 1862 for three months service. On September 15, 1862, nearly the entire regiment was captured by Confederate Major General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's forces at Harper's Ferry and paroled five days later. After the regiment was mustered out of service, Banning re-enlisted, was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and was assigned to the 125th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on January 1, 1863. Three months later, he was transferred to the 121st Ohio Volunteer Infantry and placed in command of the 2nd Brigade in the 2nd Division of the Army of the Cumberland during the Atlanta Campaign. He also participated at the Battles of Chickamauga and Nashville and was promoted to Colonel in November, 1863. He received two promotions to Brevet Brigadier General and to Brevet Major General of US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for "gallant and meritorious services during the war". He accepted an assignment to organize and command the 195th Ohio Volunteer Veteran Infantry for one year service. The regiment was used for garrison duties until December. After the war, he became a member of the Ohio Legislature in 1866 and 1867. He then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to resume his law profession. Elected as a Liberal Republican to represent Ohio's 2nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, he served from 1873 to 1879. While a member of Congress, Banning was the chairman on the Committee of Military Affairs. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1878 and again in 1880. He died at his residence in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1882.