​BANKS, NATHANIEL PRENTISS, an American legislator and soldier, born in Waltham, Mass., Jan. 30, 1816. At first a factory worker, he studied law, and became successively a member of the State and National Legislatures. He was Speaker of Congress in 1856, and in 1857, 1859, and 1861 was elected Governor of his native State. On the outbreak of the Civil War, he took a command in the army, at first on the Potomac, then at New Orleans, and finally on the Red River. Relieved of his command in 1864, he re-entered Congress, voting mainly with the Republican party. He died in Waltham, Sept. 1, 1894.