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ROBERT F. BANKERT, who is serving Blair County, Pa., as one of her board of
commissioners, is a well known citizen of Altoona, and is an honored veteran
of the Civil War. He was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., June 17, 1843, and
is a son of Jacob and Susannah (Robinson) Bankert.
     Jacob Bankert and wife were both natives of Pennsylvania, and lived into
old age. The fathers of both had served in the War of 1812. For many years
Jacob Bankert was a shoe merchant. His death occurred in 1891, he having
survived his wife by one year. They had four children.
     Robert F. Bankert obtained his education in the public schools. When
little more than a boy he began his apprenticeship to the painter's trade and
completed it in 1859 and followed the same for a year and then entered the
Federal army as a soldier. He enlisted on April 18, 1861, for three months
and then re-enlisted August 25, 1861, in Co. E, of the famous Roundhead
Regiment, but after serving one month with that body was transferred to the
no less distinguished regiment, the 105th Pa. Vol. Inf., known as the Wildcat
Regiment, in which he served until December 28, 1863. When the call came for
veterans he immediately re-enlisted and served in the same regiment until
July 11, 1865. He not only participated in many of the hardest fought battles
of the great struggle, but he was twice wounded and suffered many of the
hardships of war, but with the patience and courage which won him the
admiration and esteem of his comrades. He was present at the surrender of
General Lee to General Grant, and can never forget that impressive ceremony,
nor can he ever fail to enjoy in memory the pageant of the great final review
at Washington City. On October 21, 1910, occurred the twenty-fifth reunion of
the 105th Pa. Vol. Inf., at Punxsutawney, Jefferson County. It was a joyful
occasion, the living over the old dangers and triumphs, and the renewing of
old friendships, marking a happy milestone in the lives of men who once faced
death on every breeze in order that the country should be preserved for their
children.
     After his honorable discharge, Sergeant Bankert returned to Westmoreland
County and shortly afterward became connected with the Pennsylvania Gas and
Coal Company, with which he remained until 1869, when he came to Altoona and
resumed work at his trade. Mr. Bankert soon proved himself a responsible and
reliable citizen, invested in property and became interested in public
affairs and in the fall of 1908 was elected a county commissioner of Blair
County, with a majority of 1771. The duties of this office have claimed his
time since then and his reputation is that of an honest and efficient official.
     Mr. Bankert was married to Miss Ella Trotter, a daughter of Robert and
Catherine Trotter, and they have a family of ten children. The family
residence is at No. 1009 Eighth Avenue, Altoona. Mr. Bankert and family are
members of the Presbyterian church. He is identified with the G.A.R. Post No.
62, and the Veteran Legion No. 17; is an Odd Fellow, a Knight of Pythias and
is also a member of the Heptasophs, the Royal Order of Moose and of the
Volunteer Firemen of Altoona.