James M. Hanks

James Millander Hanks was an American lawyer, slaveholder, jurist and politician who served one term as a U.S. Representative from Arkansas from 1871 to 1873.
He was a slaveholder.

Early life and education

Born in Helena, Arkansas, Hanks attended the public schools, the college at New Albany, Indiana, and Jackson College, Columbia, Tennessee. He studied law. He graduated from the University of Louisville in 1855.

Legal career

He was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Helena. He owned slaves.
He served as judge of the first judicial district of Arkansas 1864–1868.

Congress

Hanks was elected as a Democrat to the 42nd United States Congress.
He was not a candidate for renomination in 1872.

Later career and death

After leaving Congress, he engaged in agricultural pursuits.
He died in Helena, Arkansas and was interred in Maple Hill Cemetery.