James M. Hanks

James Millander Hanks (February 12, 1833 – May 24, 1909) was an American lawyer, judge 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 (March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1873). 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.