On May 16, 1874, George Banta, Franklin 1876, son of David Demaree Banta, Indiana 1855, became the first son of a Phi to be initiated. Later in his Phi Delt career, he became the first General Council President of the Fraternity. Elected at twenty-three, he served as president from 1880–82. George’s two sons, Mark, Wisconsin 1904, and George Jr., Wabash 1914, carried on the family tradition. Mark Banta is the first known third-generation Phi legacy. George Jr., also General Council President, shared the brotherhood with his son, George III, Wabash 1928.

Charles Banta, Indiana 1881, is also a son of David D. Banta.