TOBY BANCROFT

LOUISIANA TRAPSHOOTING HALL OF FAME

2004 INDUCTEE

Thomas Ochiltree “Toby” Bancroft was born November 22, 1896 in Orange, Texas.  He graduated from public high school in Orange and entered Virginia Military Institute in 1915.  His class at VMI volunteered for service in the U.S. Army to fight in World War I.

He moved to Monroe, La. in 1923, and a year later established Bancroft Bag Factory out of his savings earned in the Orange oil fields.  In 1933 he also established the Bancroft Paper Co.  Both companies are flourishing today and have contributed mightily to the economy of Northeast Louisiana and beyond.

Toby, a lifelong sportsman, began his trapshooting career in the 1920’s.  He captured the Louisiana state handicap championship in 1924 and the state singles title in 1937.  He was runner-up in the singles championship to Mercer Tenille after a shoot-off in 1950.  He earned Southern Indian Class A honors in 1949.  In 1950 he also won the out-of-state singles championship in Texas and the HOA trophy at the Old South Shoot in Mississippi.

Bancroft served as the Louisiana ATA delegate for eight years and was honored for his diligent efforts at the 1962 State Shoot.  Mr. Toby, as his friends affectionately called him, was a major force in organizing gun clubs.  He founded Pine Hills Gun Club of West Monroe and was honored by the club in 1974 with the first annual T.O. Bancroft, Sr. open.  Mr. Bancroft was also a U.S. and international competitor and promoter of flyer shooting.  His pigeon shoots at Bancroft Flyer Field in the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s were legendary.

The peace officers of Louisiana have also paid tribute to Mr. Bancroft for his assistance in “quick draw” training.  He and Melvin Loper developed a “quick draw” program and electronic equipment to assist law enforcement officers in developing proficiency.  Since 1940 law enforcement groups, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation have employed their training method.  It has been credited with saving the lives of several peace officers. 

Louisiana trapshooters statewide owe a debt of gratitude to Toby Bancroft for his tireless promotion of the sport and his fine leadership.

LTA Hall of Fame Committee

April 29, 2004