My Genealogy Hound

Cramer Smith, cashier of the Pontiac Savings Bank, is one of the prominent citizens of Pontiac, Michigan, and a recognized power in banking circles. His birth took place in 1876 in Oakland County, and he is a son of John A. Smith, one of the representative citizens of Orion. The latter came to Oakland County in boyhood from Warren County, New Jersey, and has successfully followed agricultural pursuits in this locality.

Cramer Smith completed the common school course in the local schools and in 1895 was graduated at the Rochester High School. As he had decided to adopt banking as a business, he immediately accepted a position as teller and bookkeeper in the bank of Webber, Hale & Company at Rochester, going from there to the Oakland County Savings Bank at Pontiac, serving one year as commercial teller. He then became cashier of the Orion State Bank and continued there until some two years ago, when he accepted the responsible position he now fills with so much ability. Much credit is given Mr. Smith for the present prosperity of this institution and for its great volume of business.

The Pontiac Savings Bank was organized and began business in November, 1898, the officers then being: James A. Jacokes, president; D. J. Hammond, vice-president; D. H. Power, cashier; while the directors were: Col. S. S. Matthews, P. A. Hitchcock, B. F. Ellwood, E. R. Webster, T. N. Funk, J. A. Jacokes, J. S. Stockwell and Harry Coleman. Some changes have taken place since then, the present officers being: Col. S. S. Matthews, president; F. H. Hale, vice-president, and Cramer Smith, cashier. The directorate includes, besides the president and vice-president of the institution, the following well known business men: S. J. Tomlinson, E. R. Webster, F. H. Carroll and Dr. J. W. Smith. The capital is $50,000. The bank building was purchased from the Pontiac National Bank, having been built by the Second National Bank. Particular attention is paid to savings deposits, while a general banking business is also carried on, money being loaned on real estate first mortgages.

Politically Mr. Smith is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a member of the Elks, being treasurer of the lodge at Pontiac; he is also a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Corson and the Foresters.

Mr. Smith, owing to his business acumen and his untiring efforts, together with his adaptability and quick recognition and acceptance of opportunities, is recognized as rapidly approaching the front rank among the financiers of Oakland County.