My Genealogy Hound

FRANK L. WRIGHT, a gentleman of superior ability and pleasing address, is Cashier of the Smithton Bank, which position he has held since its organization. He was instrumental in establishing this institution, preparing and setting in motion nearly all of its machinery about three years ago.

Alexander M. Wright, the father of our subject, is now living in Rialto, San Bernardino County, Cal., retired from the active duties of life. He owns a fine fruit farm in that locality and is prepared to spend his declining years in the “Land of Flowers.” Many years ago he was a farmer in Ross County, Ohio. In 1866 he made his way to this state, and until about four years ago was the proprietor of a fine tract of land in the vicinity of Smithton. He married Susan Edmiston, also of Ohio, who departed this life when sixty-three years of age, while living in California. Of her three children, our subject was the second-born. Jennie R. is the wife of Sylvester Sawdey, and makes her home in Rialto, Cal. Amzi C., now a resident of the above city in California, has been a missionary to China. He was there for five years in the interest of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but was called home by the sickness of his wife. It is his intention, however, to return to heathen lands, and spend his life in telling others about Christ.

The subject of this sketch was born May 21, 1854, in Ross County, Ohio. As soon as old enough he was sent to school, and after the removal of the family to this state, which occurred when he was eleven, he continued to go to school. He became a good scholar, and after completing his education taught school very successfully during the winter months for seven years, the summer season being spent in farm work. He thus continued to labor until twenty-four years of age, and the three succeeding years he gave his attention entirely to agriculture, after which he moved into Smithton to engage in the general merchandise business. For nine years he was proprietor of one of the best establishments of the kind in the place, and at the end of that time he sold out with the intention of moving away. He was persuaded from taking this step, however, by some of the most influential business men, who regarded him as a valued addition to the business community, and could not very well afford to lose him. He accordingly altered his plans, and remained. The city was very much in need of a good banking institution, and when the establishment of this enterprise was suggested, he was chosen as the best qualified, and in every way competent to carry out the scheme. He possessed good business qualities, and, what was most needed of all, the confidence of the people. In a short time the Smithton Bank was ready for business, and Mr. Wright was made its Cashier and Manager. Under his efficient control the business of the company is prospering, being well patronized by the merchants and farmers of the community.

Mr. Wright was married in 1879 to Miss Mollie Sallaway, who was born in Maryland in 1858. To them were born two children, Kate V., thirteen years of age, and Reginald A., seven years old. Socially our subject is a Modern Woodman and belongs to the ranks of the Republican party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which his wife is also connected. He is a Notary Public, and altogether is regarded as one of the most influential men of Pettis County.