Smith, P.A.

ROBINSON, CUMMINGS, OLDS, FULLER

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 11/24/2009 at 10:05:10

P.A. Smith is an active factor in financial circles of Bremer county as cashier of the Bank of Sumner, with which institution he first became identified as assistant cashier. His birth occurred in Fayette county, Iowa, a mile and a half southeast of what is now the city of Sumner, on the 4th of March, 1859, his parents being John and Catherine (Robinson) Smith, natives of Scotland. The father, who emigrated to the United States as a young man, first worked in Illinois and Wisconsin and came to Iowa in the early '50s, taking up his abode in Fayette county. He has successfully devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and now resides on a small tract of land a half mile east of Sumner. He has attained the age of eighty-one years and is highly esteemed as a substantial and venerable citizen of his community. His wife died on the 18th of January, 1899, passing away in the faith of the Presbyterian church, to which Mr. Smith also belongs. They were the parents of nine children, namely: W.D., an agriculturist of Bremer county; P.A., of this review; J.E., A.C., living on the old home farm in Bremer county; J.A., who is a clothing merchant of Sumner; Agnes, the wife of A.B. Cummings, of Hawkeye, Iowa; Belle, who gave her hand in marriage to E.B. Olds of Sumner, Iowa; and two who died in childhood.

P.A. Smith acquired a common-school education and remained on the home farm until twenty-three years of age. He then secured a clerkship in the store of S.F. Cass & Company and subsequently embarked in business on his own account, first conducting a drug store and later a clothing establishment. He next entered the Bank of Sumner as assistant cashier and in 1903 became cashier of the institution, in which capacity he has continued to the present time, having won an enviable reputation as an able and courteous official. He owns his beautiful home, is a stockholder in the bank and other financial interests, being the owner of considerable business property and part owner of the bank building.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Smith chose Miss Ella G. Fuller, a native of Bremer county. Their marriage occurred January 6, 1895 and they have become the parents of three children: Marjory, born April 19, 1898, Loyal, born September 13, 1901; and Florence, born January 6, 1906. Mr. Smith is a progressive in politics and has served as a member of the school board for a number of years, being still connected therewith at the present time. He likewise acted as city treasurer for many years, making a creditable and commendable record in that connection. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a worthy exemplar of the Mason fraternity. In the community where his entire life has been spent he has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol II 1914