California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


JOSEPH M. SMITH, cashier and manager of the newly incorporated Farmers' Bank of Selma, 
Cal., was born in Gibson county. Ind., February 20. 1874. Mr. Smith is the youngest of two 
children, being the only son born to W. L. and Annie J. (Calhoun) Smith. The parents were 
both born in Gibson county. Ind. The father. a man of scholarly attainments, followed teach- 
ing as a profession, not only in Indiana but in Santa Barbara, Cal., whither he removed in 
1875. In later years he located in Fresno county and turned his attention to carpenter work in 
connection with farm pursuits in that locality, where he still resides. In 1887 he lost his wife, 
who died in Selma. 

Joseph M. Smith had educational advantages above the ordinary, and his common school edu- 
cation was supplemented by a complete course in the Fresno Business College. It was there he 
secured the necessary training so essential to success in his after years. After leaving college, 
he entered the employ of the Wells Fargo Express Company, in Selma, where he filled a 
clerical position until 1890. The two years following were spent by him in Texas in farm pur- 
suits, but returning to Selma in 1892, he resumed his former position in the office of the 
express company, and spent two additional years in their employ. In 1894 Mr. Smith first be- 
came identified with the banking business, becoming clerk and bookkeeper in the Bank of 
Selma, retaining his position until 1897. In January of that year he accepted a more lucra- 
tive position one step up the ladder, with the Farmers' National Bank of Fresno, where he 
filled the position of assistant cashier in an able manner until April, 1903, tendering his resigna- 
tion at that time to assume the duties of his new position as cashier and manager of the Farm- 
ers' Bank of Selma. 

By his marriage in Selma, Mr. Smith united his fortunes with those of Miss Georgia Nees, who 
was born in Missouri, and their home is brightened by the presence of one son. George G. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith occupy a high position in social circles. In politics Mr. Smith is an 
adherent of the Republican party, having frequently been a delegate to county conventions, 
and served as city treasurer of Selma one term. He is a member and master of Fresno Lodge 
No. 247, F. & A. M.. a member of Fresno Lodge of Perfection No. 6, Scottish Rite, and a mem- 
ber of Selma Lodge No. 309, I. O. O. F.