The success of men in business depends upon character as well as upon knowledge, it being a self-evident proposition that honesty is the best policy. Business demands confidence, and where that is lacking, business ends. Long Island has as fine banking institutions as can be found in the country, and of these the Bank of Rockville Center is one of the best known. Hiram R. Smith, the efficient cashier of the bank, was born in Merrick, Queens County, November 22, 1859, and is a son of Nelson H. and Catherine J. (Smart) Smith, natives respectively of Merrick and New York City.

When a young man Nelson H. Smith engaged in merchandising in New York City, but later removed to Merrick and afterward settled in Freeport, becoming one of the first merchants of that place, and by his sterling integrity and honesty of purpose in all his business transactions, he has won the esteem and commands the respect of not only the people of the village, but wherever he is known. His wife, who is of English decent and comes of a well-known old New Jersey family, is a woman of striking individuality, untiring in her efforts in every good cause, ever aiding in all ways possible to left the people up to a better, brighter and happier life. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Joseph Smith, who spent the greater part of his long and useful life on Long Island.

The early educational training of Hiram R. Smith was received in the Freeport Academy and later he took a thorough course in Bryant & Stratton’s Business College at Brooklyn. The old Freeport Academy, from which he graduated, gave to Long Island some of its best business men, and he was not the least among these. After leaving school he spent one year in his father’s store at Freeport, but in May, 1879, he went to New York City and became a partner of George B. Raynor in the flour, grain and commission business at No. 129 Broad Street. While thus engaged he made numerous business trips through the Western States, receiving new impressions and acquiring ideas that have been of material benefit to him in his undertakings. In 1880 he was elected a member of the Produce Exchange, with which he was connected for several years. He was Mr. Raynor’s junior partner in business from 1886 until December, 1890, when he was tendered the position of cashier of the Bank of Rockville Center, which he accepted and has since satisfactorily filled.

Mr. Smith has always identified himself with every worthy public enterprise and since 1886 has been one of the school trustees of Freeport. On the formation of the board of education in 1888 he was elected its president, which position he has since retained. At that time the school property was not considered worth more than $3,000, but to-day it is valued at $35,000, and twelve teachers are employed. Much of this great improvement has been brought about by his personal energy and influence. He is president of the Freeport public library, an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a charter member of the Good Templars, and associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the American Legion of Honor, Union League Club, of Freeport, and the Hempstead Bay Yacht Club. He was one of the first to project, and assisted in the incorporation of the village of Freeport. He also aided in the organization and development of the Freeport fire department, which is one of the best disciplined and equipped departments on the island, and of it he served one year as assistant chief.

June 29, 1892, Mr. Smith married Miss Carrie E. Raynor, of Milan, Ohio. Her father, William Raynor, who was a native of Freeport, removed to Ohio in 1866 and was an extensive ship builder there. Mr. Smith is one of the useful citizens of the county and his life affords a strong proof of what may be done by an honest purpose to make the best of one’s opportunities.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Queens County (Long Island) New York"
(Copyright 1896 by Chapman Publishing Company)

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