Clarence M. Smith, a veteran of the World war, is acting as manager of the Hammond Lumber Company at Watsonville, and that he is a thoroughly dependable young man of more than average ability is indicated by his selection for this responsible position. He was born in Leadville, Colorado, January 30, 1893, and there received his early instruction. He also attended schools in England and in Stockton, California, completing his education in the Polytechnic College of Engineering at Oakland. In 1917 he responded to the call of his country and spent twenty-two months overseas, winning the commission of first lieutenant. He was first with the Twelfth Air Squadron and later was placed in command of the One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Air Squadron. He made many trips over the lines of the enemy, displaying high courage in the face of danger, and has to his credit a distinguished military record. Mr. Smith returned to the United States in 1920 and was placed in charge of the air service units at Kelly Field, Texas, and at Camp Benning, Georgia. After receiving his honorable discharge he went to Stockton, California, and there spent a year in the employ of the Holt Manufacturing Company, engaged in designing caterpillar tractors and gun mounts for the government. He was afterward connected with the Sunrise Lumber Company of Modesto, California, and the Union Planing Mill at Stockton, becoming thoroughly familiar with the business, and in April, 1924, was made manager at Watsonville of the Hammond Lumber Company. It was established in this city many years ago and Watsonville was the headquarters for the twelve branch yards of the corporation, which was formerly operated under the style of the Hihn-Hammond Lumber Company. Subsequently Mr. Hammond purchased all of the stock in the firm, which he has since controlled, and now maintains the yard in Watsonville. Mr. Smith discharges his duties with characteristic thoroughness and efficiency, and the business of the company in this city is conducted with marked success.
Mr. Smith is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of local lodge of Elks. He is also connected with the American Legion, belonging to E. H. Lorenson Post, No. 121, at Watsonville. He measures up to the full stature of American manhood and citizenship, and his rapidly maturing powers have carried him into important relations.
Source: History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California : cradle of California’s history and romance : dating from the planting of the cross of Christendom upon the shores of Monterey Bay by Fr. Junipero Serra, and those intrepid adventurers who accompanied him, down to the present day. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1925.