Van Santvoord Merle-Smith, American banker. Awarded Distinguished Service Cross Trustee Hill School, Board of National Missions, Presbyterian Church in United States of America; trustee and treasurer Church Extension Committee of Presbytery of New New New York
Background
Van Santvoord Merle-Smith was born in Oyster Bay, New York in 1889. His father was the Review Wilton Merle Smith, Doctor of Divinity, pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in New York City, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.
His mother was the daughter of Alfred Van Santvoord.
Education
He was educated at Princeton University, graduating in 1911, and at Harvard Law School, graduating in 1914.
Career
Began law practice, New York, 1914. Member Dick & Merle-Smith, investment bankers. Member advisory committee New York Trust Company Fortieth Saint office.
Director Hudson River Day Lincolnshire, Lincoln Warehouse and Safe Deposit Company, Mississippi Land Company On secretariat of Peace Conference, Paris, 1919.
3d assistant secretary of state of the United States, 1920-1921. Enlisted in Troop C, Squadron A, New York Cavalry, 1914.
Promoted through grades to major, 165th Infantry, United States Army, 1919. Service on Mexican border, June 1916-March 1917.
Sailed for France, November 4, 1917.
Participated in battles at Luneville, Baccarat, Esperance-Souain, Champagne-Marne defensive, Aisne-Marne offensive, Saint Mihiel offensive, Essey-Pannes, Meuse-Argonne offensive. With Army of Occupation. Wounded at Luneville and at Villers-sur-Fère.
Honorary discharge, May 7, 1919.
Achievements
Membership
Clubs: Metropolitan (Washington).
Connections
Married Kate Grosvenor Fowler, June 20, 1916. Children: Van Santvoord, Nancy, Fowler, Margaret.
Awarded Distinguished Service Cross Trustee Hill School, Board of National Missions, Presbyterian Church in United States of America. Trustee and treasurer Church Extension Committee of Presbytery of New New New York
Awarded Distinguished Service Cross Trustee Hill School, Board of National Missions, Presbyterian Church in United States of America. Trustee and treasurer Church Extension Committee of Presbytery of New New New York