Yes Granddad told the same story here you just could not get money anywhere.

However, in the neighborhood there was a good man I won't reveal his full name even though he is long gone. Frank had been very frugal in his lifetime and managed to save a good deal of money. Many neighbors when faced with dire straights often would discuss things with Frank. He had observed how they operated and if they were hard workers and knew how their past actions and circumstances had worked out he would consider loaning them some money.

For a select few who met his stringent criteria he would loan them money for something they really needed. Maybe somebody's horse died, or they needed something but had no cash.  His terms were always flexible and sometimes evolved into other non currency arrangements. Perhaps like taking a butchered hog or side of beef in exchange for the money lent. That was something the borrower might have in lieu of money but was still a tangible item for trade.

The point being he did not pass out credit because the people demanded it and claimed to deserve it. He loaned it out on past history, character and his own criteria of if he was likely to get his money back.

He helped many in the neighborhood through the rough times. He is the sort of guy that would have been a careful and prudent banker.