The life of George Charles Smart and Louisa Smith

George Charles Smart was born in Simonstown, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa 0n 24th October 1867.

His parents were Joseph Smart, a Royal Marine, and Mary Jane Kettley, (she was also born in Simonstown).

He returned to England with his parents and his older sister Mary. His father, Joseph was discharged from the Marines at Portsmouth on 9^th September 1869.

His sister, Lucy Leaticia Smart, was bapstised in Milton Bryant, Bedfordshire, on December 7th 1869. 

In the 1871 census the family were living at 3 Sheep Lane, Pottsgrove, Bedfordshire. The family are recorded as Joseph, 33, Domestic Servant, Gardener. Mary, 26, Straw platter. Mary J, 6, scholar and George C, 4, also a scholar.

When his sister Ellen Maria was born in 18th January 1875 the family were living at 19 Priory Street, Camden Town, London.

In the 1881 UK census the family was living at 81 Weedington Road, just off Queens Crescent, Camden Town, London. George, then 14 years old, had his occupation listed as an errand boy.

On his 18th birthday, 24th October 1885, he became a Royal Navy cadet at Portsmouth, signing on for 10 years. On 6th November 1885 he joined his first training ship, HMS Lion.

He was on leave at the time of the 1891 census. He was at his parents house at 4 Lamble Street, St Pancras. George is listed as being 24 years old and a Naval Seaman RN.

Whilst in the Navy he married Miss Louisa Smith (born 1870, St Pancras) on 22^nd September 1894 at St Pancras Registry Office.On the marriage certificate George’s address is recorded as being 162 Allcroft Road, Camden, and Louisa’s as living at 162 Weedington Road, Camden.

He served in the Royal navy for 10 years, leaving on 24th October 1895.

In the 1901 Census the family was living at 63 Victoria Road, (now renamed Castlehaven Road,) St Pancras. George, then 34 years old, had his occupation listed as House Painter. No occupation was recorded for Louisa. Also in the house were Hilda, aged 5, Rose aged 4, Jessie aged 2 and Helen aged 7 months.

When Albert was born in 1911 the family was living at 19 Rochford Street, St Pancras. George’s occupation was recorded as a general labourer.

At the outbreak of World War 1, George re-enlisted into the Royal Navy and served throughout the war, being discharged on 12th October 1919.

George died in 1956.

They had seven children:

Hilda Smart,  approx 1896

Rose Smart, born 12^th January 1898 (dd. 1992)

Jessica Smart, approx 1897

Helen Smart 1900

Mary Smart, born 24^th March 1901

Albert Edward Smart, born 13^th February 1911 (dd. 23 11 1980)

George Smart

Louise Smart

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