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The Life of Joseph Smart and Mary Jane Kettley Joseph is my favourite relative because he tried to change the course of his life. After generations of working on the land, he was looking do more with his life. He joined the Marines and travelled the world and then after he was discharged and returned to Bedfordshire for a short time, he once more took another chance and moved his family to London. Joseph Smart was born in Eversholt, Bedfordshire, on 21st April 1838. His parents were George Smart and Mary Bosher (Bowshire) In the 1851 Census, Joseph, aged 12 was living with his parents at 57 Hills End, Eversholt, Bedfordshire. also in the house were his sisters and brothers; Elizabeth (16), James (15) Mary (10), Jane (8) and Ann (7). On 19th December 1854 Joseph enrolled as a volunteer in the 18th Bedfordshire Regiment of the Militia. A few weeks later at 1 o’clock on 10th January 1855 he enlisted into the Royal Marines and joined the 54th Company of the Light Infantry based at Portsmouth, signing on for 12 years. In the 1861 Census, taken on 7th April, Joseph was aboard the HMS Drake, on active service on the Peiko River in China. His rank is given as an RMLI Private.
Whilst a member of the Marines he was based at Simons Bay in South Africa, where, in February 1864, he married Mary Jane Lloyd Kettley, a South African, born in Simonstown, (baptised 19th December 1844) Cape of Good Hope. They had two children; Mary Jane was born on 22nd December 1864 and baptised at St Francis of Assisi Church in Simonstown on 8th January 1865 and their son, George Charles Smart was born, 24th October 1866 and baptised on the 18th November of that year. On 25th April 1867 in Simons Bay, whilst on the HMS Seringapatum, he renewed his service for a further 9 years. The family returned to England where Joseph was given his discharge from the Navy at Portsmouth on 9th September 1869 During his 14 years and 249 days Royal Marine service he spent a total of 12 years and 157 days "afloat and on foreign Stations" and 2 years 92 days "ashore in the United Kingdom". Soon after all four had returned to England. A third child, Lucy Leaticia, was born in Milton Bryant on December 7th 1869. The family then moved to 3 Sheep Lane, Pottsgrove, Bedfordshire. The 1871 Census details the family as; Joseph, 33, Domestic Servant, Gardener. Mary, 26, Straw platter. Mary J, 6, Scholar and George C, 4, also a scholar. (Lucy does not appear in the census) The family had moved to London and were living at 19 Priory Street, Camden Town, London, when their third child, Ellen Maria, was born in 18th January 1875 The family appear together in the 1881 UK census, living at 81 Weedington Road, just off Queens Crescent, Camden Town, London. Joseph’s age is given as 43 and his occupation is listed as a bricklayer. Mary Jane is shown as being 37 but no occupation is recorded. Their children; George is listed as being 14 years old and an errand boy whilst Ellen is 6 and recorded as being a scholar. Mary, aged 16 appears as a servant living at 98 Camden Street, St Pancras. On 24th December 1882 they had a third daughter, Jessica. The family were living at 13 Grafton Crescent, St Pancras, London. Joseph's occupation is given as a labourer. In the 1891 Census the family were living at 4 Lamble Street, St Pancras, London. Joseph’s age is given as 53 and his occupation is listed as a bricklayers labourer. Mary J L is shown as being 46 but no occupation is recorded. Their children; George C. is listed as being 24 years old and a Naval Seaman RN whilst Ellen M is 17 and recorded as being a cook. Jessica E is 8 years old and a new son, Alexander is shown as just 9 months old. In the 1901 Census the family were living at 31 York Rise, St Pancras. Joseph was a bricklayer; his age was recorded as being 63. Mary Jane is now 56 years old and her occupation is listed as a laundress. Their daughter Jessica is 18 years old and listed as a Wash Laundress. (Alexander does not appear in the census)
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