The Smarts are my paternal grandmother’s family. They originated in St. Vigeans, a small village and parish in Angus (previously Forfarshire) immediately to the north of Arbroath in Scotland.
I have traced the Smarts back to the mid-18th century, and their family history runs to two volumes The family came from humble beginnings and many individuals in the earlier generations found employment in the agricultural sector, in domestic service and in a range of manual jobs. A number in later generations became skilled tradesmen, worked in the retail sector and in clerical positions, and some joined the police service. Many of those in the Dundee area were employed in the area’s jute industry. Several were also employed in the tailoring trade. By the mid-20th century, the family had become more upwardly mobile, with a significant number entering the professions.
A significant feature of the Smarts is their history of emigration. My grandmother, Margaret (Meg) Smart emigrated to Canada; my grandmother’s elder brother, Robert emigrated to Australia; and my grandmother’s niece, Margaret Hampton emigrated to New Zealand. Their descendants have also been traced.
Smart Family
Volume II
Smart Family Vol.II
Scotland
c. 1745 – c. 2000
Volume II
Bain Family Ancestry 