First found in Suffolk, where they were seated from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Smart surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: John Smart who settled in Massachusetts in 1635; another John settled in Jamaica in 1670; another John settled in the Barbados in 1680 with his servants and brother Samuel also settling with his wife, child, and servants.

Motto Translated: Virtue is preferable to money.

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