Hello Celia, Unfortunately my Gloucestershire FHS Baptismal Index only starts at 1813. However, there is a SMART family in Wotton under Edge having children from 1813 onwards, this being a Robert & Martha SMART, Labourer, residence Sinwell who had a Mary Ann baptised on 31 October 1813 plus various other children after that date. There is a marriage on 3 May 1808 at Wotton of a Robert SMART of Alderley & a Martha HUMPHERYS, by banns, so that would certainly give this couple time to have had other children prior to Mary Ann in 1813. Robert & Martha are in Bisley in the 1841 census, he being shown as aged 55 and a Gardener. By 1851, Martha is a widow still living in Bisley with grand daughter Charlotte CARPENTER and in Upper Lippiatt, Stroud in the 1861 census. There is a burial of a Robert SMART at Bisley on 6 May 1846, aged 60, of Kitleigh. I think the only way you are going to prove his parentage is to look through the actual parish registers, firstly of Wotton and then, if you have no joy there, Stroud or Alderley. Good luck Janet > The earliest record I have is just an IGI member submitted record John > Smart born about 1811 in Saul spouse Mary Holder. Also another IGI > with Stroud as his birthplace. I have his marriage record to Mary > Holder 3rd Nov 1836 in Rodborough with no parents recorded. I have > found him in all the census until his death in 1874 age 64 at Tipton > Staffs. In 1851 it states he was born Wotton under Edge. In 1861 & > 1871 Stroud is his birthplace. He was a Boatman. I would be so > grateful for any help.