Research Central : London's Smith Family

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Smith Family History

Chancey Smith

Chancey Smith started in Covent Garden Market in the late 1880's. He raised a family of nine children, several of whom also carried on business in the Market.

Chancey O. Smith & Kenneth E. Smith

Two sons who carried on grandfather Smith's business when he retired.

Paul J. Smith

Another son who after serving in the Navy in World War I, returned to work for his father for a few years before starting his own successful produce business in the Market which he maintained until he retired in his late 70's. He then sold this business to his son Paul.
Not able to go "out to pasture", he then started a new business dealing in cheeses. This business was very successful and he continued in this until in his 80's, when because of health, had to finally retire. He then also sold this to his son Paul.

Paul L. Smith

Paul took over his father's produce business which he operated until such time as it was no longer viable because of the excess of produce vendors in the then "new Market". He then changed his focus to the delicatessen which in turn became a very successful business.
About 25 years ago he also started a coffee business dealing in roasted coffee beans. The Market in its wisdom deemed that he should not sell liquid coffee. When offered a larger space about 18 years ago he began roasting specialty coffees.
The coffee business continues to be operated by Paul and his daughter Deborah McMillan, where her son Daniel is employed.

Daniel W. Smith

Dan purchased the cheese business from his father Paul which has progressed to the largest retail cheese business in the City of London. He continues to operate this business until this day.

Peter D. Smith

Peter purchased the deli business from his father and continues to very successfully operate it today.

You can see by the foregoing that the Smith family is now in its fifth successful generation in the Market. They continue to be an asset to the City of London and its citizens.

They have continued to be successful because they are dealing directly with the public daily and in doing so are aware of what the customer is asking for.