|
The name of James Smart has
been inseparably associated with Calgary's fire department from the time
of its establishment to the present, and as chief of the department he
has given to the city a system which ranks with the best in the
Dominion. He was born in Arbroath, Scotland, July 12, 1865, a son of
James and Isabella (Swan) Smart, also natives of that country. For
thirty-three years the father was a captain of seagoing vessels and his
entire life was devoted to maritime interests. He met death by drowning
on November 22, 1880. The mother's demise occurred at Calgary.
Their son, James Smart,
acquired his education in Scotland, attending half-time schools, and
while pursuing his studies he did factory work. He learned the
ship-rigging trade, which he followed for a year, and on the 24th of
May, 1881, arrived at Mount Forest, Ontario. He secured a position in a
carriage factory, in which he was employed until 1883, and on October 19
of that year he reached Calgary, being at that time eighteen years of
age. For six months he worked in a sawmill owned by Coloned Walker and
during 1885 and 1886 followed the carpenter's trade. Later he embarked
in the undertaking business, forming the firm of Smart & Company, and
for about five years he conducted that enterprise. In 1885 he had
organized the Volunteer Fire Department, of which he became chief, and
in 1891, when the paid department was established, he was made captain.
In January, 1898, he was advanced to the position of assistant chief and
two months later assumed the duties of chief, which he has since ably
discharged. He keeps well informed regarding all new developments in
methods of fire fighting and has installed the most modern equipment. He
has thoroughly systematized the department, which is operated along the
most progressive and efficient lines, and the present fine system is the
outgrowth of his carefully laid plans and intelligently directed
efforts. Practically his entire life has been devoted to public service
and that the residents of Calgary have the utmost confidence in his
ability is indicated by his long retention in the office of fire chief.
James Smart
In December, 1892, Mr.
Smart was married to Miss Agnes Leishman and they have become the
Parents of two children: Minnie C., whose birth occurred in October,
1893; and James, who was known as "Bud." He was born in September, 1894,
and died in 1905, at the age of eleven years. Fraternally Mr. Smart is
identified with the Masonic order, belonging to the Scottish Rite
Consistory at Winnipeg, Manitoba, and he is also a member of the Elks
lodge at Calgary. He is past president of the Exposition Board of which
he is now a director. lie takes an active and prominent part in athletic
sports and is a past president of the Calgary Curling Club, president of
the Calgary Swimming Association and governor of the Alberta Amateur
Athletic Union. His political allegiance is given to the Conservative
party, for he believes that its policy best conserves national progress
and promotes public stability. in 1921 he was president of the Dominion
Fire Chiefs Association, of which he is now a director, and for one term
he was president of the Pacific Coast Fire Chiefs Association, while for
six years he was president of the Alberta Firemen's Association. For
thirty-nine years he has been a resident of this city and during that
period he has witnessed remarkable changes as pioneer conditions have
been replaced by the improvements and advantages of civilization. In the
work of transformation he has borne an important part and his record is
a matter of pride to Calgary's citizens, for lie is a self-made man who
has fought life's battles unaided, working his way upward through
industry, ability and integrity. His example is one well worthy of
emulation, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to
dare and to do. |
