Among the early families who settled within Aguadulce, adding significantly to the economy, were the Smiths and Sinclairs. English immigrants by way of Nicaragua, where the two patriarchs met, both friends settled in town, and married local women.
Dr. E. Sinclair was among the first dentists in the area. He and his wife, Beva, had several children, all of whom went on to become professionals and remain in Panama serving the community.
Leopold Smith was the town's photo journalist, and came to the country originally to document the end construction process of the Panama Canal. He later settled in Aguadulce, having met Sara Ortega, and had five children. He became the town's portrait, newspaper, and crime scene photographer, while Sara opened the town's first convenience store, offering soft drinks, candies, and pastries.
The Smiths' children, too, went on to become professionals; however, most settled in the United States. His son decided to remain in Panama and went on to become a child psychologist in Panama.
Both families have many grandchildren worldwide.
