This Family History traces the varied fortunes of the Smiths of West Yorkshire. It also examines their connection with other families, including: ? The Absaloms of Hampshire and London? The Cardens of Brighton? The Cloughs of Sutton and Crosshills ? The Fareys of Skipton? The Fosters of Waterford, Ireland and Birmingham? The Gillinsons of Leeds? The Hastings of Holderness? The Morton's of America? The Myersons of London ? The Stamfords of East Yorkshire? The Wilsons of CalderdaleA key theme running throughout this History has been the determined use of what could aptly be termed 'survival strategies' by successive generations of Smiths. Their aim was always to bolster a precarious 'respectability' in what was often a harsh and unstable environment. The mass of factual and bibliographical information found within its pages will prove useful to Research Students and Family, Local and Social Historians. Above all, it offers a legacy to inspire both present and future family members