The most common of all surnames, Smith, takes its origin from the Anglo-Saxon word, "Smitan" - to strike. The term was originally applied to all mechanical workmen, which accounts for the great frequency of the name. It is also related to the German, Schmitz or Schmidt; Dutch, Smith; French, Smeets; Saxon, Smid; English, Smith, Smythe or Smyttan, and from the Scotch, Smeton and Smeaton.

An eminent authority states that the Smiths are directly descended from Noah's son, Shem. Among the name-panels deciphered by Rosselini, on the temple of Osiris (Egypt), was found the name Pharaoh Smithosis, the ninth in the eighteenth dynasty of Theban Kings, and founder of the celebrated temple of Smithopolis Magna.

John Smith, born in England, 1614, may be considered the first New England forefather of the family. He emigrated to America in 1630 and founded Barnstable and Sandwich, Mass. James Smith, of Pennsylvania, born in Ireland, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Col. William Stephens Smith was Secretary of the American Legation in London (1784).

The famous Smith College, situated at Northampton, Mass., was founded by Sophia Smith (1796-1870) for the higher education of women. It was opened in 1875 and by 1896-97 it had 932 students.

The new edition of "Who's Who in America" lists 368 "notable" Smiths eminent in the following professions: 84 educators, 52 clergymen (3 of them bishops), 44 lawyers, 35 public officials, 33 scientist, 30 authors, 23 journalists, 11 artists, 10 medical authorities, 9 army or navy officers.

Of the numerous Smith coats-of-arms the one here shown is ascribed to James Clinch Smith, of Smithtown, Suffolk Co., N.Y.

The six fleurs-de-lis signify purity, while the appropriate motto, "Neo - Timeo, Nec - Sperno," is translated: "I neither fear nor scorn."