After an illuminating account of the history of Patrick and Henry counties, which occupies the first third of the book, the authors turn their attention to genealogy, providing authoritative histories of no fewer than 110 families. The book also contains transcriptions of important genealogical source materials.
Some booklets contain tax lists and petitions for years other than 1787. Some counties are now in West Virginia and Kentucky.
Most of the entries are based upon marriage bonds, which are arranged alphabetically by the husband's surname. Brides are indexed in a separate alphabetical sequence.