In the compilation of this work Van Voorhis extracted liberally from early and contemporary newspapers of Monongahela and adjacent regions and counties, some in Pennsylvania and some in West Virginia–all of which, in their obituaries particularly, provide important and often unique biographical and genealogical data. Also included are lengthy sketches of the early families of the Monongahela Valley, each showing, in substance, family members and their relationships, dates and places of birth, marriage and death, occupation, standing in the community, and places of migration to and from the Monongahela Valley. With an Index to every one of approximately 8,000 names referred to in the text.