An alphabetically arranged list of approximately 5,000 settlers and their families, this work contains the names of all persons mentioned in the records of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts between 1620 and 1650 and in the various passenger lists for the period. Information given in the genealogical and biographical notices includes–where known–dates of arrival in America, occupations, estates, marriages, names and dates of birth of children, and abstracts of probated wills–embodying genealogical riches such as names, dates, heirs, family relationships, and places of residence and death.