Family Histories

Genealogists have already published genealogical charts or family histories for many West Virginia families. Individual works of family history can be identified by searching for the family name in the online catalog or in the Guides to Archives & Manuscripts. When searching, treat the family name as a subject heading, for example, Chapman Family, or Morgan Family.  Some of our A&M collections don't list family histories by name, but may have pertinent information (for example, A&M 3230, Willis Guy Tetrick, Jr. Genealogy Research Papers, Series 7, Genealogy Notebooks).

In addition, extensive listings of the published histories of many West Virginia and Virginia families can be found in the following guides:

Stuart E. Brown. Virginia Genealogies: A Trial List of Printed Books and Pamphlets. (Berryville, Va., Virginia Book Company, 1967-1980.)

Robert A. Stewart. Index to Printed Virginia Genealogies, including Key and Bibliography. (Richmond, Old Dominion Press, 1930. Reprinted: Baltimore, Genealogical Book Company, 1970.)

Useful data concerning people, places, and events in Virginia's and West Virginia's history can be located through this extremely detailed index:

Earl Gregg Swem. Virginia Historical Index. (Roanoke, Va. 1934-36. 2 volumes. Reprinted in 1965.) This is a comprehensive index through 1930 to Tyler's Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, and other historical publications.