Media: DATA CD - 1 CD (986pp)
Author: Bishop [William] Meade
Year: (1857) 2006
ISBN: 1933828013
Publisher: Archive CD Books USA

This history of the Episcopal Church in Virginia focuses on a narrative of each parish in the state, with biographical and genealogical details on many of the early ministers and prominent members of that church. Complete transcripts of many colonial documents are included for most of the parishes.

Like so many other nineteenth-century antiquaries, Bishop Meade conducted his research through a combination of onsite visits and correspondence with other antiquaries. In the preparation of this history, which was first published as a series of eighty newspaper articles, he attempted to locate and examine the surviving vestry books for each parish. In some cases he saw these records himself, and in other instances he relied on reports by others.

Most of the articles have sprinkled through them extensive extracts and abstracts from colonial documents, including, in addition to the vestry books, such sources as court records, private letters and monumental inscriptions. Many of these records had not previously been published, and, although many have since been placed in print in more modern and comprehensive editions, there are undoubtedly records here, especially among the letters and inscriptions, which have not been published elsewhere and which have subsequently been lost or destroyed.

Most of the genealogical material is presented in long footnotes. Although this material is not documented according to modern standards, the author would often have obtained the information from family members born in the late eighteenth or early nineteenth centuries, who were in a position to provide reliable data on the more recent generations. These genealogies will provide solid clues for further research.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
Any computer using Adobe (Acrobat) Reader 4 or later
Adobe Reader 6 or later is recommended for CDs with searchable text