This work commences with the settlement of Massachusetts by John Winthrop, followed by succinct accounts of the founding and the founders of the towns along the Bay. The bulk of this volume, however, consists of genealogical essays on the following Massachusetts Bay families: Aspinwall, Baker, Balch, Collins, Gardner, Hull, Lobdell, Maverick, Nash, Palfrey, Payne/Paine, Porter, Preston, Russell, Sharp, Stone, Stubbs, Talmadge, Ward, and Weston.

Genealogical research and history combine in these pages to provide valuable insight into the voyage of the Winthrop Fleet and other related ships in 1630. Early attempts at settlement in the new colonies and religious, social, and economic influences in