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This extensive index features information on more than 288,000 individuals, offering a comprehensive view of the early American population from the pre-1600s through the 1800s. Covering families from across the United States, it’s an essential resource for those researching colonial and early national periods.
While not exhaustive, The Compendium includes many prominent family lines drawn from submitted genealogies, lineage society records, and personal family histories. Many entries are enhanced with illustrations such as portraits, coats of arms, and biographical sketches, offering a more vivid picture of the people who helped shape early America.
Historical Background: The Purpose of the Compendium
Compiled during the early 20th century by editor Frederick A. Virkus, The Compendium of American Genealogy was designed to document the genealogical backgrounds of notable American families—many of whom could trace their ancestry back to early colonial America or even Europe.
At the time, there was a strong cultural interest in connecting modern Americans with the nation’s foundational generations. Many entries came from applications to lineage societies like the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames, or the Sons of the Revolution. These submissions often included documentation, written narratives, and artistic embellishments such as coats of arms or portraits.
As a result, The Compendium became a richly detailed genealogical encyclopedia of early American elites and pioneering families—one that continues to offer valuable insights for historians and descendants alike.
Who Should Use This Resource?
This is an excellent tool for:
- Researchers tracing ancestry to the 13 colonies, Revolutionary War, or early migrations west
- People exploring biographical details of historic family members
- Genealogists seeking links to lineage societies
- Anyone interested in early American family structure and social networks
If your ancestor appears in this collection, you may also be able to uncover their broader family tree, places of residence, and connections to historical events.
Next Steps After a Match
After locating a name in the index, consider exploring:
- Revolutionary War pension records
- Colonial land grants and deeds
- Church records and early vital records
- Court cases or wills from early American probate collections
- DAR applications that may offer overlapping lineages
These complementary records can help you build on what you discover in The Compendium and paint a fuller picture of your family’s place in early American history.