This volume contains the genealogical history of seven colonial adventurers from four families: Cockey, Harwood, Ridgely (Robert Ridgely, Henry Ridgely, and William Ridgely), and Todd (Thomas Todd, shipwright, and Captain Thomas Todd).

My interest has not only been in studying the social and genealogical background of the Maryland pioneers, but during my frequent trips to Britain endless hours were spent in an attempt to bridge the gape [sic] between Maryland and the other side. – Harry Wright Newman.

Each family section opens with a brief narrative. Individual genealogical sketches vary considerably in length, from multiple pages to a single paragraph, and provide a wealth of names (spouse(s), children, relatives and others) and dates (birth, marriage, death, etc.). Sketches may also provide any combination of the following: residence(s); information from estate inventories, deeds, wills, court documents, tombstone inscriptions, and other sources; occupation, military service, and/or civil/judicial/political service. Sources are listed at the end of each genealogy. A full-name index adds to the value of this work.