Persons with the surname McRae, or several variations thereof, are listed by state. Information was taken mainly from U.S. censuses from 1790 to 1850.

The author traces his paternal (Cottrell) and maternal (Brashear) ancestral lines through at least four generations. Details on children and grandchildren are included when known. Much of the information was passed down within the author's family and is based on original sources that have not been made available in published works or through public sources. The author includes copies of some family documents as well as family photographs. Sources are extensively documented. Timeline and ancestor charts are also included. An all-name index references page number locations for each individual. Primary surnames covered include Alford, Brashear, Cosby, Crutchfield, Ennis, Foreman, Halsey, Kirlen, Lansdale, Penner, Taylor, Wheeler, and Wilson.

In This four volume set the author traces his Cottrell, Lashbrook, Brashear, and Campbell Family Lineage from Europe to the present day. Details on descendants of each generation is carried down through at least four descendant generations when known. Volume I and II cover the author's Father's beginnings (Cottrell and Lashbrook Lines). Volume III and IV cover the author's Mother's beginnings (Brashear and Campbell Lines). Sources are extensively documented. Timeline and ancestor charts are also included as well an "all name" index for each volume that provides page number references for each individual found in the respective volume. This Volume (Volume I) traces the author's Cottrell ancestry to William Cottrell who was born around 1615 in Stockport, England. William's son Thomas Cottrell, the author's seventh great-grandfather, who was also born in Stockport in 1635 was the first Cottrell in the author's lineage to immigrate to the New World and settle in New Kent County, Virginia.

Includes reports on population, housing, agriculture, education, language, employment, crime, manufacturing, commerce, geography, territories and possessions, vital statistics and life tables.