This is one of the definitive books that traces the family histories and trees of some of the prominent pioneer families that settled America, with the somewhat legendary Arnold Livers (abt 1669 to 1751) as the progenitor. It largely is a book of family trees - often with interesting notes - that are allied with Arnold Livers, from about 1700 through as late as the 1960s.

Generations and corrections were added in multiple editions. Author Mary Louise Donnelly sets the gold standard for tracing the genealogy of many of these allied families, covered in this and other slightly less celebrated genealogy books by her.

Families covered in "Arnold Livers Family in America" include Livers, Hardy, Elder, Head, Cole, Brawner, DeVillbiss, Lievers, Lyvers, Hagan, Mattingly, Spalding, Hamilton, Worland, Mock, Hayden, Greenwell, Green, Hardesty, Lamar, Martin, Greathouse, O'Hara and countess others.

Donnelly most interestingly follows the core descendants in their moves across America. A core group includes Livers, Hardy, McAtee, Gardiner/Gardner and their allied families as they migrated westward together, en masse, first to Kentucky - usually around Scott County - then later to Ralls County, Missouri, and wider regions.

Arnold Livers probably was born Arnult Van Leeuwers either in England of Flanders (of English parents), and immigrated to Maryland in or before 1699. He had grown up in the royal household of James II, the last Catholic King of England, and helped defend James II until the final moments of his rule. Livers fled to America for his own safety and his influence, lands and family grew in Frederick County and Prince George's County, where he kept two Maryland homes. Through his associations and influence, he was one of a select number of pre-colonial leaders who were instrumental in making freedom of religion the law of the land in the future United States of America. He was a fascinating and admirable person of greatness. The positive effects of his descendants and allied families on America continue to be felt.

The limitations of this book to family tree research hobbyists is that it states: No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author. Thus, all information must be independently verified before further publication.

Description by Leslie Myers, FindFamilyTrees.com