Abbey - Ashman Two Colonial and Pioneering Families of North America

In this review of Abbey - Ashman Two Colonial and Pioneering Families of North America, the reviewer finds a focused genealogy and family history that will appeal to readers interested in English migration to New England and the social forces that shaped early colonial life. The book traces a lineage beginning in 1475 England and follows descendants into the American colonies, offering a narrative that blends personal family records with broader historical context. Readers seeking a detailed, narrative-driven family study will find the single biggest reason to buy is its combination of genealogical record and social history that illuminates why a family made the move to the New World.

Key Features

• Genealogical span: The narrative tracks the family from 1475 England through early colonial settlement, providing long-term perspective on lineage and migration.
• Historical context: The book situates family events within the social and political structures that pushed English families toward emigration, helping readers understand motives beyond individual choices.
• Colonial encounters: Descriptions of English settlers and Native American relations give a grounded view of early New England trade, contact, and the strains that followed.
• Personal stories: The family history includes individual accounts of immigrants, land workers, and landed gentry, offering varied portraits from humble to elite.
• Narrative focus: The text reads as both genealogy and family history, making it accessible to general readers as well as to those researching ancestry.

Who It's For

This book is best for genealogy enthusiasts, family historians, and readers of early American history who want a narrative that combines documented lineage with social interpretation. Those researching New England families or the broader patterns of English migration will find specific value in the book's long chronological reach and emphasis on cause and consequence.

It is less suitable for readers seeking a heavily sourced academic monograph with exhaustive citation apparatus or for those wanting a general survey of the colonial period that covers many families rather than one extended family narrative.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear genealogical continuity from 1475 England into colonial America provides a strong narrative thread for family researchers.
• Contextual discussion of social-political structures helps explain motives for migration beyond individual anecdotes.
• Balanced portrayal of different social levels, from land workers to landed gentry, gives a rounded family portrait.

Cons

• The focus on a single family means readers seeking broad, comparative colonial studies may need supplemental sources.

Specifications

Title	Abbey - Ashman Two Colonial and Pioneering Families of North America
Volume	Abbey - Ashman Volume 1: The American Colonists
Author / Brand	Margaret Abbey Ashman Shannon
Scope	Genealogy and family history beginning in 1475 England and continuing into colonial New England
Focus	English settlers, Native American contact, and social-political forces driving migration
Geographic focus	England and New England territories of North America

Our Verdict

For readers who want a family-centered account that ties individual lives to larger historical trends, this book is a valuable investment. It delivers readable genealogy combined with social context, making it good value for anyone researching this lineage or exploring why English families migrated to early America.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover the family before migration?
The narrative begins in 1475 England and follows the family through the generations leading up to migration.

Is the book focused on a single geographic area?
Yes, it concentrates on England and the New England territories where the family settled and interacted with Native Americans.

Who authored this genealogy?
Margaret Abbey Ashman Shannon compiled the genealogy and family history presented in the volume.