Virginia and West Virginia Genealogical Data from Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Records (Virginia & West Virginia Genealogical Data from Revolutionar)

Compiled by Patrick G. Wardell and published by Heritage Books in 1990, this reference volume serves as an essential index for genealogists and historians focused on the mid-Atlantic region. It was created to organize and synthesize the vast, scattered records of Revolutionary War pension applications and bounty land warrant files, specifically distilling the genealogical data pertinent to Virginia and West Virginia. These records are vital for researchers as they often contain personal testimonies, family connections, and migration patterns that are not found in standard military rosters.

The design of the work reflects the scholarly, archival approach typical of Heritage Books' genealogical catalogs during the late 20th century, prioritizing accessibility and clarity for academic research. Wardell, known for his commitment to preserving genealogical history, aimed to bridge the gap between complex federal archive files and the specific needs of local family history researchers. Upon its release, it was well-received within the genealogical community as a reliable, time-saving tool that transformed thousands of pages of raw federal microfilm into a searchable, surname-indexed resource.