John Preston Arthur here provides an invaluable study of the origins and early settlers of this area rich in genealogical history. Arthur's "History" not only covers the topics standard to such histories--the first settlements, Indian raids, churches, Revolutionary and Civil War activities, geological facts, legislative and other officers, population and agricultural statistics, place names, schools, etc.--but also peppers his narrative with innumerable names of early settlers, biographical sketches, and anecdotes about county residents. One chapter of the book deals with Daniel Boone, who according to local tradition, "hunted all through the mountains of what is now Watauga County during several years preceding 1769, and knew the country thoroughly." Of particular interest to genealogists are biographical sketches of prominent Watauga County families.