"This new collection of abstracts provides researchers with the only known source of such information outside the actual Barbour County Courthouse. Most of the people listed as dying in the county were born there as well, although many were born in nearby counties or in the State of Virginia.
The death records give the name of the deceased, date of death, cause of death, age, parents, place of birth, spouse, and name of person reporting the death; they are arranged chronologically year of death. The abstracted wills give the relationship to the decedent when it was given, including witnesses, executors, and significant bequests; they are arranged chronologically by year of probate. A surname index gives easy access to the multitude of names."