E-Books and in Print
The Hursts of Shenandoah , originally published in the 1950s, was compiled by J. C. Hurst from his correspondence with many Hursts in the United States and a few in England. Although he references very few actual records, relying primarily upon family lore, he does provide a genealogical starting point for Hurst researchers. As you read it, you will understand the importance of documented sources. Memories can fade and documentation can be scarce. He begins with Henry Hurst in Buckinghamshire, England, his coming to Virginia with three sons, and chronicles the lives of his descendants through Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and points beyond. Please be sure to click on the Hurst DNA Project link at the top of the page to learn what is currently known about the connections between the many Hurst lines in the United States and the Hursts found in other parts of the world. Male descendants bearing the Hurst surname are strongly encouraged to participate. However, even if you do not carry the Hurst surname, you may know that you are truly a Hurst because of some family situation that changed your legal surname.
The Hurst name is found in many different forms including Hurste, Hirst, Hirste, Husk, Hust, Hurt, Hunt, Horst since surnames began to be used at different times for various purposes. The spelling is variable for many reasons, not the least of which is the literacy level of its bearers. The Hursts of Shenandoahfamily history includes Brindle Bill (or Will), Captain John (Jack), Mill Creek John, the Landsaws, the Keysers, and the Cashes. Many interesting stories are included along with some treasured Civil War letters from Libby Prison. Unlike the original print version, all versions offered here include a full index.
The Hurst links at the top of the page will take some time to investigate all of them, but include information on many different Hurst lines.
Read the Preface to the Hursts of Shenandoah
The Hursts of Shenandoah is available in three versions:
- Printed
- A downloadable PDF file
- A PDF file on a computer data CD that will be mailed to you
All versions include an index. E-books in PDF format can be read on just about any computer currently sold. If you wish to use the CD as a gift for someone who does not have a computer, they can take it to their local library and ask for help to read it. If you don't have the Adobe Acrobat Reader® installed on your system, click on the Adobe Acrobat Reader® icon below to get a version suitable to your system. You can get the Adobe Acrobat Reader® by clicking on this link when you are connected to the Internet, or right click on it and copy it, then paste it into the address window at the top of your browser's window.
You will need to choose the appropriate version for your machine. Be sure to read the system requirements. Clicking on this link will take you to all of the versions available for the Adobe Acrobat Reader®.
