"We have the pleasure of presenting to our patrons one of the largest and most elegant County Histories yet issued on this Coast. Not only ample in the number and beauty of its illustrations, and quality of the paper and binding, but also in the extent and accuracy of its historical matter. We hope our efforts to represent the important features of this county may lead its inhabitants to understand and appreciate more fully its varied resources. We hope we have furnished information to the traveler, the tourist, or the emigrant who is seeking a location.The book is fully illustrated, as may be seen at a glance, with views of many of the principal residences, mills and business houses of the county. Portraits of many of the pioneers appear, as well as of county officers and prominent citizens." --excerpt from Introduction