Lineage Societies
The Hamilton County Genealogical Society (HCGS) sponsors three lineage societies:
- First Families honors the direct descendants of the pioneers who settled (or were born) in Hamilton County prior to January 1,1821.
- Settlers and Builders honors the direct descendants of the pioneers who settled (or were born) in Hamilton County between January 1, 1821 and December 31,1860.
- Century Families honors the direct descendants of the pioneers who settled (or were born) in Hamilton County between January 1, 1861 and 100 years ago.
What's In It for you?
- The process of completing an application will make you a better genealogist and ensure that there are no gaps in your research.
- You will be recognized at an annual Heritage Luncheon. Medals and certificates, specific to each lineage society, will be awarded.
Application process
You must be a current HCGS member to apply, or send in your membership fee at the time you submit your application.
All three lineage societies use a common application. Carefully review the rules and application procedures before completing the application, taking care to document all sources. Submit a $30 non-refundable application fee with the application unless the application is Supplemental. Supplemental applications add additional ancestors to a previously accepted application and can be submitted at no charge.
Applications are due by August 31st of each year.
What constitutes proof?
The Heritage Committee created a PowerPoint presentation to assist applicants in identifying documents that could be used to support claims. You can view it here:
Applying for a Lineage Group (7.4 MB, allow a couple of minutes for download).
Application forms
To apply to an HCGS lineage society, review the rules and procedures and and save a copy of the application, generations and documents forms to you computer. You may need to print multiple copies of the Documentation and Generations forms. Note: If you want to fill out the forms on your computer, it is ESSENTIAL that you download and save them to your computer BEFORE you fill them out.
You may choose to use an online form that incorporates all of the documents listed above. If you choose this option, make sure to download and save it to your computer BEFORE you begin to complete it.
page modified: 02/23/2019 RTB
