Before we go any further, what do we mean by “first three“? “First three” or “first three generations” is a term used by many lineage societies discuss the generations of the applicant, the applicant’s”s parents, and the applicant’s grandparents in the same line as the ancestor. Application guidelines are typically more specific for these generations, often requiring the submission of birth, death, and marriage certificates for everyone involved.
Death certificates often list birth and parentage information, so why are all three certificates required? First, know that it depends on the society. DAR currently has a “loophole” in their guidelines that allows the birth certificate to be skipped if the death certificate lists birth date, birth place, and parents. Most societies will require all three and may ask for proof that a birth certificate does not exist. It has to do with evidence analysis. Genealogy uses the terms “primary information” and “secondary information”. In simple terms, primary information is provided by someone who is likely to know it directly: they experienced the event or relationships. Secondary information is provided by someone who likely heard it from someone else – and may have heard wrong. Birth information on a death certificate is secondary information and may or may not be accurate. Birth information on a birth certificate is more likely to be primary information. Created closer to an event and experienced by the people providing the information, it’s more likely to be accurate. When the society asks for all three certificates, they’re trying to ensure they get accurate information.