Author Archives: Bryna O'Sullivan

4 Common Points of Stress in the Lineage Society Application Process – and How to Avoid Them

No matter what society you’re applying to, there tend to be some common issues that trip people up. Here are four such issues, and the ways to avoid them. Hating the society. Yes, this happens and more frequently than you’d think. People often don’t attend meetings before joining and end up feeling a pressure toContinueContinue reading “4 Common Points of Stress in the Lineage Society Application Process – and How to Avoid Them”

Proof Argument and the Lineage Society: It’s (really, really, really) complicated.

Most lineage society applications rely heavily on the use of direct evidence, the statements of birth, death, and marriage date and place and family relationships in original documents. Sometimes, however, those statements don’t exist. If indirect evidence, evidence that provides relevant information about the question but does not actually answer it, can be used toContinueContinue reading “Proof Argument and the Lineage Society: It’s (really, really, really) complicated.”

Plan to avoid issues: sponsor signatures

One of the major roadblocks to submitting a lineage society application: sponsor signatures. While it’s becoming less common, a few societies still require that sponsors sign the application. Coordinating signatures – especially if you’re not in the same place – can be a challenge and can slow down the submission process. So, how do youContinueContinue reading “Plan to avoid issues: sponsor signatures”

Transcribe or not to transcribe?

Not everyone reads handwritten documents easily. How do you proceed when you need to submit a deed, will, or other long handwritten document with your lineage society application? Short answer: ask the society! Most societies have preferences as to next steps. Typically, they request one of three things: Submit a clear image of the document.ContinueContinue reading “Transcribe or not to transcribe?”