Lineage Society

How can Revolutionary War claims help me document my ancestor’s service?

The American Army had limited resources going into the Revolutionary War. They borrowed goods, supplies, and even food. People had their homes and business damaged by the American Army – or the British. Many of those who lost money or property as a result later filed claims against state governments. These Revolutionary War claims filesContinueContinue reading “How can Revolutionary War claims help me document my ancestor’s service?”

What’s an SS-5 and how does it help my lineage society application?

Depending on where you lived, if you were born before the 1910s, you may not have had a birth certificate. New England required them as early as the 1640s. In the South, it was much later. Yet, lineage societies request “proof” of an individual’s birth. An SS-5 can often be submitted instead of a birthContinueContinue reading “What’s an SS-5 and how does it help my lineage society application?”

Professional v. Volunteer: Do I need to hire help with my lineage society application?

Another one of those questions no one wants to ask: “Do I need to hire professional help with my lineage society application?” First of all, what’s a lineage society? A lineage society is a membership based organization that determines membership based on the activities of an applicant’s ancestor. These societies are also referred to asContinueContinue reading “Professional v. Volunteer: Do I need to hire help with my lineage society application?”

Connecticut Census Enumerations

To apply to a Revolutionary War era lineage society, the applicant needs to document not only the ancestor’s service but also the ancestor’s residence during the War. For Connecticut ancestors, there are four sources typically used to “prove” residence: a marriage record for a spouse; a birth or baptismal record for a child. payment ofContinueContinue reading “Connecticut Census Enumerations”

My lineage society says I need vital records from NY. Do I need a court order?

I’ve heard this come up as a point of confusion often recently… New York State has restrictions on the access to vital records. (NY City has its own records system.) A lineage society requires that vital records be provided for the applicant, their parents, and their grandparents. The parents are deceased. The applicant is toldContinueContinue reading “My lineage society says I need vital records from NY. Do I need a court order?”