documentation

“One and the Same?”: Why does it matter?

The principle of “one and the same” asks genealogists to demonstrate that one or more records refers to the same person. Most of the time, that starts with looking at name matches. It typically moves onto correlating other details, such as birth and death dates, family members, occupations, and more. In recent years, the MayflowerContinueContinue reading ““One and the Same?”: Why does it matter?”

Lineage Match or Not?

When choosing a qualifying ancestor for a lineage society application, Mayflower ancestors are a popular choice. They’re well known… and they qualify for multiple societies. Mayflower ancestors can be used to apply not only for the General Society of Mayflower Descendants but also, depending on their role, the National Society of the Colonial Dames ofContinueContinue reading “Lineage Match or Not?”

Lineage Society Application FAQs: Can I access the documentation submitted with an ancestor’s application?

Having access to the documentation an ancestor submitted with their lineage society application can be helpful in preparing and submitting your application. Sometimes they had access to records that can no longer be located, such as a family Bible. Other times, they may have tracked down something extremely difficult to find. How do you accessContinueContinue reading “Lineage Society Application FAQs: Can I access the documentation submitted with an ancestor’s application?”

Lineage Society Application FAQs: Why am I being asked for extra marriages?

It seems pointless. You’re being asked to document your great-grandmother’s second or third spouse, the one not actually in your line. Why? Name changes. Some societies will ask for all marriages just to ensure the completeness of the genealogical record. Most will ignore additional marriages for the male but ask for them for the female.ContinueContinue reading “Lineage Society Application FAQs: Why am I being asked for extra marriages?”

Lineage Society Application FAQs: Do I need to document both spouses?

This question is a point of confusion for many lineage society applicants. The qualifying “bloodline” runs through a single spouse. Do you really need to document both? The short answer: yes. This has actually changed within the last decade or so. Originally lineage societies were focused on just documenting the bloodline. Now, they’ve realized thatContinueContinue reading “Lineage Society Application FAQs: Do I need to document both spouses?”