Kentucky Ancestors, Volume 46, Number 3 - Kentucky Historical ...

Colonial Daughters of America Insignia, Lineage Papers, and
Application (Author’s Collection)
recently donated funds for and were represented
at the dedication of a historical marker honoring
Kentucky War of 1812 veterans who died at Fort
Defiance, also known as Fort Starvation, in Defiance,
Ohio. Hundreds of Kentucky militia men died there
and were buried in an unmarked grave. Recognizing
their ultimate sacrifice brought several historical and
lineage societies together for this memorial project.
The Governor Isaac Shelby Chapter of the Kentucky
Society, Sons of the American Revolution maintains
an online database of Revolutionary War patriots
buried in Kentucky. 7 Many lineage societies actively
locate, document, and mark graves of patriots in an
effort to not only recognize and honor, but to also
protect the graves of those heroes of our country.
Lineage societies support schools and colleges
with monetary donations and scholarships, promote
patriotism and appreciation of history through
essay contests and events to recognize the U.S.
Constitution and veterans, and many other activities.
Some preserve and maintain historic properties.
Volunteer service is an important aspect of these
groups. It is not all about tea parties and socializing.
144 | Kentucky Ancestors
So what is required to join one of these groups?
Lineage societies in general require the applicants
to prove their descent from a person who can be
identified with a certain group. Most require direct
descent, although some will allow membership
through a lateral line (i.e., the sibling of an ancestor.)
Proving lineage can be challenging, but can also
be rewarding. It is like solving a puzzle. Although
requirements may vary, most require vital records
and documents to prove not only names and dates
of birth, death, and marriage, but also the link
between generations. Vital records often list the
name of parents and sometimes their birth places.
Information and group sheets found on Web sites are
not usually recognized as proof. Birth, death, and
marriage certificates are the best type of legal record
of an event. When ordering copies of these records,
be sure to order the “long form” and state that it is for
genealogical purposes. Some states now automatically
issue abbreviated versions that may not contain all of
the information you need. The complete version is
available upon request.
Wills, deeds, and court records can also establish
lineage as they sometimes list the names of children
and spouses and identify them as such. State and
federal census records often show ages and family
relationships (i.e., wife, son, daughter, etc.). Because
death certificates were not widely issued before
1911, gravestone inscriptions can sometimes be
the only record of an ancestor’s birth and death.
Church registers may include burials, marriages, and
baptisms. Some published local or family histories
may be accepted as proof of lineage, depending upon
the references cited. Articles published in historical
society scholarly publications, such as the Register of
the Kentucky Historical Society or this publication,
Kentucky Ancestors, may be accepted. When using a
published source, be sure to make a copy of the title,
volume, issue, and copyright pages, as well as those
containing your references to your specific ancestors.
Copies of these are also usually required for Bible
records to show that the information was recorded
close to the event. Birth, death, and marriage dates
inscribed several generations after the event may not
be accurate. Published marriage announcements
and obituaries are usually acceptable, as long as the
publication and date of publication is cited. Each
lineage society has its own requirements for proof,
so it is best to verify exactly what is needed before