Local residents can have their Texas ancestor immortalized in an upcoming book by the Texas State Genealogical Society (TSGS) if they can prove their ancestor was in Texas before it became part of the United States.
The TSGS will publish “Volume 3 of Texas First Families Lineages” in November of 2012. Applications received by June 30 and which are approved will be included in this volume of family lineages. Applications will be accepted after that but they would not be included in Volume 3. Sandra Crowley, vice president of TSGS, said applicants should not worry too much about the June deadline.
“The more people who know about this opportunity, the better,” Crowley said. “Even if they miss the cutoff date, they’ll be in line for Volume 4.”
Applicants do not have to be TSGS members or Texas residents. Applications can be completed online and printed. Complete instructions are on the TSGS website.
In addition to being included in Volume 3, approved applicants will receive a certificate with the applicant’s name and the name of ancestor who was in Texas before February 19, 1846, when the Republic of Texas officially became the State of Texas. Applicants must prove direct or collateral descent from an ancestor who settled in Texas before this date.
A direct ancestor includes a parent, grandparent, great grandparent, etc. going back to the eligible ancestor in Texas. A collateral ancestor would be a brother, sister, uncle, or aunt of the eligible Texas ancestor.
The applicant must prove descent from their ancestor by an official record for each generation, each date, and each event listed on the application such as births, deaths, and marriages. Proof that the ancestor was in Texas by this date must be provided by an official document. There is a non-refundable application fee of $30.
Members of Sons of the Republic of Texas, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and Children of the Republic of Texas and their descendants, as well as siblings and other direct line relatives, are eligible for this certificate, but must submit an application with documented proof of descendancy.
“These certificates are nice for family members who may not wish to belong to the lineage group and pay dues, but would like a certificate recognizing their ancestor,” Crowley said.
Applications and supporting documentation become property of the Texas State Genealogical Society. All previously approved applications are available for research at the East Texas Research Center, in the Steen Library at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.
A TSGS online index of First Families lists the first two volumes. Applicants may want to check the index for their ancestor’s name, which another applicant may have submitted. This may cut down the amount of research an applicant may need to do.
The first two volumes of Texas First Families application lineages have been published. Volume 1 is 431 pages long, with lineages from applications 1 through 2400, and costs $35. Volume 2 is 540 pages long, with lineages from applications 2401 through 5278, and costs $35. Shipping is $6.50 per book. Order both volumes for $60.
The TSGS also offers certificates for Gone to Texas Pioneers, West Texas Pioneers, Descendants of Texas Rangers, and Greer County Pioneers.
For questions or assistance, contact Texas First Families Director Marynell A. Bryant, 254 County Road 4705, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482-1831. Send email to marynellabryant@verizon.net or call 903-885-3523.
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