Questions? Problems?
We want to help!
email firstfamilies@mosga.org
or
First Families
MoSGA
P.O. Box 833
Columbia, MO
65205-0833
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Introduction
As a descendant of a Missouri First Family you can trace your lineage back to early residence in our 24th state, Missouri. Your work in proving an ancestor’s early years in Missouri will be preserved for future generations by the Missouri State Genealogical Association [MoSGA]. Your application and accompanying documentation will make a significant contribution to the record of our state’s heritage and your family’s participation in that heritage.
In order to comply with genealogical standards of evidence, we ask that all applications include a complete set of the supporting documentation for all generations. Photocopies only, please. The application may be shared with other genealogists; however, information on living persons and those born within the past 100 years will be withheld.
All applications and supporting documentation become the property of the Missouri State Genealogical Association. Applicants need not be members of MoSGA. Each application must include a non-refundable fee of $20.00 U.S.
Types of
Certificates
Ø Territorial Certificates – Ancestors proven to have resided in Missouri on or before statehood, 10 August 1821.
Ø Pioneer Certificates – Ancestors proven to have resided in Missouri at any time between a;d including 11 August 1821 and 31 December 1860.
Ø Civil War Service Certificates – Ancestors proven to have served in a Missouri military unit during the Civil War; those ancestors in other military units who saw service in Missouri during the Civil War; and those ancestors who were Civil War veterans and died and/or were buried in Missouri.
Application
Process
1. You must prove residency in Missouri at the time required for the type of certificate desired, or Civil War service, whichever applies.
2. You must prove the relationship between each generation, beginning with yourself and ending with the ancestor who is the focus of your application.
3. Complete all applicable forms for the type of certificate for which you are applying and prepare one set of supporting documents. (Save a copy for your records.) Please sign and date each page of the application.
4. Mail your application to: Missouri First Families Program, Missouri State Genealogical Association, PO Box 833, Columbia, Missouri 65205-0833
5. You will receive an email or postal mail notification that your application has been received. Your application is then assigned to a team of two reviewers.
6. After both reviewers have reviewed your application, one of them will notify you if any corrections or additions are needed.
7. Certificates will be mailed upon final approval. Certificate holders will be announced in the MoSGA newsletter, “SHOW ME” STATE Genealogical News, and will be given recognition at the next MoSGA annual conference following acceptance.
8. Names and dates of Missouri First Families will be posted on the MoSGA Web site. Copies of approved applications, with accompanying reference citations, may be obtained for $5.00 U.S. per Missouri First Families ancestor.
Documentation and
Evidence
1. Documentation is required to prove residence of the Missouri First Families ancestor, relationship between each generation, and dates and locations of events.
2. A family group sheet for the First Families generation must be prepared. Download our fillable family group sheet.
3. Photocopies of documents must accompany the application. Please send a transcription of the document if the photocopy is difficult to read.
4. All documents must include a full citation. A copy of the title/cover page should be included, or the title, volume, author, publication date and page number must be written on the copy itself. For examples of proper source citations, see Elizabeth Shown Mills’ Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., 1997).
5. Documents written in a foreign language must be accompanied by an English translation.
6. Digitized/scanned images may be submitted provided with proper citation
7. Please capitalize all surnames.
8. Adoptions will be accepted, but must be designated as such.
9. Use as many generations as needed to reach your Missouri First Families ancestor.
Click on the link below to print out the forms you will need.
Missouri First Families Application Package as a PDF file.
Problems? Questions? Please let us know. We want to help!
email: firstfamiles@mosga.org
or write to us:
First Families
MoSGA
P.O. Box 833
Columbia, MO 65205-0833