6. The following "basic" instructions should answer most of your questions. If any additional information or guidance is needed, please feel free to write me at any time.

All names should be given in full - no initials.

All dates should be written as follows:06 Jul 1843, or 31 Sep 1856, etc. (note: three letters for the months).

The "Authorities as to Descent" or "Proofs" should refer to the corresponding generations listed on the "worksheet". In essence, they are really a "short-hand" or abridged thumbnail descriptions of the "proofs" which must accompany the application as supporting documentation. For example, the entries for Gen 1 might read as follows: Birth Cert. (Appl)(gen 1); Marr. Cert. (Appl/Wife)(gen 1).

For Gen 2: Birth Cert. (Appl)(Gen 1); Birth Cert. (Father)(gen 2); Birth Cert. (Mother)(gen 2); Marr. Cert. (Father/Mother)(gen 2); Death Cert. (Father)(gen 2); Death Cert. (Mother)(gen 2); etc., on up thru all generations including your ancestor.

Please insert the first names of each person in place of the (father)(mother) examples that I have shown above, such as: Birth Cert. (John)(gen 2).

For each generation, birth, death and marriage dates and places are required (city, county, state and country) to the fullest extent possible. If such primary source (vital records) data cannot be obtained, acceptable secondary sources might be:
• photos of gravestones, with complete explanations (i.e., identifications)
• obituaries, including name of newspaper and date; (c) bible records,including title page of family Bible;
• census records; (e) wills; (f) deeds; (g) diaries;
• service records, from national or state archives; and
• published family histories and genealogies, including title page, etc.

(Note: in quite a number of recent instances, national-level genealogists or registrars of many hereditary and patriotic societies have found family histories and genealogies to be unacceptable (or at least to be approached with caution)because of the many errors which have been found therein).

Preparation of supporting exhibits: On each exhibit underline in red the names of each person listed on the application form (for example: on a marriage certificate there may be shown the four parental names, as well as those of the bride and groom). Out in the left or right margin, or if necessary near the red underlined name, indicate the generation concerned: such as Gen 2, Gen 3, etc. These generation identifiers should preferably be entered in green.

Only one set of proofs (Exhibits) need be submitted.

All of the foregoing requirements, on the surface, may seem burdensome and perhaps unnecessary to you. However, if followed carefully and completely, they will make it far easier for the Registrar at State level and the Genealogist or Registrar at National level to recognize the professional quality of your application. The requisite thoroughness will also earn the gratitude of your descendants who may someday wish to use your application as a sound foundation upon which to base their own.

7. Complete the form by typing in the requested information. Make sure you save it!

8. When you have completed the form, Print, Sign and mail one (1) copy along with the proofs. Please enclose the fees to ensure completion of the process.


Mail to
Registrar ~Genealogist
P.O. Box 1630
Farmington, AR 72730-1630
PLUS: Email a final copy of the application as an attachment to:
Registrar ~ Genealogist