Pioneer Certificates

Pioneer Certificates

We offer Pioneer Certificates to qualifying individuals who are able to document a direct line to ancestors who arrived in Hancock County prior to 1900. Three time periods are depicted by water mark drawings representing early modes of travel.

Please call or email to request documentation forms to be mailed to you or fill out the application below. Once verified by the Society, certificates will be approved for issue. The certificates are $10.00 per application and are individualized according to applicant’s wishes. They are designed to fit in an 8 X 10 frame.

Eligibility: To qualify for a Pioneer Family of Hancock County Certificate, an applicant must be directly descended from an ancestor who settled in Hancock County, during the following timeframes.

Before 1840

Certificate with Covered Wagon Background

1841-1870

Certificate with 
River Boat Background

1871-1900

Certificate with 
Train Background
Purpose: To honor our pioneer forefather, the Hancock County Historical Society (HCHS) is promoting the Pioneer Families of Hancock County Certificate Program. The HCHS has three objectives in initiating this program:
  1. The HCHS hopes to recognize the pioneers and early residents who otherwise would go unnoticed in our county's history. Each builder, craftsman and farmer brought us one step closer to the county we know today.
  2. We encourage a basic knowledge of genealogical research by asking any direct descendant to put together their family history and apply for a certificate. The HCHS will provide assistance in researching early Hancock County residents.
  3. We know the recorded information will be a valuable addition to the history of Hancock County citizens providing a source of pride for each descendant.
A parchment certificate, suitable for framing, with the name of the ancestor and descendant will be issued. In addition to receiving the Pioneer Family Certificate, applicants will be helping to preserve the history of their ancestral pioneers. 

Linking oneself to the past is an excellent way of building family pride and self-esteem. We hope that you will join in our effort to record and preserve our early Hancock County history and that you will proudly display your Pioneer Families of Hancock County Certificates.

Sources (Primary and Secondary)

The descendancy must be proven by using the records on the Sources list. In special cases, where this is not possible, a preponderance of evidence will be accepted. After completion of the application, send in the amount of $10.00 in either cash, check payable to HCHS, or purchase via the online bookstore. This amount is needed for each certificate you are applying for. This is a nonrefundable fee. Below is a list of acceptable sources:
  • Vital Records (Birth, Death or Marriage Records)
  • Church Records (Membership, Baptism or Confirmation)
  • Mortuary or Cemetery Records
  • Probate Records
  • Land Records (Land Purchase, Plat Maps, Atlas or Deeds)
  • Tax Records
  • Federal or State Census Records
  • Military Records
  • Court Records (Wills, Deeds or Estate Records)
  • Official School Records, School Census or Report Cards
  • Declaration of Intent for Citizenship or Naturalization Papers
  • Bible Records Confirming Residence in Hancock County
  • Newspaper Obituary or Article Showing Hancock County Residency
  • Hancock County History Books (Submit Source and Copy of Article)
  • Letters, Diary Entries or Journals
  • Tombstone Inscriptions
All proof offered must show a complete source: such as author, title, year of publication, page numbers, volume number, type of document and/or location of original document. Do Not Send Original Documents. Please Submit Copies Only. A committee of HCHS members shall determine certificate eligibility. The committee decision shall be final. 

It is absolutely necessary to include a straight line descendancy chart showing your relationship to the pioneer/early settler. Additional certificates for other family members will also cost $10.00. Each must be on a separate application and prove relationship only to the applicant. 

Note: Source materials that are provided may be copied if you are applying for more than one ancestor.

For further information or assistance, call (217) 357-004, email info@hancockcountyhistory.com, or come by the office at 306 Walnut Street in Carthage, Illinois. Our office is located in the front room of the Kibbe Museum.

Pioneer Family Certificate Application

I hereby given permission to the Hancock County Historical Society to use the material submitted for the Pioneer Family Certificate for their future publications

Digitally via this online application
Mailing to/dropping them off at the Historical Society
Both
Cash/Check mailed or dropped off at Historical Society
Online via bookstore purchase
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