Pioneer Certificate Programs

If you are a direct descendant of a pioneer who settled in Allen County, Indiana more than 100 years ago, you are eligible to join one or more of our pioneer certificate programs. It is not necessary to be a local or state resident to join. An application must be completed, accompanied by proof of descent documents and a $10.00 fee. If the application is accepted, the application and proofs will become the property of the Allen County Genealogical Society and you will be notified of your acceptance. Acceptable proofs and eligibility will be determined at the discretion of the First Families Committee. Deadline for filing each year is March 31, and the awards presentations are made at the June dinner meeting of the Society held on the second Wednesday each June.

Preserve your family history by joining FIRST FAMILIES, HOMESTEADERS, or CENTURY FAMILIES today!

Application instructions and forms are available through the mail or online. Mail your request with a #10 stamped, self-addressed envelope to the address at the top of the page or use the online documents below:

First Families of Allen County
For ancestors living in Allen County, Indiana, on or before December 31, 1850:

First Families Application Instructions (PDF)
First Families Application Form (PDF)

Homesteaders of Allen County
For ancestors living in Allen County, Indiana, between January 1, 1851 and December 31, 1875 inclusive:

Homesteaders Application Instructions (PDF)
Homesteaders Application Form (PDF)

Century Families of Allen County
For ancestors living in Allen County, Indiana, between January 1, 1876 and November 21, 1924 inclusive:

Century Families Application Instructions (PDF)
Century Families Application Form (PDF)

Online Records

Pioneer Certificate Application Finding Aid

• Ancestor Index (1994-2022)
• Applicant Index (1994-2022)
  
  
• First Families and Homesteaders of Allen County Application Index
  (Index to many names in applications 2005-2010)