Early Pioneer Certificates
Early Pioneer Certificate
Orville & Alice Carr Thomas, son John and grandson Paul on their farm, located at 6214 Steward Rd, Rockton, IL. Orville arrived in Winnebago County in 1838 by covered wagon at age 9 months from Damascus, PA. Estimate this photo circa 1914
This barn was built in 1892 and is still standing today. John Thomas with his son Paul and a farmhand. Back in the day, folks took photos like this to show their wealth, ie: horses, car, chickens and large barn. |
Any direct descendant of an early pioneer who settled in the Illinois counties of Winnebago or Boone before 1880 may apply for an Early Pioneer Certificate. These certificates are awarded in either of two categories.
To qualify for an Early Pioneer Certificate, documented evidence must be furnished to confirm the lineage from the pioneer ancestor to the applicant. This evidence could be birth, marriage and death certificates, land records, census records, mention in city, county, and state histories, etc. If you have more than one pioneer ancestor, you may wish to order a certificate for each one. There must be a separate application filled out for every certificate desired To obtain a certificate, download the Pioneer Certificate Form, fill out and mail to the address with a check or money order. The cost is $10.00 per certificate. Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society
PO Box 10166 Loves Park, IL 61131-0166 Please contact the Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society at wbcgensociety@gmail.com with any questions. |
William and Eliza Munday Carter were married in Bedfordshire, England, in November 1854. They traveled to America, coming specifically to Rockford to join William's siblings already here. For many years they lived at this home, on the corner of Corbin and Kent St. They raised five boys and two girls. All of them are buried in Greenwood Cemetery. (Used with permission)
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