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1 September 14, 2016

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DRT Registrar Resource Manual

Ancestor Eligibility: • Discussion of Colonization

Colonies dates of formation, origins of settlers, major towns, sources of documentation for colonial settlements.

• Discussion of Military Records What is military service, where are records, what special service is recognized?

• Discussion of Residence Records & Land grants Where are records for residence, what is acceptable proof

Notes on Application Preparation

A series of slides that describes the membership requirements, ancestor eligibility, and preparation of the application and proofs. Can be provided to a prospective member to describe the process and what will be required. This file is also provided as an attachment that may be used when conducting a prospective member workshop..

Proof Worksheet

A tool for collecting information from applicants, it requires the applicant to identify the proof used for each line in the application.

Finding and Citing Common Proofs

A guide showing how to use the Master Index. Please also refer to the Registrar Diskette which has a copy of the Ancestor Index giving the ancestor’s information and all applications filed under that ancestor as of April 2015.

Tips on Proof Preparation Application Correction Form

A form to correct information on an ancestor or lineage. Foreign Language Assistance Spanish Name Equivalents Common genealogical words in Spanish, German and French New Member Packet

A handout for new members that may be customized for the chapter. It provides basic information on DRT.


Ancestor Eligibility: Discussion of Colonization

This section provides information on some of the major colonies established in the Tejas area of New Spain, and then Mexican Texas, and finally the Republic of Texas. You may wish to also review the section on proving residence which has a further discussion of records which include this period. The settlements like Nacogdoches and Bucareli were established by small groups very early in the 18th century, but not as colonies, just small settlements, which were unsuccessful because of the Indian tribes in the area. Bucareli and Nacogdoches were abandoned but Nacogdoches was resettled in 1799. Settlements in San Antonio were more successful as the missionaries moved in to establish missions. Early settlement did not use the colonial model, but the mission model. In 1820, on the brink of the Mexican Revolution, the Spanish government implemented colonization in the area. Primarily to serve as a buffer between Spanish settlements and the Indians.


1825

Haden Edwards 1825

AUSTIN -WILLIAMS

1826

1825

VELHEIN 1826

1828

1825

1829

1828

1828

In 1820, Spain then Mexico opened all Spanish lands to

settlement by foreigners

• 1821 Moses Austin’s 300

• 1823 the Empresario contract system

• 1825-1832 – Two dozen contracts established (smallest 100 colonists – largest 800 colonists)

• 1830, Mexican Law prohibited further immigration from North America

• Not all Empresarios fulfilled their contracts, even with extensions. At least two contracts included lands in New Mexico and Colorado, but no contracts in these area were made.


OH

TN

MO

LA

AL

AR

TN

MO

OR

IGIN

S

OF

C

OL

ON

IST

S

http://www.tamu.edu/faculty/ccbn/dewitt/_vti_bin/shtml.exe/allgrantmap.htm/map

http://www.50states.com/missouri.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Tennessee.svg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Missouri.svg


Four empresario colonies were established under the Republic of Texas:

1. Peter’s Colony (1841) 2. Fisher and Miller’s Colony (1842) 3. Castro’s Colony (1842) 4. Mercer’s Colony (1844)

Established in 1841 with William S. Peters of Pennsylvania and headquartered in Kentucky. Peters was unsuccessful and Texas Emigration and Land Company took over. They successfully brought in settlers in 1844 and 1845 and had their contracts extended until 1848. This causes confusion when using Peter’s Colony records. The chapter registrar has to be very careful with Peters’ Colony.

Registrar Tool Kit has the listing of settlers from 1844 -1845


GERMAN

SETTLEMEN


Resources for Establishing Ancestor as Colonist

1. The General Land Office, Land Grand Search. This repository of records is a great source for digital copies of the original records for some colonies. The searcher is advised to search all variations of the name, as the records are indexed as the name was entered. In many of the very early records the Spanish version of the name may be used. There is an appendix which gives some Spanish equivalents. Others have many different ways of spelling the same name given their pronunciation of the name.. http://www.glo.texas.gov/cf/land-grant-search/index.cfm

2. Austin’s Old 300. a. The Register of Families is contained on the Registrar’s diskette circulated

at the 2015 Convention. This register has been published and indexed which will assist in locating the original pages in the Register

b. JSTOR has published a list of the names with the citation to the location in the Register http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/30242636.pdf?acceptTC=true

3. Wavell Colony. This colony is northeastern Texas. Some settlers came to the area as early as 1815. Most settlers believed that they had settled in Arkansas Territory and in fact paid taxes in Hempstead and Old Miller County, Arkansas. Some records of these settlers can be found in the records of the Old Miller County, Arkansas. Some of these are housed in the Library of Texas A&M in Commerce, Texas, in the Skipper Steeley Collection In 1830 Ben Milam, as an agent for Wavell, made two lists of settlers in this area to establish the Colony. Both registers exist and show a bit of time between the two, as some individuals have married between the two lists. This colony was not successfully completed, these settlers did not establish title to their lands until the 1838 land commissioners registers. These registers are available at the GLO Land Grant Database cited above. a. A digital copy of one of the Milam registers is contained on the 2015

Registrar’s Diskette. The originals of these records are stored in the Texas State Library and Archive.

b. An index to one of the registers can be found on the following Rootsweb site. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txredriv/miller/wavell.html

4. DeWitt Colony. Green DeWitt established his empresario contract in April of 1825. Like Austin, DeWitt was from Missouri. The earlier map showed the area of settlement in the south central area. DeWitt died in 1835 before the end of the Texas Revolution. a. The records of DeWitt’s Colony are located at the Texas State Library and

Archives. A guide to the collection may be found at the following url: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/txglo/00052/glo-00052.html

b. There is a wonderful website which may direct you to originally documents. It may be found at the following url: http://www.tamu.edu/faculty/ccbn/dewitt/dewitt.htm

http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/30242636.pdf?acceptTC=true

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/%7Etxredriv/miller/wavell.html

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/txglo/00052/glo-00052.html

http://www.tamu.edu/faculty/ccbn/dewitt/dewitt.htm


5. Peter’s Colony. The Peter’s Colony was established by the Republic of Texas in 1841. It had several problems, not the least being it was established on lands that had already been settled for several decades. The failure to meet the terms of the contract resulted in several extensions. By 1844 and 1845 the empresario company had successfully enlisted settlers, but the bulk of the settlers came after statehood. a. Settlers’ records may be found on the GLO Land Grant database, BUT

most of these records do not give the actual date of settlement. Most just claim they were settled by 1848.

b. The 2015 Registrar’s Diskette contains the digital records for the 1844 & 1845 settlers. Member Susan Tarpley has indexed the 1845 list and the resource is on the Registrar Diskette.

6. Castro’s Colony. The Republic of Texas established a contract with Henri Castro in 1842. He was to establish 600 families in an area west of San Antonio (see map above.) His settlers were primarily the Alsace area of France. Almost five hundred families were settled within the first year. Records for these settlers may be found by searching the GLO Land Grant Database. a. A finding aid for names of colonist, though not acceptable documentation,

can be found at the following url: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txmedina/Alsatian/immigrants_alsace.htm

b. As noted above the GLO database has the land records. The Medina County Rootsweb site has an alphabetical listing of settlers with links to the pdf images of the records. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txmedina/castro_colonists_land_grants.htm

7. Mercers Colony. Charles F. Mercer received a contract to settle 100 families in January of 1844. His Texas Association was organized to fulfill the contract. Like the Peter’s Colony it had problems with existing settlers. The biggest impediment to settlers was the legislature’s act which put an end to the colonization contracts. The contract was fulfilled within the first year, but settlers had legal difficult establishing their claims.

8. Power and Hewestson Colony. In the fall of James Power and James Hewetson applied for an empresario contract. Their plan was to settle Mexican and Irish Catholic families in the area along the coast. This was a successful colony. The Sons of DeWitt website has a good description of this colony. http://www.tamu.edu/faculty/ccbn/dewitt/irishpowhew1.htm A list of the original titles is available at the GLO Land Grant Search database.

9. Other Colonies. For the most part the land titles of the General Land Office offer the best single place to find early land records for colonists. Some of these early records indicate the colony.

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/%7Etxmedina/Alsatian/immigrants_alsace.htm

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/%7Etxmedina/Alsatian/immigrants_alsace.htm

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/%7Etxmedina/castro_colonists_land_grants.htm

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/%7Etxmedina/castro_colonists_land_grants.htm

http://www.tamu.edu/faculty/ccbn/dewitt/irishpowhew1.htm


The empresarios kept registers of their settlers to prove that the contract was fulfilled, and to establish the compensation due them under the contract. Given below are examples of the colonial register Stephen F. Austin’s Colony

Wavell Colony Record, by Ben Milam


Ancestor Eligibility: Military Records.

The single best repository for the military records is the Republic Claims database at the Texas State Library and Archives. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/apps/arc/repclaims/ This site is fully indexed and contains the following types of records, which are available in digital form. The military service will define whether the service was for military service during or after the revolution. It also contains claims for providing horses, beef, arms, and other supplies and services to the war and Republic.

1. Military Rosters - These are important for those who did not submit pension applications or other claims. They are also important for those who died before pensions and bounty lands were available. The GLO land grant search will return muster rolls for counties in some instances.

2. Pensions – These are wonderful records to provide where and when the individual served. Widows’ pensions are also contained in this series. Women who remarried were not eligible for pensions, there are a few pensions sought for children of veterans.

3. Claims for service or goods – These records may contain claims for days served, horses or guns lost, services rendered (e.g. ferryman,) supplies provided. With soldiers who died, the claim may have been made by the estate.

The General Land Office may contain proof of service for military for those veterans who applied for bounty lands or land grants given for service. One can use the Land Grant Search to determine whether there are records for the ancestor. Frequently, the veteran sold his rights, so check the records carefully.. The early records have been digitized and can be searched at the following site: http://www.glo.texas.gov/cf/land-grant-search/index.cfm

The following Bounty and Donation lands were available to soldiers or their heirs:

Bounty lands – Soldiers before 1 Oct 1837. Amount from 320 – 1280 acres depending on length of service Deceased heirs - 1280 acres Later service (1838-1842) extended bounty rights

Donation lands – Specific battles Siege of Bexar Battle of San Jacinto In 1879 donation land grants were expanded to surviving veterans and of the Declaration of Independence (must have previously qualified for Bounty lands) – repealed in 1887

Military Headrights– Soldiers arrived between 2 Mar -1 August 1836 and had an honorable discharge

https://www.tsl.texas.gov/apps/arc/repclaims/

http://www.glo.texas.gov/cf/land-grant-search/index.cfm


Ancestor Eligibility: Residence Records

“Resident” was a category establish primarily to add women and children to the list of ancestors. When DRT was first formed one had to be a descendant of a veteran to qualify for membership. It was later expanded to include first members of the Old 300, and then other colonies. The following discussion addresses ways to prove residence. A discussion of how to find records to prove residence is contained in the Registrar Resource Manual. If one is a descendant of a slave or “indentured servant” who came with a colonist or land grant recipient, this is probably the best category to prove service. Since slavery was banned in Mexico, those settlers with slaves identified their slaves as indentured servants. As a result, if the slave came in the wave of settlers before the 1835 census, it is possible that they are enumerated in these census records. Some early records exist for free blacks, and those free blacks will be listed with other colonists or settlers. The discussion below applies to these free blacks. Types of records that may establish residence (this list is not all inclusive but is an attempt to present the most common types of records available):

• Land records o Deeds may show that a man or woman sold or bought land, these are kept in the

counties. It is important to know in which county the ancestor settled and also any counties that may have formed from that county. Land records generally follow the land, but not always, one may wish to check both counties.

o As cited in the Colonization section the GLO contains the early land records. o 1838 Land Commission clerk reports. In 1838 land commissioners in the

counties registered the claims of the settlers. These claims give the dates of entrance into Texas and where the lands are located.

o Always follow the land, even in a burned county. The title to the land had to be established so many burned court houses still contain useful information.

• Tax records before 1846 o These records contain heads of household and are very useful. One only needed

personal property to owe taxes. Do not neglect these. • Census records

o Spanish and Mexican census records are available. Mexican census records were taken in most of the substantial towns in 1835 and are a great resource. The indentured servants listed in these households may very well be the slaves of the head of family. Mexican law did not permit slavery and thus the owners described their slaves as indentured servants, with the term as lifetime.

• Marriage records o Marriage records are some of the earliest records found. Some early records are

found in deed books as contracts. • Newspaper accounts

o Do not neglect newspapers. Marriages, land sales, estate notices, and other actions are reported in the newspapers of the Republic.


• Ship manifests o Many settlers both from Europe and the United States entered through the ports.

The ships manifests are a source of the names and dates of immigration. The Houston paper reported these as well.

• Contemporary letters, diaries, etc. o This is a source of documentation that is often overlooked. There are diaries from

both visitors and residents which give accounts of daily life and travel across Texas. William Fairfax Gray’s is one source. But there are many published an unpublished accounts.

o Letters are also a great resource. Sam Houston’s letters have been published by President General Madge Roberts and offer a great glimpse to the life and people in the sphere around Sam Houston. But UT has a great collection of unpublished including diaries, letters, and public papers.

• The 1867 Voter Registration lists are sometimes useful in proving when a male ancestor came to Texas. When the voter was registered he was asked how long he had been in the county and how long he had been in the state. Some of these were taken very accurately. Unfortunately, in some counties the recorded entered 12 months for every man while others entered just from the date of statehood. But some counties were accurate in their recordings. This is an excellent place to look for ex-slaves who are registering to vote. Some of these very clearly show that the man came in before statehood.

When tracing a former slave ancestor there are places to look that may not be always easy. If the slave kept the surname of the family who owned him or her it is easier. This is not often the case, and unfortunately does not always help with families that have been split. But this is one of the first avenue’s to research. Search the area the ancestor was in the first census where blacks were enumerated. Determine whether there were any families of that surname in the 1860 Slave Schedule. If so, look at the list of slaves enumerated in that schedule to see if that family had enumerate any slave of the same age and sex as the ancestor. Be careful with this, while the owner may have a good idea of the age, the former slave may not. If there is a close match, it may be possible to check records. Again, this step assumes that the former slave did not change his/her given name. We know that some did. At that point it does make it very difficult to identify the ancestor. But one can go to the deed books, searching for records for the surname. There may be bills of sale which record purchases or sales of slaves. These records usually name the slave and almost always give the age. Sometimes, when a younger slave is sold, his mother is named. Another source for identification of former slaves, is in the probate and wills of the former owners. These often give the relationships of the slaves. In some instances, after the Civil War, slaves were given land by their former owners. Deeds may help build the case for the relationship. The 1870 census will be the first time families are enumerated as free men and women. What is tricky, is that family units may be blended families where all have just assumed the same surname. The census will give the place of birth. And like white families, these may be incorrect. But they do help in several ways. First, one may note that the ancestor was born in the Republic of Texas era. Another, is that the former slave was born in the state that the former owner lived records there may show his ownership of a slave of that name and age, a slave enumerated in the 1850 and 1860 of the former owner matches the age of the ancestor, and the ancestor lived in the same place as the former owner. As stated above, do not overlook the 1867 voters registration.


Settlement in the Republic of Texas As was stated in the previous section, prior to the Spanish Colonization, there were only a few settlements in the Tejas area. Most settlement occurred after the Spanish colonization movement of 1820. See the settlement dates on the maps below. The researcher should look for records in these areas.

You will note that these settlements, for the most part, correspond to empresario contracts are centered in most of these towns. Settlements outside of these towns may be difficult to document.


Counties During the Republic of Texas To locate information on the ancestor you must be familiar with the regions in which they settled. The boundaries changed as the population in the areas grew. The Republic of Texas began with 23 counties. These are the counties where the Board of Land Commissioners records settlers’ immigration dates and headright claims.

By 1846, when Texas became a state, the number of counties was 36. The State of Texas immediately realigned the counties forming 31 new counties in 1846. When the State of Texas conducted their poll tax in 1846 these 31 additional counties were in this list. The counties formed in 1846 were as follows: Angelina , Burleson , Calhoun , Cass , Cherokee , Collin , Comal , Dallas , Denton , DeWitt , Grayson , Grimes , Guadalupe , Henderson , Hopkins , Hunt , Leon , Limestone , Navarro , Newton , Nueces , Panola , Polk , Smith , Titus , Tyler , Upshur , Walker

, Wharton , Zavala ,

1845


Republic of Texas Records

When searching for records of the Republic of Texas it is important to realize that the area claimed by the Republic of Texas (the entire green map) was different than the area that was functioning under the jurisdiction and laws of the Republic of Texas (the area in dark green.) When researching residence the records of the Republic and its counties only cover the area in dark green. The land below the Nueces was in Mexican jurisdiction. The residents in that area seemed to have supported the Texas War for Independence but did not gain their independence. They revolted against Mexican rule in 1841 forming the short lived Republic of the Rio Grande in 1841. Records from this area can be difficult to find as the municipal records were kept south of the Rio Grande. The State of Texas reaffirmed some of the early grants in these areas. These records may be found at the GLO and sometimes in the legislative proceeding of the State of Texas.


Early Census Records During the Spanish and Mexican period the government took a census of the larger settlements. The Bexar communities had census records starting in the eighteenth century. Many of these have been transcribed and are available on-line. All are available in the Spanish Archives. Transcriptions of these early census files are contained on the 2015 Registrar Diskette. These census records are remarkable for providing maiden names, ages and trades. It is important to remember that the spelling in these records is very irregular and often the Spanish version. The Republic of Texas did not conduct a census. The Poll Tax of 1846 is not a record of citizens of the Republic of Texas, but a list of polls in the State of Texas in 1846. Given below is an excerpt from the Jasper Census of 1835.


County Records Counties retained many records that could document an ancestor’s presence in the Republic. The Texas State Library and Archives is a source to determine whether these records are available and where they may be located. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/arc/local/index.html One should remember that large genealogical libraries like Clayton in Houston may also have these records.

1. Taxes: Collection of taxes by county officials was begun in 1836. Most of these record still survive. Besides land, taxes were levied on livestock, wagons, watches and other valuables. These are difficult to read but may be a rich source of information and documentation of presence in the Republic of Texas

2. Land Records: An ancestor may have moved to Texas, but not have been a member of a Colony, just a purchaser of land. These will be available in county deed books. Do not give up if a court house has burned. In most instances land owners were required to prove their title and many land transactions have been recreated. Land transactions may also be a source of lineage. Partitions of lands, either with or without a will, are recorded when there is real estate involved. Don’t just look within a year or two of the date of death. There are several reasons for a land partitioning to occur later.

a. widow has a life estate, partitioning does not occur until after her death b. estate passes to grandchildren or great grandchildren and not partitioned until they

are of age c. litigation delays partitioning

3. Marriage Records: These are available during the early colonial period as contracts. This was occasioned by the lack of clergy. Father Muldoon was the Catholic priest in Tejas, land owners were required to be Catholic, so he was unavailable most of the time. Newspapers also recorded these.

4. Divorce Records: While a couple could be married in the county in Republic days, it required an action in district court or legislative approval to dissolve the union.

https://www.tsl.texas.gov/arc/local/index.html


Ancestor Eligibility: Land Grants

Land grants are available on the GLO database cited earlier. This is a great source of digitized records for ancestors. The Republic of Texas began awarding land grants in 1838 with the local Board of Land Commissioners. Commissioners kept a log that recorded the applicant, date of immigration, status (head of family, single), agent/witness, location of land. Contained in the GLO database these are indexed as “Clerk Returns.”

Headrights • First Class – arrived before Declaration of Independence

• Heads of families (League & Labor- 4,605.5 acres) • Single (1/3 League – 1476.1 acres)

• Second Class – arrived between 2 Mar 1836 – 1 Oct 1837 • Heads of families (1280 acres) • Single (640 acres)

• Third Class – arrived between 1 Oct 1837 – 1 Jan 1840 • Heads of families (640) • Single (320 acres)

• Fourth Class – arrived between 1 Jan 1840– 1 Jan 1842 • Heads of families (640) • Single (320 acres)

One must be careful when using the headright. Be sure that the headright was issued to the ancestor. The GLO records contain the Headrights which were transferred from the original grantee to another. Below is an excerpt from a Board of Land Commissioner, Clerk Return Example of Clerk Returns Washington Co., TX


Example of Clerk Returns from Red River County

Colorado County, Clerk Returns


Objectives of the Daughters of the Republic of TexasObjectives of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas

• To perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achievedand maintained the independence of Texas

• To encourage historical research into the earliest records of Texas,especially those relating to the Revolution of 1835 and the events whichfollowed: to foster the preservation of documents and relics; to encourage thepublication of records of the individual service of the soldiers and patriots of theRepublic, and other source material for the history of Texas.

• To promote the celebration of Texas Honor Days

• To memorialize all historic spots by erecting markers thereon; and to cherishand preserve the Unity of Texas as achieved and established by the fathers andmothers of the Texas Revolution.

• To perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achievedand maintained the independence of Texas

• To encourage historical research into the earliest records of Texas,especially those relating to the Revolution of 1835 and the events whichfollowed: to foster the preservation of documents and relics; to encourage thepublication of records of the individual service of the soldiers and patriots of theRepublic, and other source material for the history of Texas.

• To promote the celebration of Texas Honor Days

• To memorialize all historic spots by erecting markers thereon; and to cherishand preserve the Unity of Texas as achieved and established by the fathers andmothers of the Texas Revolution.

DRT Membership RequirementsDRT Membership Requirements

Woman 16 years of age or older with direct lineal descent from:

♦ A colonist with Austin’s Three Hundred, or any other coloniesauthorized by Mexican or Republic of Texas authorities.

♦ An individual in the service (military or civil) of the Colony orRepublic of Texas

♦ A local citizen, male or female, regardless of age, who establishedresidence in the Republic of Texas prior to February 19, 1846.

♦ A recipient of a land grant authorized by the ProvisionalGovernment of the Republic of Texas which clearly establishesancestor’s presence.

Woman 16 years of age or older with direct lineal descent from:

♦ A colonist with Austin’s Three Hundred, or any other coloniesauthorized by Mexican or Republic of Texas authorities.

♦ An individual in the service (military or civil) of the Colony orRepublic of Texas

♦ A local citizen, male or female, regardless of age, who establishedresidence in the Republic of Texas prior to February 19, 1846.

♦ A recipient of a land grant authorized by the ProvisionalGovernment of the Republic of Texas which clearly establishesancestor’s presence.

Notes on Application Preparation This resource is on the Registrar Diskette


General Rules for Filling Out FormsGeneral Rules for Filling Out Forms

• Use your full name, that is, given names, maiden name and married surname.Even if your parents shouldn’t have named you Oprah because they loved Harpo Marx.

• Use the exact names as given on the proofs. If Grandma Bitsy was really Gladys Jones,use Gladys Jones if that is what your proofs show, even if she wouldn’t have answered to it on a bet.

• Use maiden names for 1st marriage of woman. If you don’t know it enter only givenname.

• Use given, maiden, former married name for widows. E.g. Mrs. Eva Mae SmithHoward

• Enter the dates day-mon-year (eg. 19 Sep 1947) note: month is 3 letter abbreviation

• Use as few proofs as possible to establish the information on the form.

• Sign in Permanent Black Ink

• If using the computer form the paper must be archival quality acid-free legal sizedpaper provided by DRT.

• Use your full name, that is, given names, maiden name and married surname.Even if your parents shouldn’t have named you Oprah because they loved Harpo Marx.

• Use the exact names as given on the proofs. If Grandma Bitsy was really Gladys Jones,use Gladys Jones if that is what your proofs show, even if she wouldn’t have answered to it on a bet.

• Use maiden names for 1st marriage of woman. If you don’t know it enter only givenname.

• Use given, maiden, former married name for widows. E.g. Mrs. Eva Mae SmithHoward

• Enter the dates day-mon-year (eg. 19 Sep 1947) note: month is 3 letter abbreviation

• Use as few proofs as possible to establish the information on the form.

• Sign in Permanent Black Ink

• If using the computer form the paper must be archival quality acid-free legal sizedpaper provided by DRT.

Proofs for Generation I - Your GenerationProofs for Generation I - Your Generation

• Full date and place of birth of applicant must be given anddocumented.• If married, above data must be documented for husband.

• If married, marriage date and place must also be documented.

• If the applicant has been married more than once, the applicantshould document each marriage and death or divorce. Documentinformation required on form.

Generally, your birth certificate, your husband’s birth certificate and yourmarriage license are all the proofs needed for this generation.

Your birth certificate should provide your parent’s names and, therefore, youlinkage to generation 2.

• Full date and place of birth of applicant must be given anddocumented.• If married, above data must be documented for husband.

• If married, marriage date and place must also be documented.

• If the applicant has been married more than once, the applicantshould document each marriage and death or divorce. Documentinformation required on form.

Generally, your birth certificate, your husband’s birth certificate and yourmarriage license are all the proofs needed for this generation.

Your birth certificate should provide your parent’s names and, therefore, youlinkage to generation 2.

Proof: ggm: birth certificate. & death certificate; ggf: death certicate;marriage record


More on ProofsMore on Proofs

All dates since vital records were kept require copies of those records.So generally speaking, in Texas, those dates are:

♦ Birth Certificates since 1914♦ Marriage Certificates since late 1840’s to mid 1850’s♦ Death Certificates since 1920’s

County and family history books are usually composed from recollectionson the family generations after an event and are frequently undocumented,unreliable and inaccurate. They are, therefore, not considered acceptableproofs. They are, however, a rich source of information which can oftenserve to a guide to locating the primary proof material acceptable tosupport your application

All dates since vital records were kept require copies of those records.So generally speaking, in Texas, those dates are:

♦ Birth Certificates since 1914♦ Marriage Certificates since late 1840’s to mid 1850’s♦ Death Certificates since 1920’s

County and family history books are usually composed from recollectionson the family generations after an event and are frequently undocumented,unreliable and inaccurate. They are, therefore, not considered acceptableproofs. They are, however, a rich source of information which can oftenserve to a guide to locating the primary proof material acceptable tosupport your application

Proofs for Generation II+Proofs for Generation II+

The dates and places of birth, marriage and death of parents and grandparents MUST be given and documented. If still living, “living” should be typed in the died at space.

No application will be accepted without this information.

Proof of marriage is very important. Applications will be returned without this proof. For these time frames, county clerks generally have these records and will provide copies for nominal fees. Write to the county where they were married for this information.

If date(s) or place(s) in these generations cannot be secured a statement should be prepared that describes the conditions that make it impossible to obtain the information. Some proof of the marriage (e.g. census records may establish paternal lines). Lack of information establishing the lineage is not acceptable.

The dates and places of birth, marriage and death of parents and grandparents MUST be given and documented. If still living, “living” should be typed in the died at space.

No application will be accepted without this information.

Proof of marriage is very important. Applications will be returned without this proof. For these time frames, county clerks generally have these records and will provide copies for nominal fees. Write to the county where they were married for this information.

If date(s) or place(s) in these generations cannot be secured a statement should be prepared that describes the conditions that make it impossible to obtain the information. Some proof of the marriage (e.g. census records may establish paternal lines). Lack of information establishing the lineage is not acceptable.


How do I prove my relationship to this ancestor?How do I prove my relationship to this ancestor?

A direct and unbroken line from you to this ancestor must beestablished with the use of acceptable proofs. Types ofacceptable proofs are as follows:

♦ Birth, marriage and death certificates♦ Wills, probates and estate settlements♦ Pension applications and pension records♦ Church records♦ County records - deeds, tax records, guardianships♦ Obituaries, wedding announcements, etc♦ Properly authenticated Bible records♦ Contemporary biographies♦ Census records

A direct and unbroken line from you to this ancestor must beestablished with the use of acceptable proofs. Types ofacceptable proofs are as follows:

♦ Birth, marriage and death certificates♦ Wills, probates and estate settlements♦ Pension applications and pension records♦ Church records♦ County records - deeds, tax records, guardianships♦ Obituaries, wedding announcements, etc♦ Properly authenticated Bible records♦ Contemporary biographies♦ Census records

What records prove my ancestor was in the Republic?What records prove my ancestor was in the Republic?

Some of the most effective proofs for residence in Texas prior to Feb 19, 1846:

Land Records:Headrights - First, second, third or fourth classPreemption GrantsBounty Certificates for service to RepublicDonation CertificatesDeeds

Census Records:1850 census may show ancestor or children born in Texas before 1846

Colonial Records:Austin’s colony certificate, Wavell’s colonly, Robertson’s etc

Death CertificatesIf ancestor’s death certificate clearly states this fact

Some of the most effective proofs for residence in Texas prior to Feb 19, 1846:

Land Records:Headrights - First, second, third or fourth classPreemption GrantsBounty Certificates for service to RepublicDonation CertificatesDeeds

Census Records:1850 census may show ancestor or children born in Texas before 1846

Colonial Records:Austin’s colony certificate, Wavell’s colonly, Robertson’s etc

Death CertificatesIf ancestor’s death certificate clearly states this fact


Archives & Document RepositoriesTexas State Archives & Manuscripts http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/Residents of Texas 1782-1836 http://www.rootsweb.com/~txgenweb/restx.htmRepublic of Texas Claims http://www2.tsl.state.tx.us/trail/RepublicSearch.jspThe Chronicles of Oklahoma http://digital.library.okstate.edu/Chronicles/Biographical Souvenir of Texas, 1889 http://digital.library.okstate.edu/Chronicles

Texas Formation Maps http:/www.mytexasgenealogy.com/tx_maps/tx_cf.htmConfederate Pension Search http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/pensions/The Evolution of a State [Smithwick] http://www.oldcardboard.com/lsj/olbooks/smithwic/otd.htmTexas GLO Land Grant Search wwwdb.glo.state.tx.us/central/LandGrants/LandGrantsSearch.cfm

East Texas Research Center (manuscripts) http://libweb.sfasu.edu/etrc/COLLECT/MANSCRPT/PERSONAL/Manmain.htm

1823-1825 Rep of Texas – Colorado Co http://www.columbustexas.net/library/history%20index.htm Robertson Colony Papers, by McLean http://lonestar.texas.net/~mdmclean/rc_papers_vol_1/contents.htm

Archives & Document RepositoriesTexas State Archives & Manuscripts http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/Residents of Texas 1782-1836 http://www.rootsweb.com/~txgenweb/restx.htmRepublic of Texas Claims http://www2.tsl.state.tx.us/trail/RepublicSearch.jspThe Chronicles of Oklahoma http://digital.library.okstate.edu/Chronicles/Biographical Souvenir of Texas, 1889 http://digital.library.okstate.edu/Chronicles

Texas Formation Maps http:/www.mytexasgenealogy.com/tx_maps/tx_cf.htmConfederate Pension Search http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/pensions/The Evolution of a State [Smithwick] http://www.oldcardboard.com/lsj/olbooks/smithwic/otd.htmTexas GLO Land Grant Search wwwdb.glo.state.tx.us/central/LandGrants/LandGrantsSearch.cfm

East Texas Research Center (manuscripts) http://libweb.sfasu.edu/etrc/COLLECT/MANSCRPT/PERSONAL/Manmain.htm

1823-1825 Rep of Texas – Colorado Co http://www.columbustexas.net/library/history%20index.htm Robertson Colony Papers, by McLean http://lonestar.texas.net/~mdmclean/rc_papers_vol_1/contents.htm

Some On-Line Sources of Texian ResearchSome On-Line Sources of Texian Research


I have a cousin, sister, aunt who is in the DRT, does that help? I have a cousin, sister, aunt who is in the DRT, does that help?

Common proofs can be use when two or more applicants are joining or havejoined on the same ancestor.

Proof already on file may be cited provided that claimed relationship is proven.

However, it MUST BE VERIFIED that the proper proof was submitted (and isin file) with that member’s application.

Occasionally, data submitted with applications by DRT members was notincluded in the microfiche. In such instances, the applicants will be required tosubmit the needed proof. Reference to the original unsupported DRT membernumber will not meet requirements.

The proper procedure for reference common proof is to enter the information inthe following format on the form at that generation.

Common proofs can be use when two or more applicants are joining or havejoined on the same ancestor.

Proof already on file may be cited provided that claimed relationship is proven.

However, it MUST BE VERIFIED that the proper proof was submitted (and isin file) with that member’s application.

Occasionally, data submitted with applications by DRT members was notincluded in the microfiche. In such instances, the applicants will be required tosubmit the needed proof. Reference to the original unsupported DRT membernumber will not meet requirements.

The proper procedure for reference common proof is to enter the information inthe following format on the form at that generation.

Gen 3: Grandmother’s birth and death certificates, Grandfather’s birth and deathcertificates, marriage license. Please see DRT File No ######, Mary Sue SmithJohnson, my aunt

DO’S FOR APPLICATION PREPARATIONDO’S FOR APPLICATION PREPARATION

DO type with a good black ribbon, or print with an injet or laser jet printer.

DO make a legible photocopy of original application and all documents.

DO sign both original and photocopy with permanent black ink (acid-free black ink).

DO keep a copy of all papers and proofs for your personal records (Applications have been lost in the mail.)

DO use paper clips to hold papers together.

DO make a margin of 1” on the left side of each proof page for binding.

DO use a red pencil to underline the facts on the proof that are in the application.

DO include title page with all bibliographic information on all published proofs.

DO type with a good black ribbon, or print with an injet or laser jet printer.

DO make a legible photocopy of original application and all documents.

DO sign both original and photocopy with permanent black ink (acid-free black ink).

DO keep a copy of all papers and proofs for your personal records (Applications have been lost in the mail.)

DO use paper clips to hold papers together.

DO make a margin of 1” on the left side of each proof page for binding.

DO use a red pencil to underline the facts on the proof that are in the application.

DO include title page with all bibliographic information on all published proofs.


DO NOT’S CHECKLISTDO NOT’S CHECKLIST

DO NOT use ball-point, felt tip, blue ink or pencil when signing papers.

DO NOT use highlighters on paper on proofs.

DO NOT use correction fluid. If a correction must be made, very carefully crossor type xxx’s over the mistake and type the correction beside, above or below.

DO NOT use staples, pins, tape or glue.

DO NOT send photographs. Photocopy all photographs.

DO NOT send original copies. Make photocopies of original documents.

DO NOT send more than one (1) set of proofs.

DO NOT fold papers. Place in legal-size envelope for mailing.

DO NOT use ball-point, felt tip, blue ink or pencil when signing papers.

DO NOT use highlighters on paper on proofs.

DO NOT use correction fluid. If a correction must be made, very carefully crossor type xxx’s over the mistake and type the correction beside, above or below.

DO NOT use staples, pins, tape or glue.

DO NOT send photographs. Photocopy all photographs.

DO NOT send original copies. Make photocopies of original documents.

DO NOT send more than one (1) set of proofs.

DO NOT fold papers. Place in legal-size envelope for mailing.

DRT Computer Application FormsDRT Computer Application Forms

Using the computer form there are several things you have to remember:

1. The original of the form must be printed on official DRT acid-fee paper with the DRT watermark. [available from DRT business office or a chapter registrar]

2. The margins are set so that there is a 1” left hand margin for binding.

3. The family tradition should be contained in the space provided. Generally speaking, this tradition to the settlers and the immediate family.

4. All signatures must be in black acid-free ink and original, cannot be a computer image.

5. It is best to submit a proof copy of the form and your documentation to the Chapter Registrar before printing the final form.

Using the computer form there are several things you have to remember:

1. The original of the form must be printed on official DRT acid-fee paper with the DRT watermark. [available from DRT business office or a chapter registrar]

2. The margins are set so that there is a 1” left hand margin for binding.

3. The family tradition should be contained in the space provided. Generally speaking, this tradition to the settlers and the immediate family.

4. All signatures must be in black acid-free ink and original, cannot be a computer image.

5. It is best to submit a proof copy of the form and your documentation to the Chapter Registrar before printing the final form.


Proof Worksheet Note that this resource is on the Registrar Diskette

I. GENERATION 1 APPLICANT NAME: Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth Lineage Child of:

Applicant Spouse 1: Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth

Death

Marriage

Divorce

Applicant Spouse 2:

Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth

Death

Marriage

Divorce

GENERATION 2 FATHER’S NAME: Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth Death Number of father’s marriage to this wife (circle ) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Marriage

MOTHER’S NAME: (if 1st maiden, if 2nd married)

Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth Death


GENERATION 3 FATHER’S NAME: Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth Death Number of father’s marriage to this wife (circle ) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Marriage MOTHER’S NAME: (if 1st maiden, if 2nd married)


GENERATION 4 FATHER’S NAME: Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth Death Number of father’s marriage to this wife (circle ) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Marriage MOTHER’S NAME: Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth Death



GENERATION 6 FATHER’S NAME: Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth Death Number of father’s marriage to this wife (circle ) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Marriage MOTHER’S NAME: Birth Death





Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth Death Proof of ancestor’s service


Proof Worksheet – Example

Generation 1 APPLICANT NAME: Helen Kathleen Straight Weeks Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth 16 Jan 1956 Wink, Winkler Co., TX BC Lineage Child of: Richard James Straight and Bessie Ann Manham Applicant Spouse 1: Earl Harrold Straight The MR may have birth

information on it as CA marriage records do, but it is probably only specific to the state of birth.

Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth 03 May 1950 Wichita Falls, Wichita Falls Co, TX MR Death Marriage 17 Mar 1987 Modesto, Stanislaus Co., CA MR Divorce

GENERATION 2 FATHER’S NAME: Richard James Straight The death of Richard

James Straight has not been documented. A death certificate should be obtained. For Beverly Thompson the SSDI is the only proof listed. This is not an acceptable document. Since she died in Dallas the applicant should be able to obtain the DC on the FamilySearch.org or Ancestry. Com database

Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth 19 Dec 1916 Houston, Harris Co., TX BC

Death 28 Dec 1969 Modesto, Stanislaus Co., CA Number of father’s marriage to this wife (circle ) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Marriage 12 Jun 1934

Bexar Co., TX MR

MOTHER’S NAME: (if 1st maiden, if 2nd married)

Beverly Jane Thompson

Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth 25 Apr 1916 Dallas, Dallas Co., TX Death 30 Jun 1980 Dallas, Dallas Co., TX SSDI

GENERATION 3 FATHER’S NAME: John William Thompson The tombstone will not

suffice for death certificate for John Thompson. DC may be obtain on FamilySearch.org or Ancestry.com

Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth 12 Jan 1884 Farmersville, Collin Co., TX WWI Death 23 Apr 1956 McKinney, Collin co., TX Tombstone

photo Number of father’s marriage to this wife (circle ) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Marriage 3 Apr 1901 Collin Co., TX MR MOTHER’S NAME: (if 1st maiden, if 2nd married)

Regina Walls

Event Day – Mon-Yr City, County, ST Proof Birth 12 Jan 1883 Collin Co., TX DC Death 15 Sep 1965 McKinney, Collin Co., TX DC


Finding Common Proofs for Lineage and/or Ancestor


Suggestions on Preparing Proofs There are very important things to keep in mind when preparing proofs. The 1” left margin, the underlines, the red underlining, the notions on the right bottom corner, and the legibility of the proofs. If one has a simple photo editor and a digital proof. It becomes easier to print the proofs. A simple freeware photo editor is Paint.Net. It does everything one needs. Many of the documents one obtains, like census and land records, may be downloaded and the digit file used. The first step is to open your word processor.

Set the page size to legal (8 ½” x 14”) Set the left margin to 1” Open the footer and add the applicant name and “generation ____” You will enter your digital proofs into the document you have created, starting with generation one.

If you are using a color printer, you may open the image in your photo editor, and underline the pertinent information in red. Then insert altered image into the document that you created. If you are using a black and white printer, you may just insert the image onto the page.

Some images like death certificates may fit two to a page if you have set very narrow top and bottom margins. Do not reduce images, below about 80% or to an extent that they are difficult to read. These will be returned and the application pended until a new proof is submitted. The benefit to prepaing proofs this was, besides that of meeting the 1” left margin and footer, is that the document when saved is a copy that can be used if questions arise on the application.


Insert the Application Correction Form here


Spanish Name Equivalents of Some English Given Names When searching some of the records in Spanish it is important to note that they may have used the Spanish equivalent of your ancestor’s name or phonetically spelled the name with the Spanish pronunciation. Given below are some examples of the Spanish equivalents of some of the common given names.

Male Female Alex/Alexander - Alejandro April - Abril Alfred - Alfredo Anna - Ana Anthony - Antonio Barbara - Barbara/Bebe Charles/Charlie - Carlos Dorothy - Dora Christopher - Cristóbal Elizabeth - Isabel/Elisabet/Elisabé Daniel - Danilo Ellen - Elena David - David Eve - Eva Doug - Diego Grace - Gracia Edward - Eduardo Helen - Helena George - Jorge Hope - Esperanza Henry - Enrique Linda - Linda James - Jaime Lorraine - Lorena John - Juan Margaret - Margarita Joseph - Jose Mary - Maria Mark - Marco Nancy - Inés Michael - Miguel Natalie - Natalia Peter - Pedro Patricia - Patricia Richard - Ricardo Rachel - Raquel Robert - Roberto Rose - Rosa Stephen - Esteban Roxanne/Roseanne - Rosana Thomas - Tomás Sarah - Sara William - Guillermo Sonya - Sonia Susan - Susana Violet - Violeta


English Spanish German French age, years of age años de edad Jahre alt ans

aunt tía tante tante baptism bautismo Taufe baptême baptised bautizado getauft baptisé

birth nacimiento Geburt naissance born nacido gebürtig né burial entierro Beerdigung enterrement buried enterrado begraben enterré citizen ciudadano Bürger citoyen

daughter hija Tochter fille day after el día después Tag danach le jour après

day before un día antes Vortag le jour précédent death muerte Tod décès died murió gestorben mort

divorce divorcio Scheidung divorce father padre Vater père

foreigner extranjero Ausländer étranger godfather padrino Pate parrain

godmother madrina Patin marraine grandfather abuelo Großvater grand-père

grandmother abuela Großmutter grand-mère lived vivió lebte vivait lives vidas Leben vies

marriage matrimonio Ehe mariage wedding boda Hochzeit mariage mother madre Mutter mère nephew sobrino Neffe neveu

niece sobrina Nichte nièce resident residente resident résident

son hijo Sohn fils uncle tío Onkel oncle

widow viuda Witwe veuve widower viudo Witwer veuf


Month Mes Monat Mois January Enero Jänner janvier February Febrero Februar fèvrier

March Marcha März mars April Abril April avril May Mayo Mai mai June Junio Juni juin July Julio Juli juillet

August Augusto August août September Setiembre September septembre, 7bre

October Octubre Oktober octobre, 8bre November Noviembre November novembre, 9bre

December Diciembre Dezember dècembre, 10bre, Xbre

Day Día Day Jour Sunday domingo Sonntag dimanche Monday lunes Montag lundi Tuesday martes Dienstag mardi Wednesday miércoles Mittwoch mercredi Thursday jueves Donnerstag jeudi Friday viernes Freitag vendredi Saturday sábado Samstag samedi


Nicknames Frequently, ancestors were not recorded with their given names. They were called by nicknames. Some of these nicknames are standard nicknames associated with their given names and some are not. So while we know that Molly may be Mary, we have no clue to Shorty’s given name from his given name. This is not always true, but it is worth investigating when searching for a lost ancestor.

Abby Abigail Eck Alexander Ann Ann, Hannah, Nancy, Susannah Ed Edmund, Edgar Barney Barnabus Eda Edith Bart Bartholomew Edie Edith Bat, Batty Bartholomew Effie Euphemia Becca, Becky Rebecca Elaine Eleanor Bell Annabelle, Isabelle, Elizabeth, Mabel Ella Eleanor, Gabriella, Luella Ben Benjamin, Ebenezer Ellen, Ellie Eleanor Bert, Bertie Albert, Elbert, Egbert Elsie Elizabeth Bess, Bessie Elizabeth Essie Esther Beth Elizabeth Etta Lorett Betty Elizabeth Evie Evelyn, Eva Betty Elizabeth Fate Lafayette Biddy Obedience Fay Faith Bill William Fina Josephine Bob, Bobby Robert Flo, Flora Florence Cal Caleb, Calvin Flossie Florence Callie Caroline Frank Francis, Franklin Carrie Caroline Fred Ferdinand, Frederick Cassie Cassandra Fritz Frederick, Diedrich Cathy Catherine Gabe Gabriel Cate, Kate Catherine Gene Eugene Cilly Cecilia Ginny Genevieve, Gwenevere Chet Chester Guiseppe Joseph Cindy Cynthia, Lucinda Gus Augustus, Gustav Cissy Cecilia, Clarissa Hal Henry Claus Nicholaus Hank Henry Connie Constance, Conrad, Cornelia Hanna Johanno Cora Corinne Harry Harold, Harriet, Henry, Horace Creasy Lucretia Hattie Harriet Chrissy Christine, Christina Helen Eleanor Cy Cyrus Heinz Heinrich Delia Bridget, Cordelia, Fidelia, Deliliah Hetty Henrietta, Mehetabel Della Delilah Iggy Ignatius Derick Frederick, Diedrich Ike Isaac Dicey Edith, Eurydice Issy Isabelle, Isadore, Isadora Dick Richard Jack John, Jackson, Jacob Dolly Dorothy Jackie Jacqueline Dora Dorothy, Eudora, Isadora Jake Jake Dotty Dorothy Jane Janet, Virginia


Jedediah Jed

Nab Abel, Abner

Jennifer Winifred Nabby Abigail Jennie Jane, Genevieve, Jennifer, Virginia Nan, Nancy Ann, Hannah, Joanne, Nancy, Susannah Jerry Jeremiah, Jerold, Gerald Nat, Nate Nathan, Nathaniel Jill Julia Ned Edmund, Edward, Norton Jim, Jimmy James Neely Cornelia Kata Katarina Neil Cornelius Kate, Katy Katherine Neil Edward Kit Christopher, Catherine Nell, Nelly Cornelia, Eleanor, Ellen, Hellen, Lana Eleanor Nessie Agnes Larry Lawrence Nettie, Eunice Lena Florina, Magdalena, Paulina Nick Dominic, Nicholas Leo, Leon Leonard Nicy Eunice Liam William Nora Eleanor, Elnora, Honora Libby Elizabeth Ollie Oliver Liddy Lydia Ora Aurilla, Corinne lilly Lydia Pacho Francisco Liz, Liza, Lizzy Elizabeth Paddy Patrick Lora Loretta Pancho Francisco Lottie Charlotte Pat, Patty Martha, Matilda, Patricia, Patrick Lucy Lucinda, Lucille Patsy Martha, Matilda, Patricia Mabel Mehitable Peg, Meggy Margaret Maddie Madeline Penny Penelope Madge Margaret Pepe José Maggie Margaret Peppe Giuseppe Mame Margaret, Mary Polly Mary, Paula Mandy Amanda Prissy Pricilla Manny Emanuel Prudy Prudence Marcy Marcella, Marcia Randy Miranda, Randall, Randolph Marge Margaret Reba Rebecca Margie Margaret, Marjorie Rena, Rene Irene

Marty Martha Rick Frederick, Garrick, Patrick, Richard, Roderick

Matt Matthew, Matthias Rita Clarita, Margaret, Margarita Maud Magdalene, Matilda Rodie Rhoda May Margaret Ron Reginald, Ronald Mena Philomena, Wilomena Ronnie Veronica Midge Margaret Rosie Rosalind, Rose, Rosemary, Rosetta Millie Amelia, Emeline, Mildred, Millicent Rowena Rhoana Mimi Mary, Wilhelmina Roy Leroy Minnie Minerva, Philomina, Wilhelmina Rudy Rudolph Molly Mary, Martha Sadie Sarah Sally, Sal Sarah Sattie Sarah


Sandy Alexander Trina Katherina Seby Sebastian Trixie Beatrice, Beatrix Si Cyrus, Matthias, Silas Trudy Gertrude Silla Drusilla, Cecilia, Priscilla Vangie Evangeline Stacy Eustacia, Anastacia Virgie Virginia Sukey Suzanna Vonnie Yvonne Tad Edward, Thadeus Wally Wallace, Walter Ted, Teddy Edmund, Edward, Theodore Wendy Gwendolen Telly Aristotle Will William Terry Theresa Winn Edwin Tess Elizabeth, Theresa Winnie Edwina, Winifred Theo Theobald, Theodore Yost Joseph Tilly Matilda, Otillia Zac, Zach Isaac, Zachariah, Zachary

Tina Albertina, any name with "tina" ending Zeb Zebulon

Tish Letitia, Zed Zedekiah Tracy Theresa Zeke Ezekiel


New Member Packet _______________ Chapter

Daughters of the Republic of Texas

We are thrilled to welcome you as a new member of DRT and especially of the _________ Chapter! As with any organization, there are certain “peculiarities” which are well-understood by members who have been involved a long time – but sometimes we forget to explain them to our new members! The purpose of this packet is to help ease your transition into active membership by providing you with information. If you encounter something you don’t understand that isn’t covered here, don’t hesitate to ask; we’ll answer your question and add it to future packets!!

Organization

DRT is composed of a set of “General” officers who are elected by the membership in the spring of odd-numbered years for two year terms. “General” refers to the main body of the organization; we do not have “state” officers. The state is divided into ten districts, each of which is composed of varying numbers of individual chapters. Each district elects a District Representative. These District Representatives and General Officers form the governing body called the DRT Board of Management (BOM). There are various committees [standing, administrative and ad hoc] whose members and chairwomen are appointed by the BOM. In addition to these volunteer positions, there is paid staff at our Headquarters and Museum and at the French Legation. Various General Officers exercise oversight of the DRT properties and staff. You are urged to consult the DRT By-Laws to understand fully these relationships.


DRT convenes an Annual Convention each May in rotating from districts in district order. With the district chapters host the membership and select the location. Installation of officers occurs at the convention in odd-numbered years. Each fall, a Workshop is held in each district, hosted by one or more of the chapters. The District Workshops are attended by as many of the Board of Management as can attend and is a kick-off to the new year. The District Workshop is a great opportunity to meet the BOM and exchange ideas with other chapters! Our chapter currently elects the following officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, Historian, CRT Director and Chaplain (usually the immediate past president becomes Chaplain). In addition we have a Newsletter Editor and Educational Coordinator.

Chapter Officers President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Registrar: Historian: Chaplain: CRT Director: Newsletter Editor: Educational Coordinator:

Dues The fees which you paid when you sent in your application cover your first year dues of $45 per year. Our chapter dues are $-----per year and $1 per year is requested for the President General’s Project. So you will need to pay the chapter treasurer $___ once your papers are accepted. After this, our dues notices are sent every year in Apr and are requested to be paid immediately on receipt of the notice but in all cases no later than September 1. [New members who are approved after April 1st do not pay dues until the next year. Their dues payment submitted with their application are credited for the current year.] Members will receive two dues reminders from the treasurer before the absolute deadline of October 1. The dues notice should be returned with your payment, as it provides you a place to update any address, phone, or e-mail ilchanges.

Yearbook When your papers have been accepted by DRT and you have paid your chapter dues, you will receive a chapter yearbook. The yearbook includes: background information on DRT, our chapter, and important Texas information, which stays permanently in your binder; the current year’s officers, meeting dates, and membership roster, parts of which are updated every year or every other year; and our chapter bylaws and standing rules, which are only updated as needed. You will be provided with updated inserts each year as you pay your dues. A copy of our yearbook may be entered into competition at DRT Annual Convention on odd years.

Scrapbook Our chapter historian is charged with keeping a chapter scrapbook, the basic guidelines for which are in the DRT Manual of Procedure. This scrapbook is also entered into competition at the DRT Annual Convention on odd years. Traditionally, the out-going chapter president keeps the scrapbook for her term; it not only makes a nice remembrance of her term but it is easy to remember who has what book!

Chapter Memory Book Our chapter chaplain maintains a Chapter Memory Book. In this packet, you will find a copy of the member


profile sheet. Please complete it and send it to the chaplain, who will then put it in paragraph format and put your page in our Book. As soon as possible, we will take a picture of you which will be included on the page. This makes a wonderful keepsake of our membership and occasionally the pages have been copied and sent to members who live out of state so they can match faces with names they see in the newsletter. It is also very helpful in the sad event that we need to write notify the Chaplain General of deceased members.

Newsletters Our chapter publishes a newsletter, the ____________, each month we have our meetings. This is our primary communication tool and covers pertinent info on chapter, district, and DRT activities, along with a calendar of upcoming events. It is important to read it thoroughly each month as it often contains vital info on changes in upcoming meetings, etc. On your membership form, you can choose whether you want to receive paper copies of the newsletter via snail mail or an e-mail copy. For those members who have e-mail, we also send meeting reminders and other notices when necessary. DRT Website DRT has a website. These website has two primary sections – a public and a private section. You can access the public website at the following URL: http://www.drt-inc.org/ You can access the members’ only website at the following URL: http://www.drt-inc.org/members/

DRT Jewelry You are now eligible to purchase DRT jewelry, which falls into a couple of different categories. The official DRT pin is available in a smaller size, which is to be worn on an article of clothing without other pins, at any time that is appropriate. The regular size DRT pin is for use on the red, white, and blue DRT ribbon with other sanctioned pins. It is worn above all other pins; only the sanctioned plain gold fastener bar may be above it. You can also order a bar on which you can have your ancestor’s name engraved, which is worn below the DRT pin. The Manual of Procedure lists the order in which pins should be worn. A copy of the jewelry order form is included in this packet. It must be signed by the chapter treasurer. This form must accompany your jewelry order!! Ribbons with felt backgrounds can usually be purchased at the District Workshop and Convention from the Miss Ima Hogg chapter.

From time to time, chapters and DRT properties make available special pins, often as fundraisers for their chapter activities. To be worn on the DRT ribbon, the pin must be sanctioned by the DRT Board of Management. It is your choice if you wish to purchase these pins; they are not required but are fun additions to your ribbon and many are quite beautiful. They are available at the district meetings and general convention, and are also publicized by direct mailing. Much of the jewelry offered for sale by the chapters can be found on the DRT members-only website at the following URL http://www.drt-inc.org/members/sales.htm. Guidelines for the placement, order and manner for wearing and displaying the official ribbon and pins can be found in the DRT MOP in the General Information/ Miscellaneous section. Only “approved” pins may be worn on the ribbon which is worn on the left breast. The order of the pins:

1. One-inch membership pin 2. Senior Member pin 3. Ancestor bars 4. BOM pins 5. Ex-BOM pins in order of listing in Art VI, Sect 5 6. Preservation Projects pins 7. DRT General Committee pin

http://www.drt-inc.org/

http://www.drt-inc.org/members/

http://www.drt-inc.org/members/sales.htm


8. DRT General Committee bar 9. Chapter President pin 10. Ex-Chapter President pin 11. Your Chapter pin 12. Chapter Officer pin 13. Six Star Chapter Pin 14. Six Star Chapter Bar 15. Star Pin 16. Bluebonnet Pin 17. Commemorative pins.

Meetings We meet in the months of _____________________________________. The meetings are currently scheduled on the _____________n of the month at _______. Meetings are for DRT members and prospective members and guest. Often, if a speaker’s topic seems appropriate for outsiders, we encourage guests and spouses to attend. Exceptions to this schedule are as follows:

Christmas – our Christmas party is held on a Saturday evening, often the first or second weekend in December or as convenient to the hostess. It is held in a member’s home, and a spouse/guest is invited. The chapter provides a ham and members bring side dishes/desserts to share. May – our May meeting is a barbeque, also held on a Saturday, usually in a member’s home, and also includes a spouse/guest. The chapter provides the barbequed meat and members bring side dishes/desserts to share. In odd years, this meeting entails installation of the new officers. Field trips - We have on occasion selected a month to have a “field trip.” Field trips are usually of historical Texas significance.

Volunteer Hours Any time that you spend on DRT, whether in meeting attendance, working on officer or committee work, etc., should be recorded and noted on your page in our Volunteer Hours Log, which is circulated at all chapter meetings and maintained by our secretary. These hours are reported to DRT; they assist DRT in qualifying for grants and defending any challenges to DRT’s tax exempt and nonprofit status.

Texas History Essay Contest DRT sponsors a Texas History Essay Contest each year for fourth and seventh graders, on a topic chosen for each grade level by the general officer in charge of this contest. Our chapter publicizes this to public, private, and home schoolers in our area. Essays are submitted to the chapter chairman, who enlists the aid of qualified members and outsiders to judge the essays. All students who submit and their families are honored at our March meeting, and the grade-level winners are asked to read their essays and are given a cash prize. These two winners are then submitted to our District Representative, who convenes a panel to judge the district submissions and choose one from each grade level, which then advances to the general level for judging. The winner in each grade level at general is invited to attend the Annual Convention and receives a cash prize.


Texas Honor Days A complete list of the recognized Texas Honor Days is included in your yearbook. These are “sacred” days in Texas history and members are encouraged to fly their Texas flags on these days.

Chapter Flag Our chapter does have a chapter flag, which is occasionally taken to district workshops or nearby Annual Conventions. Its base is quite heavy so it is not easily transported to chapter meetings.

Related Organizations DRT sponsors the Children of the Republic of Texas, which is available to any male or female child from

birth to age 21. The chapter sponsors the_________________ of CRT. From age 16-21, female members of CRT can transfer into DRT; male members can transfer into SRT

around this time, also. Males can also be junior members of SRT. CRT members and junior members of SRT must complete membership applications with full proofs similar to DRT applications. Attachments: Jewelry Order Form Members Information Form to be returned to the chaplain.


Daughters of the Republic of Texas OFFICIAL JEWELRY

1. State Officer 4. Chapter (or Ex-Chapter) President Curved Ribbon for Hand Engraving Only Straight Bar for Engraving - 14 ltrs. per line

10 Karat Yellow Gold - $242.00 (Max. 2 lines) 1/10 10K Gold-Filled - $57.60 10 Karat Yellow Gold - $250.00

1/10 10K Gold-Filled - $59.30 2. Membership

10 Karat Yellow Gold - $217.72 5. Ancestral Bar - Straight or Curved 1/10 10K Gold-Filled - $49.50 10 Karat Yellow Gold - $52.90 2A.Twenty-Five Year Ribbon 1/10 10K Gold-Filled - $20.40

10 Karat Yellow Gold - $77.70 Engraving: 1/10 10K Gold-Filled - $29.20 5A. Straight Bar: Max. 18 Ltrs. - $.72 per letter

5B. Curved Bar: Max. 20 Ltrs. - $2.40 per letter 3. Recognition

10 Karat Yellow Gold - $141.20 **Swivel Loop to wear your Recognition pin 1/10 10K Gold-Filled - $36.90 on a necklace (for item #3) - $12.00

TO ORDER, F ILL OUT ORDER FORM COMPLETELY - PLE ASE PRI NT & SEND TO THE ADDRESS BELOW

This is to certify that _________________ DRT # ___________ is entitled to purchase x insignia (please

circle choice above) and x ancestor bars as follows: ___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

____________________________ _________________________________

Chapter President Chapter Treasurer MAIL TO:

Full Name: ________________________________________ Phone: ( )________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________State: __________________ Zip Code: ____________

Pins/Bars Requested (use back if necessary) Cost Each Totals

1. Qty. ____ of ___________________________________ =$_________ ea. $_________ 2. Qty. ____ of ___________________________________ =$_________ ea. $_________ 3. Qty. ____ of ___________________________________ =$_________ ea. $_________ 4. Qty. ____ of ___________________________________ =$_________ ea. $_________

Engraving Instructions Cost Each Totals

1. _____________________________________________ =$_________ per ltr. $________ 2. _____________________________________________ =$_________ per ltr. $________ 3. _____________________________________________ =$_________ per ltr. $________ 4. _____________________________________________ =$_________ per ltr. $________

Subtotal $___________

8.25% State Tax $___________ Freight Charges $10.00______

Grand Total $___________

Send Completed Form & Check or Money Order to: J. Brandt Recognition 2816 W. Lancaster Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76107 1-800-435-5749 [email protected], www.jbrandt.com Effective 9/1/09 AB


The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Member Information form

Member Name: DRT No. Address:

City, ST Email: Phone: Cell:

Date Admitted to DRT: DRT Chapter: Current Chapter: (if not original)

Date of Transfer:

Ancestor Name When/Where Born Service to the Republic

Note if more than one ancestor, please list on second page of form.

Personal Information Birth date: Birth place: Husband’s Name: Marriage Date: Names of children Address: Phone No: email

Note if additional space needed for children, please list on page two.

DRT Service Chapter Offices Held:

Chapter Committees:

State Level Committees:

BOM Offices:

Other:

Community, Genealogical and Lineal Association Memberships Genealogical Societies:

Lineal Associations:

Community Organizations:

Other interesting information you would like us to know about you. Church Affiliation: Education: Hobbies & Interests:

Please return to chapter chaplain Date Completed ______________


Ancestor Listing continued from page 1 Ancestor Name When/Where Born Service to the Republic

Listing of children, continued from page 1

Names of children Address: Phone No: email

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