Guidelines for Lineage Proof (guidelines-1)

Summary: A supplementary set of general lineage proof guidelines for patriotic/hereditary societies, drawing on Val D. Greenwood's Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy (1973). Treated as supplementary SAR guidance.

Sources: raw/guidelines-1.md

Last updated: 2026-04-20

Overview

This document provides a 16-point framework for evaluating evidence in lineage applications. It establishes a three-tier evidence hierarchy and enumerates specific rules about what does and does not constitute proof, including a detailed list of implied-proof pitfalls.

Where this document conflicts with SAR's own Genealogy Committee Policies (GCP), the GCP takes precedence for SAR applications. One known conflict is noted below under Census Records.

Evidence Hierarchy

Tier 1 — Primary evidence

Originates with someone directly involved in the event, near the time of that event. Examples: - Vital statistics, courthouse, and other government records - Bible records contemporary with the publication date of the Bible or events - Diaries and letters

Tier 2 — Secondary evidence

All other evidence; usable as corroboration, not standalone proof. Examples: - Census records - Newspaper clippings (must include name of newspaper, location, page, and date) - County histories and family records contemporary to the facts reported

Tier 3 — Circumstantial / hearsay

Not accepted as proof unless supported by Tier 1 or Tier 2 evidence: - Implied facts - Oral, written, or published family traditions

Implied Proof — What Does Not Count

Documents used as proof must actually state the fact to be proved, either alone or in conjunction with other acceptable documents. The following are examples of implied proof that are not acceptable:

A. Unnamed heirs in court records Individuals specified only as "heirs" or "heirs-at-law" are not proved unless it is known that the applicable laws at the time limited heirs to bloodline descendants.

B. Census relationship limitations - 1850–1870 census records show the head of household by name, with other family members listed only by age group — these cannot prove relationship on their own. - 1880 and later Federal census records show relationship to the head of household and are acceptable as relationship proof. - Note: SAR's own GCP 3.4001 accepts 1850–1870 census household groupings as proof of parent-child lineage unless conflicting evidence exists. SAR policy governs for SAR applications — see [[acceptable-sources]] and [[genealogical-proof-standard]].

C. Child's birthplace does not prove father's presence A child's birth in a county proves only that the mother was there, not the father.

D. Land ownership does not prove blood descent Owning the same land as an earlier person of the same name — whether inherited or purchased — does not prove blood descent.

Land and Tax Records

Acceptable only if the record: 1. Specifies that the individual was a resident of the county (not just a landowner or speculator), and 2. Was dated prior to the date required for proof

Tax lists, census records, and township trustee records generally concern only residents of specific townships and are considered excellent proof of residence.

Document Handling Rules

Photocopies

Acceptable if the original has no changes or alterations. If a photocopy is not possible, a typed or handwritten copy must be attested as a "TRUE COPY" by a courthouse official, librarian, or other qualified authority. An applicant or member of their family cannot attest to a document as a "TRUE COPY."

Bible records

Must include a photocopy of the title page showing publication date.

All proof documents

Must state their source. The title, volume, and page number must be written on the copy itself.

Bloodline and Adoption

Direct bloodline descent only is acceptable. Adopted children do not qualify as a step in lineage.

Ancestor Chart

An ancestor chart showing the line of descent must be included with the application.

Nearest Common Ancestor

If an ancestor has previously been proved by another member, the applicant may submit proof only to the nearest common ancestor. The name and membership number of the proving member must be included.

Inadmissible Material

Material that cannot be accepted as proof: - Oral, written, or published family traditions - Circumstantial evidence, implied facts, or hearsay (unless backed by Tier 1 or Tier 2 evidence) - Printed or manuscript genealogies, family group sheets, family reunion records - Unsupported work from amateur or professional genealogists, including work published in genealogical or historical journals - Lineage papers from other patriotic or hereditary societies — though the underlying documents cited by those papers might qualify - Material authored by the applicant or a member of their family

[[acceptable-sources]]
[[inadmissible-sources]]
[[lineage-proof]]
[[genealogical-proof-standard]]
[[source-citation-format]]
[[record-copies]]