Michigan Pioneer and Military Certificates Make a Great Gift

Samuel S. Glover, Jr Civil War Compiled Military Records

Are you looking for that unique gift for someone who has Michigan roots?  Look no further than the Michigan Genealogical Council (MGC).  MGC serves genealogical societies, family history organizations, and family associations within Michigan.  It coordinates genealogical activities that are of statewide interest.  In addition, MGC provides information to its member societies and works toward the preservation of materials and their deposit in Michigan repositories.

MGC has two certificate programs that honors family members who have a pioneer or military history with Michigan.

The Michigan Pioneer Certificate has five certificate options based on when your ancestor arrived in Michigan.

1. Pre-Statehood: Direct descendant of an early settler who settled in Michigan prior to Michigan’s statehood (26 January 1837), when Michigan was part of the Northwest Territory.
2. First Family: Direct descendant of an early settler who was a first family in a settlement, community, or county of Michigan.
3. Pioneer: Direct descendant of a settler who settled in Michigan after Michigan’s statehood, on 26 January 1837.
4. 100 Years: Direct descendant of a settler who settled in Michigan at least 100 years ago.
5. 150 Years: Direct descendant of a settler who settled in Michigan at least 150 years ago.
6. 175 Years: Direct descendant of a settler who settled in Michigan at least 175 years ago.

The Military Certificate program has ten certificates based on which war your ancestor served, supported or aided.

1. War of 1812: Direct descendant of a War of 1812 veteran, who actively served, supported or gave aid during the war and either lived, died or was buried in Michigan.
2. Indian Wars: Direct descendant of an Indian Wars veteran, who actively served, supported or gave aid during the war and either lived, died or was buried in Michigan.
3. Patriot War: Direct descendant of an Patriot War veteran, who actively served, supported or gave aid during the war and either lived, died or was buried in Michigan.
4. Mexican War: Direct descendant of an Mexican War veteran, who actively served, supported or gave aid during the war and either lived, died or was buried in Michigan.
5. Civil War: Direct descendant of a Civil War veteran, who actively served, supported or gave aid during the war and either lived, died or was buried in Michigan.
6. Spanish-American War: Direct descendant of a Spanish-American War veteran, who actively served, supported or gave aid during the war and either lived, died or was buried in Michigan.
7. World War I: Direct descendant of a World War I veteran, who actively served, supported or gave aid during the war and either lived, died or was buried in Michigan.
8. World War II: Direct descendant of a World War II veteran, who actively served, supported or gave aid during the war and either lived, died or was buried in Michigan.
9. Korean War: Direct descendant of a Korean War veteran, who actively served, supported or gave aid during the war and either lived, died or was buried in Michigan.
10. Vietnam War: Direct descendant of a Vietnam War veteran, who actively served, supported or gave aid during the war and either lived, died or was buried in Michigan.

An application process, with proof of lineage, is needed to receive any of the above certificates. More information on both certificate programs can be found at the MGC website under Projects. The application for all certificates can be found on the website.

I believe the costs are reasonable and all money goes to support the efforts of MGC. The costs are each certificate application $20.00; additional certificate application $10.00; supplemental application $10.00; and replacement certificate $ 5.00.

How many certificates have I applied for?  I am embarrassed to say none!  I found out about the project after I was elected to the board of MGC, this past year.  I would qualify for a number of these certificates.  I need to start working on it.  The certificates I would apply for and the ancestor's name are:

• Pre-Statehood: Daniel Fenn and/or Samuel Stillman Glover and/or Lucy Pixley Powers Hyde
• First Family: Valentine Graf of Brethren, Michigan
• Pioneer: William G. Dyer and/or Samuel B. Poor
• War of 1812: Samuel B. Poor
• Civil War: Samuel Stillman Glover, Jr
• World War II: Bruce Glover, my father.

These are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.  I am sure there are many other ancestors that would qualify.

Again, these would make great gifts for Father's or Mother's Day, or if you need more time, Christmas is only 276 days away!

Disclaimer:  I am a member of the Michigan Genealogical Council Board of Directors.  I have received no compensation in anyway for this blog post. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are purely mine.