To qualify for the certificate, applicants must prove direct or collateral descent from an ancestor who settled in Texas or served the Republic of Texas before February 19, 1846, the day of the ceremony on which the Republic of Texas formally relinquished its sovereignty to the United States government.
A collateral ancestor would be a brother, sister, uncle, or aunt of your Texas ancestor who was in Texas by this date. The relationship would have to be explained on the Line of Descent Chart.
Dual Memberships
All members of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and of the Children of the Republic of Texas are eligible for this certificate, but must submit a complete application with documented proof of descendancy. Records from these other societies are not readily available to TxSGS nor do members of the committee have the time to search these records for proof of an applicant’s ancestor.
Inclusion in TxSGS Publications
All applications and supporting documentation will become the property of theTexas State Genealogical Society (TxSGS). The Society may use any or all of the material to publish a book, or to publish as a part of the Society’s journal, Stirpes, or to publish as a part of the Society’s website.
TxSGS has already published two volumes from this project, with plans for additional volumes. Information about ordering First Families Volumes 1 and 2 is available online.
It is necessary to have each application complete in order to include it in future published volumes. Unproven information will not be included in the published volumes. Birth and marriage information of living persons will not be knowingly published in future volumes; only names of those still living may be published.
An index of the ancestor and applicant names from Volumes 1 and 2 of Texas First Families is available online.
Application Process
Complete instructions are included with the application form.
A PDF of Frequently Asked Questions is also available.
Completed submissions, with application form and all materials, should be mailed to:
Texas State Genealogical Society
c/o Lela Evans
829 Robin Meadow Drive
DeSoto, TX 75115