Genealogical and family history research can be a very satisfying activity. The thrill of discovering the names and histories of your ancestors is like no other experience. Part of what makes genealogical research so exciting is that, with the advent of modern information technologies, it has become easier than ever before. Computers, the internet, and various information storage and retrieval technologies have significantly increased the efficiency of doing research. However, while modern technological tools greatly facilitate this research, doing it can still be hard work, but the rewards are well worth it.
Requirements to Join the General and Utah Societies of Mayflower Descendants
To join the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, you must document your direct lineage from one of the Mayflower passengers. This process might take considerable time—even with the use of modern technology—but don’t get discouraged. Your research may also be aided by information held by living relatives and others who have already researched your family lines.
Primary Documentation
It is critical that the documentation you submit to the Society for proving your direct lineage from a Mayflower passenger shows all the parent-child “connections” from the Mayflower passenger down through the generations to you. Documentation that demonstrates these connections, referred to as primary documentation, includes the following:
- Vital records of birth, marriage and death
- Church records and Bible records
- Marriage bonds and licenses
- Cemetery records
- Probate records
- Military or pension records
- Deeds and wills
- Mortician’s records
- Contemporary family letters and diaries
- Tax lists
- Divorce records
- Social security records
- Published books and genealogies Secondary documentation may be used only after all efforts to find primary documentation have failed.
Secondary Documentation
- County and town histories
- Published family genealogies
- Federal and state census records
- Newspaper obituaries
- Newspaper marriage accounts
- Photos of gravestone inscriptions
- Affidavits In some cases, a circumstantial “proof argument” might be required to prove a point in the lineage where no one document provides direct evidence of the relationship or identity.
Our state historian can assist when needed.
Unacceptable Documentation
- Mayflower Index numbers
- Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Patriot Indexes
- Indexes to any other lineage papers
- International Genealogical Index (IGI)
- Lineage papers that have been submitted to any other hereditary society
- Genealogical compendiums such as Virkus
- Family group sheets, ancestral files and pedigree charts
- Family web pages and other internet sources
- Who’s Who
- Social registers
- Social Security Death Index (SSDI)
- Unpublished handwritten or computer-generated genealogical compilations
Valuable Genealogical Research Resources
Family History Library
Residents of Utah are fortunate to have the world’s foremost genealogical resource in their own back yard. The Family History Library (FHL), operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, contains a variety of records that can help with family history and genealogical research. The FHL is located at 35 North West Temple in Salt Lake City. The library contains vital records, including birth, marriage, and death records from both government and church sources. The library collection also includes census returns; court, property, and probate records; cemetery records; emigration and immigration lists; printed genealogies; and family and county histories.
The Family History Library’s computer system also contains several large databases, some with millions of names. They include the Ancestral File, the Pedigree Resource File, the Vital Records Index, and the International Genealogical Index. You can access these databases on the Internet at FamilySearch. While data from those resources cannot be used for your documentation, it will often point to the records which you can use. The Family History Library’s collection concentrates on records of deceased persons who lived before 1920. All records are obtained legally with the approval and cooperation of the government and local authorities who have jurisdiction over the records.
If you decide to conduct your research at the library in person, there is a friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to help you.
On the Web
FamilySearch
This is the official web site for the Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City.
Cindi’s List
This web site contains over 325,000 links to various genealogical resources. The site includes a detailed topical and subject index to help you find the type of documentation you are searching for.
Rootsweb
This web site, supported by Ancestry.com, lists numerous web sites, databases and other resources for conducting genealogical research.
New England Historic Genealogical Society
The New England Historic Genealogical Society is the oldest genealogical society in the country. For over 150 years, NEHGS has helped new and experienced researchers trace their heritage in New England and around the world.
Ancestry.com
A well-known subscription-based service for doing genealogical and family history research.
Utah Pioneer Resources
Many Utah pioneers were also descendants of one or more Mayflower passengers. Certainly, descent from a Utah Pioneer is not a requirement for Mayflower membership, but if your line of descent includes a Utah Pioneer with Mayflower ancestry, these sources may help bridge the gap that often occurs in the 19th century
The first three can be found in the reference section (behind the information desk) on the second floor at the FHL and elsewhere:
- International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude
- Frank Elwood Esshom, Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah, published in 1913
The classic Utah “mug book.” The two volume set is available by download from the FHL catalog and contains biographies, genealogies and even photographs of pioneers and early residents of the state of Utah. In addition to prominent men, many women who were important to the growth of the territory and state are included. With over 10,000 snapshots of these persons, this work is helpful to the researcher seeking information on important founders of Utah. This book is also “on the shelf” at the GSMD library, so you do not have to include the pages from it in your documentation. - Florence Cummings Youngberg, Conquerors of the West: Stalwart Mormon Pioneers
- Susan Easton Black, Membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1848
This 50 volume set is on the 3rd floor of the FHL, on fiche, and as a database on Ancestry.com. It appears that only the printed version has the sources and that makes it the version of choice. - Early Church Information File
From the catalog: “An alphabetical index of some members of the LDS Church, primarily from sources from 1830 to the mid-1900s. Sources include LDS church records, journals, biographies, cemetery records, immigration records and published books.” Now available online at familysearch.org, but as of this writing, not indexed, so you have to browse to find the individual you want. It’s also on microfilm at the FHL, may be easier to use than the online version, but not as accessible. - Utah Division of State History, Utah Cemeteries and Burials
“The Utah State Cemeteries and Burials database is used by cemeteries, researchers, genealogists, and individuals to locate the sites of burials and cemeteries throughout the state. We work with all cemeteries throughout the state to make this information available to the public in one comprehensive location.”
Summary
Researching for the purpose of joining the Mayflower Society is your responsibility. As you conduct research, remember that you are looking for original records, which constitute the proof of your Mayflower line. While they may be interesting and worth keeping, old family stories handed down through the generations and faded notes jotted down by your relatives are not considered original records. Once your documents bring you within five generations of your Mayflower ancestor, the Silver Books, published by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, can usually supply the documentation required for the rest of your Mayflower line. Our Historian uses these books to verify the information you supply the Society on your application review form.
Let the research begin!