Pioneer Certificate

The purpose of the Pioneer Certificate Program is to recognize families with Wood County, Wisconsin, roots, to encourage people to undertake genealogical research, to develop a database of information for researchers and to improve the quality of genealogical research.

This project was started in conjunction with the Sesquicentennial Celebration of Wood County Wisconsin (1856 - 2006) and is an on-going project.

Qualifications for Pioneer Certificate

To be eligible for a Pioneer Certificate you must be descended from an ancestor that settled in Wood County, Wisconsin, prior to the year 1856. You will need to prove direct descent, and prove that the ancestor settled in what is today Wood County, Wisconsin prior to 1856.

You may apply for certificates to be issued to yourself or to other persons. The person to whom the certificate is issued does not need to live in Wisconsin.

How to apply for a Pioneer Certificate

A separate signed application is required for each certificate requested. More than one ancestor may be identified on a certificate, but a separate application is required for each ancestor claimed. Type or print all entries on the application. Legibility is important. A signed authorization granting permission to publish and release data is required. Unsigned applications will be returned.

A complete application consists of the following:

1. An application form completed on BOTH pages. Only the current version of the form provided by HOWGS will be accepted.

2. A Pedigree Chart showing the ancestral line(s) of the person to whom the certificate is to be issued. Identify that person as number 1 on the chart. A HOWGS pedigree chart is provided with the application; however, any standard Pedigree (or Ancestral) chart form, or a computer-generated form, on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper may be used.

3. Proof of settlement by the date claimed (before 1856) and proof of direct descent. The guiding principles for proof are that it should permit reviewers to reach conclusions as to the validity of the claim without requiring additional research, and that sources should be specifically identified so that reviewers can locate and verify them if necessary. List the documents enclosed with the application in the space provided in the Proof/Remarks section on the second page of the application. Specific considerations related to forms of proof are defined in the instructions.

4. A check, payable to "HOWGS Certificate", for $12.00 (US) for each certificate requested.

Send the completed application to: HOWGS Certificate, P.O. Box 1565, Wisconsin Rapids, WI  54495-1565.

Click on the links below to obtain a detailed set of instructions, an application or to request more information. Please read the entire instruction sheet in detail. Do not be intimidated by the documentation required. HOWGS volunteers will be available to help you understand the requirements if necessary. The instructions and application form are for both the Pioneer and Century certificates.

The instructions and application form are in PDF format which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or download. You can download a free copy of this software by clicking on the Get Acrobat Reader icon below.