TIPS
On NSDAC Lineage Papers
Worksheets
It is much easier to make sure you have all needed information if you fill out a
worksheet first, and then type your paper from the worksheet. Ask your Registrar
to go over your worksheet with you before you begin typing the lineage paper.
Zip Code
NSDAC uses nine-digit zip codes. Please include the correct nine-digit zip code on
the lineage paper. Try USPS.com/Look Up a ZIP Code for those last four digits, or
look on your junk mail. Businesses use nine-digit zip codes all the time.
Names
Type all names exactly as they are on the proof you have included with the lineage
paper. If your proof says J. Smith, do not type a more exact name.
Colony
One of the 13 original colonies that later became states.
Chapter
There is no need to put the word “Chapter” with the chapter name on the front of
the lineage paper.
Endorsers
Please type the address information for the Endorsers. Endorsers must sign the
lineage paper in ink.
Children
When listing the children of an applicant, list the maiden names of female children.
Proof
Lineage papers must be submitted with evidence to establish proof of the blood
lineage of the applicant from generation to generation back to the ancestor named
on page one of the lineage paper. Include only one item of proof for each point of
information. Multiple pieces of proof increase the cost of mailing and will slow
and may complicate the verification process. Please do not include non-proof
items such as pictures of ancestors. Address stickers are an easy way to mark the
back of your proof documents. Proof is not returned.
Underlining Proof
Pertinent information must be underlined in red. Underline only the information on
the proof that is typed on the paper. Make sure that the underlined and typed
information matches. Note in the margin the generation number for all underlined
proof.
NSDAC Proof
Include a copy of a NSDAC lineage paper used as proof. Type the National
Number for the older paper in the proof description, and include the proof
description from the older paper as well so that information is not lost.
Photocopies
Photocopies of published books must include publication name and dates (title
page). Photocopies of newspapers require the name of the paper and the date of
publication.
Illegible Proof
If a document is difficult to read, please transcribe. Send the copy of the document
attached to the transcription.
Copying Books
The title page must be copied once. After all pages needed are copied and marked
with red ink, assemble, in page order, with the title page on top. Write in red ink
on the title page all generations that are included under the title page. This uses
less paper, and saves more trees!
Abbreviations
Use standard genealogical abbreviations.
Red Line
Underline in red ink only the information on the proof that you have typed on the
lineage paper. Type only what is required on the paper, and underline only what
you type. Underlining additional information delays the verification process.
Generations
Make sure that the first four generations are complete. Starting with generation #2,
type description of proof for each generation in the corresponding space provided.
Marriages
To denote multiple marriages put the number in parenthesis before the name [i.e.
(2) Mary Jones].
Dates
Type only dates for which you have included proof. If your proof says 1845, do
not type a more exact date. Dates must be in the day, month, year format; however,
if the document states only a year or a month and year, type only that information.
Use three letter abbreviations for months.
Death Date
If the person is still living, please type, “still living.”
Numbers
Remember to double-check all numbers for typos.
Ancestry.com
When using Ancestry.com for census records include the printout of the original
document with Ancestry.com’s transcription. Make sure that Ancestry.com’s
transcription matches the information on the original document. If Ancestry.com
makes an error on their transcription, please correct it for them on the copy of the
transcription included in your packet.
Places
Type only places, exactly as written, for which you have included proof. If your
proof says Virginia, do not type a more exact place.
Paper
All lineage papers must be on acid-free paper.
Printing
Please use the Times New Roman font (NSDAC standard).
Lineage Paper
Only one lineage shall be submitted per lineage paper. The National Registrar will
send a photocopy of the verified lineage paper to the Chapter Registrar.
Match Proof
Check to make sure that what is on the lineage paper and what is underlined in red
on the proof match.
Go Green
Save trees! Only send copies of proof that are necessary to verify your lineage
paper. Copies of pictures of family members, duplicate title pages, and more than
one item of proof for each point of information is not necessary.
Postcard
A stamped self-addressed postcard may be included in the packet, to be stamped
with the date of the lineage paper’s arrival at the home of the National Registrar,
and returned to the applicant. Make check payable to NSDAC. Include the
applicant’s name on the check. A lineage paper cannot be verified without the
check.
Envelope
Using a legal size Priority Mail envelope or inserting the application paper into a
legal size file folder before placing it in the mailing envelope will help to
assure that application papers are not damaged in the mail. PLEASE DO NOT
FOLD APPLICATIONS and SUPPLMENTALS. Use an envelope 10”x15” or
larger.
Mail
After completion, the Chapter Registrar or State Registrar if applicable, will
forward the lineage paper packet to the National Registrar at her home address.
Mailing is to be First Class Mail, not Certified or Registered Mail that requires a
signature. Note that a lineage paper does not qualify as Media Mail.
Object
Please remember that our NSDAC lineage papers fulfill our Object “to make
research as to the deeds of the American Colonies and record and publish the
same.” Making new friends as we acquire new members is simply a wonderful byproduct of fulfilling our Object!