To qualify for a Pioneer Certificate, the applicant must directly descend from an ancestor who resided in Northville, Northville Township, Novi or Plymouth prior to December 31, 1880. Current residency in the above-named communities is not necessary. The applicant must be able to prove descent from the ancestor (male or female) by an official record or records for each generation, including proof for the applicant.

To insure that the records are the result of credible genealogical research, the following PRIMARY SOURCES are deemed acceptable:

• Vital Records (birth, marriage and death)
• Probate Records
• Land Records
• Tax Records
• Census Records (local, state and federal)
• Military Records (state and federal)
• Church Records
• Mortuary Records
• Cemetery Records
• Court Records
• Atlas and Plat Books
• Michigan Historical and Pioneer Papers (available at the Library of Michigan)

The information provided by the applicants will be indexed and kept in the Society’s files and will provide a permanent record for use by researchers both locally and nationwide.

The completed application and proofs must be submitted to the Society with a check for $10 for each certificate.

Application forms are available by download: You must have the free Adobe Reader installed.