It was reported at the February 2024 meeting of the Governing Board that the Society’s database reflected the names of 9,863 proven pioneer ancestors. The Board unanimously agreed to approve a competition to present a complimentary Life Membership to the person submitting an application proving descent from a new qualifying pioneer ancestor marking the 10,000th entry in the database.
On February 10, 2025, Cristopher Merrill McFall of Greenwood, Indiana, submitted an Application for Membership and 20 Added Lines reflecting qualifying pioneer ancestors not previously proven. Among them was the application proving William King as a qualifying pioneer ancestor, entering Washington County, Indiana, near Campbellsburg prior to December 31, 1840, from Bedford County, Virginia, making him the 10,000th name to be added to the database.
While expressing delight in winning the competition, Cris stated that he has as many as 40 more qualifying ancestors to submit when he can find the time to complete the applications and is looking forward to becoming an active member of the Society.
– Bob Everitt
