Pioneer Pursuit: And the Winners are…

WSGS is proud to announce the winners of the Pioneer Pursuit contest.

Most submissions by an individual:

  • Ralph Brown from Bothell, WA with 1,285 entries. We will introduce blog readers to Ralph in a future post. Ralph won a $150 cash prize for his amazing contribution.
  • Vickie Bullard from Wapato, WA with 272 entries. Vickie is a member of the Yakima Valley Genealogy Society and also a past member of the Chapter 8 Yakima Daughters of the Pioneers. She earned $100 for her efforts.
  • Jayne McCarley of Vancouver, WA with 269 entries. Jayne is the president of the Fort Vancouver Chapter #19 of the Daughters of Pioneers of Washington (DPW). Jayne earned $50 for her submissions.

A total of 60 individuals submitted 3,696 pioneers. Each pioneer was verified to have lived in Washington Territory on or before November 11, 1889. Every person who submitted an entry will receive a year’s membership to WSGS as a thank-you for their contribution.

Most submissions by a local genealogical or historical society (based on percent of membership):

North Beach Genealogical Society (Ocean Shores) contributed 150 submissions. The small society of 15 members earned $300 for its efforts. One of their submissions was for Chief Seattle (Sealth), interpreted and written variously as See-ahth, Seathl, See-Yahtlh, or Sealth. You can view Chief Seattle and his pioneer families’ genealogies in the Index.

Fort Vancouver Chapter #19 of the Daughters of Pioneers of Washington (DPW) submitted 269 pioneers among its 37 members. They earned a $200 award.

Kingston Historical Society submitted 52 submissions from its 14 members. They earned a $100 award.

Twenty-four societies submitted pioneer genealogies. Each will receive a $20 cash award.

It’s Not Too Late to Contribute

We are still accepting Pioneer Pursuit submissions. Although we received 3,696 pioneer genealogies, we want more! There is no deadline to submit. On the Pioneer Pursuit webpage, we have information on how to submit, including a form and an example. There are also frequently asked questions and hints and help resources. The index will forever be publicly available.

If you have more questions about Pioneer Pursuit, email Info@wasgs.org. Please put “Pioneer Pursuit” in the subject line.

Contest Concludes, but Pursuit of Pioneers Continues

The contest element of the Pioneer Pursuit program closed at midnight on 31 Oct 2023. But that doesn’t mean the program is over. The review committee is still checking each of the submissions to ensure the pioneer was in Washington Territory on or before Nov. 11, 1889. To date, we have more than 3,500 names in the index.

The announcement of the top individuals and top local societies submitting genealogies will be made after the review committee gets through the submissions arriving (or postmarked) before the October 31 deadline. (Hint: what amazing participation we had!!!)

Don’t let the conclusion of the contest stop you from submitting names and documentation of pioneers. It is estimated that nearly 350,000 people lived here in 1889. We welcome more submissions. Visit the Pioneer Pursuit page for more information.

Trick or Treat: Pioneer Pursuit Contest Deadline – Oct. 31

This is no trick — everyone who contributes to the Pioneer Pursuit before October 31, 2023, gets a treat! So far, we have more than 2,600 Pioneers listed in our online index — and we’re hoping for MORE! The index is free and open to the public; just click here.

The top three individuals that submit genealogies for pioneers who lived in Washington Territory on or before November 11, 1889 will win cash prizes of $150, $100 and $50. EVERY person who submits before October 31 will receive a year’s membership to WSGS.

In addition to individual prizes, local societies will receive cash prizes, too! The three societies with the most submissions (based on the number of members in the society) will receive $300, $200 and $100. EVERY society that participates in Pioneer Pursuit will receive $20.

Pioneer Pursuit Continues After October 31

Just as people continued to come into Washington after statehood, WSGS will continue to amass genealogies of pioneers. We want to document as many people who lived in the territory as we can. So even after October 31, 2023, we’ll accept genealogies.

How to Submit a Pioneer

We’ve made it easy to submit a pioneer. We’ve got instructions, examples, hints and how-to’s on our website here: https://www.wasgs.org/cpage.php?pt=96. If you don’t find what you need, please email us at Info@wasgs.org.

Everyone Wins: Pioneer Pursuit Contest

The contest portion of the Pioneer Pursuit ends October 31, 2023, so you’ve got a month to earn a prize!

The top three individuals that submit genealogies for pioneers who lived in Washington Territory on or before November 11, 1889 will win cash prizes of $150, $100 and $50. EVERY person who submits will receive a year’s membership to WSGS.

In addition to individual prizes, local societies will receive cash prizes, too! The three societies with the most submissions (based on the number of members in the society) will receive $300, $200 and $100. EVERY society that participates in Pioneer Pursuit will receive $20.

Pioneer Pursuit Continues After October 31

Just as people continued to come into Washington after statehood, WSGS will continue to amass genealogies of pioneers. We want to document as many people who lived in the territory as we can. So even after October 31, 2023, we’ll accept genealogies.

How to Submit a Pioneer

We’ve made it easy to submit a pioneer. We’ve got instructions, examples, hints and how-to’s on our website here: https://www.wasgs.org/cpage.php?pt=96. If you don’t find what you need, please email us at Info@wasgs.org.

Earn a Reward for Pursuing a Pioneer

More than 1,500 Washington Pioneers have been documented in our Pioneer Pursuit Contest. Thank you to all who have submitted genealogies, but we’re looking for more! It is estimated there were nearly 350,000 people living here in 1889, and thousands more who came and went before 1889.

As an incentive for submitting (and having approved) a genealogy of a Pioneer and his/her descendants, you will earn a prize. Yes, everyone earns a prize:

  • Top three local societies with the most submissions (based on the number of members in the society): $300, $200 and $100.
  • Each society that participates will receive $20.
  • Top three individuals submitting the most submissions: $150, $100 and $50.
  • Each individual who participates will receive a year’s membership in WSGS.

Remember, you don’t have to be related to a Pioneer — just pick someone. Here is a list of places to start.

We want to document every man, woman and child living in Washington Territory on or before Nov. 11, 1889. YOU can help us do that! For more information, visit the Pioneer Pursuit web page or email us at Info@wasgs.org.

Pioneer Pursuit Progress

Many of you have embraced the Pioneer Pursuit contest with enthusiasm and vigor. We’re very excited about all the submissions (more than 1,500 so far!). It’s hard to know exactly how many people lived In Washington Territory, but there are estimates that about 350,000 individuals were here in 1889, so we have a ways to go.

We acknowledge we’re a little behind on posting the submissions in the index, but we’re working hard to get caught up. Thanks for your patience.

Even though we’re still posting your submissions, don’t let that slow you down. We’re still looking to document every man, woman and child who lived in Washington Territory on or before 11 Nov 1889. And don’t forget there are prizes for every individual and genealogical society that submits a Pioneer.

The submission form, instructions, examples, frequently asked questions and research hints are all available here. If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at Info@wasgs.org. We’re here to help!

Pioneer Pursuit: Who Can Participate?

The Washington Pioneer Pursuit contest is a little over half done. So far, we have more than 600 pioneers identified in our index and many more in the review process. While the contest part (a prize for everyone!) ends October 31, 2023, the program will continue as we march toward identifying every man, woman and child that lived in Washington Territory on or before Nov. 11, 1889.

We’re sure you’re not the only one with a question or two about the Pioneer Pursuit Contest. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. To see a list of other FAQs, click here.

I don’t have any ancestors who were in Washington Territory. Can I still participate in Pioneer Pursuit?

You bet you can! You don’t need to be related to any Pioneer to submit their name (& two subsequent generations) in the Pioneer Pursuit. Just pick a Pioneer from a census record, land record or any other good source, and start researching!

I don’t belong to WSGS or a genealogical society. Can I still participate?

Yes! You do not have to be a member of WSGS to participate, but please consider it. To join, click here. Or if you’re interested in a local genealogical society, click here. But if you’d rather go it alone, we’re happy to accept your submissions.

Click HERE for a video presentation explaining Pioneer Pursuit and answering questions. This video recording is from the Pioneer Pursuit Roundtable discussion, 24 Apr 2023.

Pioneer Pursuit and the Pioneer Certificate Program

The Washington Pioneer Pursuit contest is a little over half done. So far, we have more than 500 pioneers identified in our index and many more in the review process. While the contest part (a prize for everyone!) ends October 31, 2023, the program will continue as we march toward identifying every man, woman and child that lived in Washington Territory on or before Nov. 11, 1889.

We’re sure you’re not the only one with a question or two about the Pioneer Pursuit Contest. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. To see a list of other FAQs, click here.

Are Pioneer Pursuit and the Pioneer Certificate program the same?

No, they’re not the same. The Pioneer Pursuit Contest is designed to document every man, woman and child that lived in Washington Territory on or before November 11, 1889. The Pioneer Certificate (and First Citizen) program is a way to purchase a certificate signifying that your ancestor was in Washington Territory on or before statehood. If your ancestor was in Washington on or before December 31, 1900, you may be eligible to purchase a First Citizen Certificate.  To get more information about the Pioneer Certificate program, click here.

    I already have a Pioneer Certificate. Can I use that information for Pioneer Pursuit?

    Absolutely! All you need to do is complete the Pioneer Pursuit application form, noting your pioneer ancestor is in the Pioneer Certificate program. We’ll pull the information over from one program to the other.

    Click HERE for a video presentation explaining Pioneer Pursuit and answering questions. This video recording is from the Pioneer Pursuit Roundtable discussion, 24 Apr 2023.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Pioneer Pursuit

    The Washington Pioneer Pursuit contest is a little over half done. So far, we have more than 250 pioneers identified in our index and many more in the review process. While the contest part (a prize for everyone!) ends October 31, 2023, the program will continue as we march toward identifying every man, woman and child that lived in Washington Territory on or before Nov. 11, 1889.

    We’re sure you’re not the only one with a question or two about the Pioneer Pursuit Contest. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. To see a list of other FAQs, click here.

    What is the Washington Pioneer Pursuit challenge?

    • Our goal is to research and document the family histories of every man, woman and child who lived in Washington Territory on or before Statehood was declared on November 11, 1889.
    • At a minimum, we want genealogies for the Pioneer, his/her children, and his/her grandchildren – a total of three (3) generations. If you want to include additional generations, please do so.
    • The family histories are posted online for any interested family history researcher. There is no charge to access the histories and you do not have to be a member of WSGS.

    Are Pioneer Pursuit and the Pioneer Certificate program the same?

    No, they’re not the same. The Pioneer Pursuit Contest is designed to document every man, woman and child that lived in Washington Territory on or before November 11, 1889. The Pioneer Certificate (and First Citizens) program is a way to purchase a certificate signifying that your ancestor was in Washington Territory on or before statehood. If your ancestor was in Washington on or before December 31, 1900, you may be eligible to purchase a First Citizen Certificate.  To get more information about the Pioneer Certificate program, click here.

    How do I get started?

    Before beginning your research, we suggest you check the WSGS Pioneer Index. You may find the Pioneer you’re planning to research has already been researched. If you do find the Pioneer in the index, please send an email to Washington State Genealogical Society asking to see the genealogical data associated with the pioneer. If you are a WSGS member, you already have access to the complete Pioneer histories in the Members’ Only section. If you’re not a member, we encourage you to join so you have full access to all the data.  It is only $12.00 per year.

    We also suggest you take a look at the Hints and Helps document available here.

    Click HERE for a video presentation explaining Pioneer Pursuit and answering questions. This video recording is from the Pioneer Pursuit Roundtable discussion, 24 Apr 2023.