HCGS Heritage Groups

Do you think you have an ancestor who was here in Hamilton County in the early years of its existence?

Have a look at the index that has been developed from all of the First Families of Hamilton County lineage applications.  This index contains all of the names that appeared on the application, not just the person(s) who qualified as a First Families ancestor. The index is complete as of 2014. This index has been posted on the HCGS website. Click on the all-name index to bring up the file to search. To search the file click Ctrl + F and put the name in the box then press enter. This will show the application number(s) containing your surname.

The Cincinnati History Library and Archives (CHLA) has all of the original applications on file.  Contact CHLA to see the original applications. If you need the help of a local researcher, see the Hamilton County Genealogical Society ResearchServices page.

If you don’t find your ancestor in this First Families index go to the Pioneers and Early Settlers page and search that index.

We would like to encourage you to submit an application for one of our lineage groups – we know there are a lot of you out there who qualify. Now is a good time to work on an application and members of the committee are here to help. Copies of the application and the rules for membership are available on the website. Just respond in the comments section if you would like one of the members of the Heritage Committee to get in touch with you for assistance.

Submitted by Gail Burkholz