Becoming a Member and Requirements
New Guidelines for 1812 Applications of the General
Society of the War of 1812
Updated January 30, 2009
1) A new word version of the General Society Application
is now available for all to use without any special software or
disks. It has been posted to our website at
2) We have approved the use of regular letter-sized
paper (8.5”X11”) instead of the legal-sized paper (8”X14”)
or the ledger-sized paper (11”X17”) to print the applications
on. This will reduce the need for special printers or typewriters
to complete the applications.
3) The applications should be printed front and back
on acid free paper (such those available in any good paper supply
store such as Staples or Office Depot store). The acid free requirement
is very important so that the applications will last into the
future and not degrade over time.
4) When States submit an Application to the Registrar
General for approval, please ensure the assigned State Number
is on the Application. Annual Dues of $12 should accompany the
Application, made out to the General Society of the War of 1812.
5) Proofs are not forwarded to the General Society.
Genealogy verification is the responsibility of the State Registrar
and or Genealogist. Only the Application Form and a check are
to be sent. No additional documents should be sent.
6) The information on the soldier's service must include
dates of service, regiment, state of service, etc. Without the
dates of service (even approximate), we cannot confirm they qualify
during the period that is approved.
7) The State Registrar submits all applications to
Registrar General Christos Christou, 303 Nicholson Road, Essex,
MD 21221-6609 in a regular #10 envelope. No special large envelopes,
registered receipt, etc. are needed. The applications are eventually
tri-folded so sending them unfolded with cardboard supporters
or in priority/express delivery envelopes serves no additional
purpose and wastes postage and paper. I acknowledge and respond
to all applications within one or two business days from receipt.
8) The submitter should list a phone number, email
and contact information so if there are any questions regarding
the application the Registrar General may call to clear up any
issue and expedite confirmation. Also always indicate who should
receive the notices of approval for the new member, otherwise
it will be assumed to be the person sending the application to
the Registrar General.
9) For Members at Large (with no State Society), the
application, related genealogical proofs and a check for $65.00
made payable to the War of 1812 Society and mailed to Timothy
Harris, Vice President General - Members at Large at 678 Fox Road,
Lino Lakes, MN 55014-1968. Phone 763-746-6580, E-Mail
For additional questions, please feel free to contact
our Registrar General at 410-574-5467 or E-Mail or the address
noted above.
Further information will be published in the next
available War Cry.
Constitution of the General Society of the War of
1812
Article VI Membership - Any male person eighteen (18)
years of age or older, who participated in, or who is a lineal
descendant of one who served during the War of 1812, in a military
service of the United States, offering proof thereof satisfactory
to the State Society to which he may make application for membership,
and who is of good moral character and reputation, may become
a member of this Society when approved of by said State Society,
under such regulations as it may make for passing upon applications
for membership.
The following service and no other shall be regarded
as satisfying the requirements of the preceding paragraph:
(1) Service as an officer, warrant officer or enlisted
man in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Revenue Marine,
Flotilla Service or Voluntary Corps at any time between November
7, 1811, and July 18, 1815;
(2) Service at any time between June 19, 1812, and
February 18, 1815, as a member of the ship's company on any public
armed vessel of the United States or any vessel sailing under
Letters of Marque and Reprisal issued by the United States;
(3) Service in the militia of any state or territory
or the District of Columbia duly called out for service against
an armed enemy or for coast or border defense between November
7, 1811, and July 18, 1815.
(4) Service in the forces of the United States at
the Battle of Tippecanoe on November 7, 1811.
(5) Service as the President of the United States,
Secretary of War, or Secretary of the Navy between November 7,
1811 and July 18.1815.
(6) Service as a Governor of a state or territory
of the United States between November 7, 1811 and July 18,1815
No service, however, shall be regarded as qualifying
if the person who rendered such service voluntarily bore arms
against the United States at any time between the dates named
or if such person's latest service between said dates was terminated
by a separation from the service under conditions other than honorable.
In case of the failure of lineal descendants of an
actual participant in the War on behalf of the United States,
one collateral descendant, who is deemed worthy, may be admitted
to represent the said participant.
Provided, always, that such representation shall be
limited to the descendant of either a brother or sister of the
participant in the war, in right of whose services application
for membership is made.
Information Concerning Membership in the General Society
of the War of 1812
For information concerning membership, gentlemen should
communicate with:
Mr. Eric Dan Richhart
Genealogist/Registrar
Colorado Society of the War of 1812
3844 South Danbury Circle
Magna, Utah 84044-2223
E-Mail: refoals1@msn.com