Marion County, Iowa Pioneer Projects

The Original Pioneer Certificate Project

In 1996 the Marion County Genealogical Society (MCGS) sponsored a project in which pioneer certificates were presented to individuals who could prove their ancestors were in Marion County by 1856. At a ceremony held during Pioneer Days in Knoxville, Iowa on June 1, 1996 about 70 people were presented with their certificates. This event was offically endorsed by the Iowa Sesquicentennial Commission. By July 1, 1996 a total of 396 certificates had been approved and presented. The original applications for these Pioneers are on file in the genealogy room at the Knoxville Public Library.

Lists of the original pioneers and the names of the applicants are below. The first two are sorted by the Pioneer's name and then lists the applicant's name(s). The second two are sorted by the applicant's name and then lists the pioneer(s).

The Current Pioneer Project

While the Marion County Genealogical Society is no longer accepting applications for certificates, it is still possible to enroll an ancestor as a Pioneer of Marion County. The criterion for becoming a Pioneer is the same: the applicant needs to prove that his or her ancestor was in Marion County by 1856.

To submit a name, go to the online application form. NOTE: since spammers have been using this form for submitting bogus submissions, it is not currently available except at special request. Simply connect the county coordinator (email at bottom) and the form will be made available for a limited period of time.

To view the names of Pioneers submitted since 1996, their application forms, and the names of the submitters, go to the Online Pioneer Project.