First Families of Kentucky: Preserving the Legacy of Kentucky’s Founders

Kentucky’s history is rich with stories of pioneer grit, frontier politics, and the forging of communities in the wilderness beyond the Appalachian Mountains. For those whose ancestors were among the early settlers, the First Families of Kentucky offers a way to honor that heritage, preserve family histories, and connect with others who share this proud lineage.

Founding of the First Families of Kentucky

The First Families of Kentucky (FFK) was founded in 2005 by genealogists and historians dedicated to documenting the state’s earliest settlers. Their mission was to create a hereditary lineage society that recognized and honored individuals who could trace direct descent from settlers who were in the region that became Kentucky by 31 December 1799—the end of the state’s first decade of statehood.

While Kentucky became the 15th state on June 1, 1792, the society’s founders set the cut-off date to include those who played a role in both the earliest state years and the final stages of frontier settlement before the 19th century.

Mission and Purpose

The society’s objectives include:

Honoring early settlers whose courage and determination helped establish Kentucky communities;
Encouraging historical and genealogical research about Kentucky’s pioneer families;
Preserving historic documents and family records for future generations;
Supporting educational programs, historical publications, and preservation projects related to Kentucky’s frontier heritage.

Eligibility and Membership

Membership in the First Families of Kentucky is by invitation only—regardless of place of residence—who can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who was residing in Kentucky on or before December 31, 1799.

Applicants must provide:

A completed lineage application;
Documentary proof for each generation (birth, marriage, death, and census records, wills, deeds, tax lists, or military records);
Evidence showing the qualifying ancestor’s presence in Kentucky before the cut-off date (such as tax rolls, land grants, militia rosters, or court records).

Activities and Contributions

The society is not just a genealogical registry—it is an active participant in Kentucky’s historical community. Activities include:

Membership meetings featuring speakers on Kentucky history and genealogy;
Publication of newsletters and research articles highlighting early families and settlement patterns;
Collaboration with Kentucky museums, archives, and historical societies;
Support for preservation projects, such as restoring pioneer cemeteries and safeguarding historical landmarks.

Members often have connections to notable figures in Kentucky’s early history, including frontiersmen like Daniel Boone, Revolutionary War veterans who migrated west, and political leaders from the state’s early government.

Historical Context: Early Settlement of Kentucky

Kentucky’s early settlers came largely from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina, moving west along the Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap. Many were Revolutionary War veterans who received land grants for their service.

Significant milestones before the society’s membership cut-off date include:

1774–1775 – Founding of Harrodsburg and Boonesborough;
1776 – Creation of Kentucky County, Virginia;
1792 – Kentucky admitted as the 15th state in the Union;
1790s – Rapid population growth, with new counties, towns, and agricultural communities established.

By 1799, Kentucky’s identity as a frontier state was firmly set, making it an ideal end date for the society’s qualifying period.

Conclusion

First Families of Kentucky (FFK) serves as both a genealogical society and a historical steward, ensuring that the names, stories, and sacrifices of Kentucky’s earliest settlers are remembered. By connecting descendants across generations, the society helps keep alive the spirit of perseverance and vision that transformed the Kentucky wilderness into a thriving state.

For those who can trace their ancestry to the earliest days of Kentucky settlement, membership in the FFK is both a point of pride and a link to a vital chapter in American history.