About the UELAC Certificate of Loyalist Descent
A member who has proven their ancestry from an Original Loyalist is issued a UE Status certificate which affirms the member has provided the necessary documentation to be considered a verified descendant of United Empire Loyalists.
Lord Dorchester’s Proclamation of 1789 states, in part…
“Those Loyalists who have adhered to the unity of the Empire, and joined the Royal Standard before the Treaty of Separation in the year 1783, and all their children and their descendants by either sex, are to be distinguished by the following capitals, affixed to their names: U.E. alluding to their great principle the unity of the Empire.”
Indeed, it is a rare privilege to be able to use UE, an honour as specified by an Order in Council on behalf of the Crown and shows one’s pride – not only in their ancestor’s bravery and sacrifice – but also as a descendant of one of the builders that led to today’s country of Canada.
Today’s Association is open to all those interested in and supportive of Loyalist history and heritage.
To receive your UELAC Certificate of Lineal Descent, in addition to membership, proof must be submitted and reviewed to ensure the following conditions are met:
- Either male or female, as of 19 April 1775, a resident of the American colonies, and joined the Royal Standard prior to the Treaty of Separation of 1783, or otherwise demonstrated loyalty to the Crown, and settled in territory remaining under the rule of the Crown; or
- A soldier who served in an American Loyalist Regiment and was disbanded in Canada
- Membership confers no special status in Canadian society, but many members use the post-nominal letters “UE” after their name, in consequence of Lord Dorchester’s Order in Council in 1789, conferring recognition of the service of the Loyalists in defense of “The Unity of Empire.”
Members of the Association must be a member of a branch and there are branches of the Association in every province of Canada, except Newfoundland.
While many join a branch which is local, there is no rule as to which branch a member must belong and Bridge Annex offers an unique alternative of a virtual Branch, with no specific region designated.
To obtain a certificate attesting to UE Status, one must provide documented proof of descent from an Original Loyalist. Many individuals come to the Association with very complete genealogies, but others are just starting their family research.
Each branch has a genealogist who will offer advice and assistance. While the process can seem intimidating, with our guidance you’ll learn much as you work towards making your proofs. While we do not take on the entire research process, instead believing it important for descendants to work towards achieving this certificate, we are here to help you. We know the excitement of having our certificates of descent proudly on display in our homes, and want you to be able to do the same.
In some cases, the documentation is fairly simple if relatives have already established their descent. In any event, the research provides an exceptional opportunity for a family to establish and celebrate its past.
In summation, the process of obtaining a UE Status certificate is as follows:
- Join a Branch as a member.
- Once a member, complete a UE Status Certificate application.
- Your application is reviewed by the Branch Genealogist, then forwarded to the UELAC Dominion Genealogists for final approval.
- If approved, a UE Status certificate — suitable for display — is made which verifies your status as a descendant of one (or more!) of the earliest framers of Canada.
