The Illinois State Genealogical Society has offered Priaire Pioneer Certificates for a number of years. There are three levels: Prestatehood, statehood to 1850, and 1850 to 1880. You can contact the ISGS for details. There are a number of books available with the summaries of the certificates. I just found this message board after reading the "daily news". I haven't had a chance to look at Illinois, KY, and other states. If you haven't posted a message in each of those sites about the pioneer certificates, I hope you will. Thanks for adding this message board. I've already added it to my favorites.