Stanley Evans and Carolyn Rose, both formerly of Carroll County, are the new co-presidents of the Society of Indiana Pioneers.

The two first cousins are both members of the First Families of Carroll County and members of the Carroll County Historical Association. They now both reside in Lafayette.

The Society of Indiana Pioneers was formed in 1916 and has a state-wide membership of around 1,000. Both Evans and Rose have served on the Society’s Board of Governors.

The Society was formed to honor the memory and work of the pioneers who settled Indiana. Offices are located in the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis where genealogical archives are maintained.

Regular membership in the Society is available to persons who are descended from a pioneer who resided in Indiana prior to 1840; Associate Membership is available to all persons who are interested in Indiana history of the pioneer period.

Among the qualifying pioneer ancestors of Evans and Rose are Andrew Evans, who settled in Owen County in 1817, and Thomas Ross, who settled in Monroe Township, Carroll County, in 1828. The Society has a data base of over 8,000 proven ancestors.

The Society of Indiana Pioneers has an annual meeting in Indianapolis on a Saturday in the fall. During the year it has day pilgrimages to Indiana historical sites led by Nelson Price, a noted Indiana author.

Under the leadership of Evans-Rose, the Society of Indiana Pioneers has initiated a program for the expansion of membership throughout Indiana and welcomes all Carroll County residents who have ancestors who resided in the State of Indiana prior to 1840 or who are interested in Indiana history. Information and applications are available by calling 317-2333-6588 or www.indianapioneers.com.