I am a new Registrar for my local chapter of the DAR and I had my research accepted in 2005. I was able to prove a birth date using a census. I used an 1880 census to establish my great grandfather and his sons (my grandfather wasn't born at that time). Then there was no census for 1890 that would help me, but the 1900 census had my grandfather living in the home of his brother (and the relationship was stated on the census.) With that information I provided a statement with the application to explain the relationship. A census is a legal document. This just shows that you can get a little creative when you have to. I am told that the strictness of the DAR genealogist varies and if you get a tough one it's very hard. My chapter offers help with the research. If I may be of any assistance to anyone, please let me know. Ester