Clay Family Society, Inc.
Adopted by the Board of Directors on May 5, 2026
Last Updated: May 5, 2026
These Terms & Conditions of Use govern access to and use of the Clay Family Society website and online services by all users, whether members or non-members.
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the Clay Family Society website (“Website”) operated by the Clay Family Society (“CFS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing or using this Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you should not use the Website.
1. Purpose of the Website
The Clay Family Society Website exists to:
- Share historical, genealogical, and educational content
- Support Society membership and communication
- Provide access to member-restricted resources
- Advance the nonprofit mission of the Clay Family Society
The Website is not a commercial genealogy service, legal authority, or scientific testing platform.
2. Eligibility and User Accounts
Some areas of the Website are restricted to registered members.
By creating an account or accessing member-only content, you agree that:
- Information you provide is accurate and current
- You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
- You are responsible for all activity conducted under your account
CFS reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.
3. Acceptable Use
You agree not to use the Website to:
- Violate any applicable laws or regulations
- Infringe the rights of others
- Upload malicious code or attempt to compromise site security
- Harass, defame, or abuse other users
- Misrepresent genealogical, historical, or scientific claims as verified fact when they are speculative
CFS may remove content or restrict access at its discretion to protect the integrity of the community and mission.
4. Intellectual Property
Unless otherwise stated:
- Website content is owned by or licensed to the Clay Family Society
- Content is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws
You may:
- View and download content for personal, non-commercial use
- Cite materials with proper attribution
You may not:
- Reproduce, republish, or distribute content for commercial purposes without written permission
- Remove copyright or attribution notices
Genealogical data submitted by members remains subject to the contributor’s rights, but CFS retains a non-exclusive right to display and preserve such submissions consistent with its mission.
5. Genealogical and Historical Disclaimer
Genealogical and historical information presented on the Website:
- May include interpretations, hypotheses, or evolving research
- Is provided for educational and research purposes only
- Is not guaranteed to be complete, accurate, or authoritative
Users are responsible for independently verifying information before relying on it.
6. Third-Party Services and Links
The Website may link to or integrate with third-party services, including:
- Membership payment processors
- External genealogy platforms
- DNA testing services
CFS does not control and is not responsible for the content, terms, or privacy practices of third-party services. Use of those services is governed by their own terms and policies.
7. Website Availability
CFS makes reasonable efforts to maintain Website availability but does not guarantee:
- Continuous, uninterrupted access
- Error-free operation
- Compatibility with all devices or browsers
The Website may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time without notice.
8. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
- CFS shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from Website use
- Use of the Website is at your own risk
This limitation applies even if CFS has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
9. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Clay Family Society, its officers, volunteers, and agents from any claims, losses, or damages arising from:
- Your use of the Website
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your submitted content
10. Termination
CFS may suspend or terminate your access to the Website at any time, with or without notice, for conduct that violates these Terms or is otherwise inconsistent with the Society’s mission.
11. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, United States, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
12. Changes to These Terms
CFS may update these Terms periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of revised Terms.
13. Contact Information
Questions regarding these Terms may be directed to:
Clay Family Society
admin@clayfamilysociety.org