Men and women, over the age of 18 years, who are lineal descendants of men or women who, between 1609 and March 4, 1791,
(a) resided anywhere within the bounds of the present-day state of Vermont,
(b) were engaged in commercial enterprise within the bounds of the present-day state of Vermont, regardless of their place of residence,
(c) owned land situated within the bounds of the present-day state of Vermont, or
(d) had military service of record that benefited or sought to secure the liberty of the state of Vermont, may be eligible for membership.
The fact that the land on which they lived was formerly claimed by another jurisdiction is immaterial.