Sunday, September 28, 2008

Back to Basics -1

When you want to organize a family history, you can start by filling out a Family Group Sheet, or a Pedigree Chart. If your mind works in outline style, a pedigree chart will get you off and running. If you like more details first, a family group sheet is the place to start.

Let's start with the PEDIGREE CHART. THE BIG FOUR!


This chart holds four generations, and each column is a generation.

Your name goes on line #1. Notice that under each numbered line there's space to fill in dates and places - "Born/Christened, Place; Married, Place; Died, Place."

Fill in YOUR full, legal name on Line #1, (the left middle line) with your birthdate and place, marriage date (if it applies) and place, and ignore the death date and place. Write the full name of your spouse on the line labeled "Spouse of #1," if that applies.

Example: Martin John Smith, 3 Mar 1966, Topeka, Shawnee, Kansas.

Okay, now on Line #2, (the line just above your name) write your FATHER'S Full Name, including any extensions like, Junior, or titles like, Dr., Capt., etc.

Example: Dr. John Quincy Smith.

Then, on Line #3, (the second line just below your name) write your MOTHER'S full, MAIDEN name, which was her last name as a child. Example: Mary Ann White

When there were other marriages, the husband's or wife's names should reflect a previous marriage.

If John was married previously, add a "(2)" next to Mary's name, indicating that Mary is John's second wife. If Mary was married previously, add a "(2)" next to John's name.

Example, Dr. John Quincy Smith (2), meaning John is Mary's second husband; or Mary Ann White Smith (2), indicating that Mary is John's second wife.

Clear as mud? It'll be easier to understand when the family group sheet is discussed.


When filling in dates, it is common to write: dd/mm/yyyy (ex. 10 Oct 1834), and places of birth, marriage, and death should always include city, county, and state.

Ex: Portland, Multnomah, Oregon.

Okay, with lines 1, 2, and 3 filled out, the first column is finished! Sometimes, the next column (lines 4, 5, 6, and 7) can be challenging, and the last column even more difficult. But with a little perseverence, you'll have completed a Four Generation Pedigree Chart!

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