Writing out your family tree involves systematically documenting your ancestral lineage, typically starting with yourself and tracing your family backward through generations. This reverse-chronological approach helps create a clear and organized record of your heritage.
Getting Started: The Foundation of Your Family Tree
The process of building a family tree begins with you and expands outward to your ancestors. It's a journey of discovery that organizes individuals by their relationships, dates, and locations.
1. Start with Yourself
The most effective way to begin your family tree is to start with yourself. This forms the anchor of your entire tree. You'll need to accurately record your fundamental details:
- Your Full Name: Include any maiden names or previous names.
- Your Birth Date: Day, month, and year.
- Your Birthplace: City, county, state/province, and country.
2. Add Your Immediate Family
Once your details are in place, you can expand to your closest relatives.
- Siblings: Add any brothers and sisters. They will sit on the same generation level (or "branch") as you, typically branching off from your parents. For each sibling, record their full name, birth date, and birthplace.
- Spouse/Partner and Children: If applicable, add your spouse or partner and your children. Your children will form the next generation below you, and your spouse will be linked to you.
3. Trace Your Lineage Backward
After establishing your immediate family, the next crucial step is to trace your lineage backward, generation by generation.
Parents
Add both of your parents. For each parent, record:
- Full Name: Including maiden names for mothers.
- Birth Date & Place:
- Marriage Date & Place: For your parents.
- Death Date & Place: If applicable.
Grandparents and Beyond
Continue this process for each set of grandparents (your mother's parents and your father's parents), and then their parents (your great-grandparents), and so on. As you go further back, information may become harder to find, but persistence is key.
Essential Information to Collect
To create a comprehensive and accurate family tree, you'll want to gather specific details for each individual.
- Full Name: Including all middle names, maiden names, and any known aliases.
- Birth Information: Date (day, month, year) and place (city, county, state/province, country).
- Marriage Information: Date and place of marriage(s) for each couple.
- Death Information: Date and place of death, if applicable.
- Relationships: Clearly define the relationship of each person to you and to others in the tree (e.g., father, maternal grandmother).
- Key Events: Significant life events such as emigration, military service, or notable achievements can add depth.
Example Data Collection Table
A structured approach to data collection can be very helpful. Here's a simple example:
| Relationship to You | Full Name | Birth Date | Birth Place | Death Date | Death Place | Spouse(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self | Jane Elizabeth Doe | 15 Apr 1985 | Springfield, IL | N/A | N/A | John A. Smith |
| Mother | Mary A. Johnson | 20 Jul 1960 | Chicago, IL | N/A | N/A | Robert L. Doe |
| Father | Robert L. Doe | 03 Sep 1958 | St. Louis, MO | N/A | N/A | Mary A. Johnson |
| Paternal Grandfather | Thomas R. Doe | 10 Mar 1930 | Kansas City, MO | 05 Jan 2000 | St. Louis, MO | Eleanor M. Brown |
| Paternal Grandmother | Eleanor M. Brown | 22 Aug 1932 | Little Rock, AR | 12 Feb 2018 | St. Louis, MO | Thomas R. Doe |
Tools and Resources for Building Your Tree
Various tools and resources can aid in the construction and visualization of your family tree.
Digital Platforms
Online genealogy websites offer powerful databases, collaboration features, and easy ways to build and share your tree.
- Ancestry.com: A leading platform with extensive record collections.
- MyHeritage: Known for its global reach and DNA services.
- FamilySearch: A free resource provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a vast collaborative tree.
Genealogy Software
Dedicated software can be installed on your computer for offline tree building and advanced features.
- RootsMagic
- Legacy Family Tree
Physical Charts
For those who prefer a tangible approach, large paper charts are available, or you can design your own using basic drawing tools.
- Pedigree Charts: Show direct ancestors (parents, grandparents).
- Family Group Sheets: Detail one family unit (parents and their children).
- Fan Charts: Visually appealing charts that display many generations in a circular or semi-circular format.
Practical Tips for Successful Genealogy
- Interview Relatives: Start with the oldest living family members. Their memories are invaluable and can provide clues to older generations.
- Consult Records: Utilize public and private records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, census records, obituaries, wills, and military records. Many of these are accessible online through genealogy platforms or government archives.
- Document Sources: Always note where you found each piece of information. This helps verify accuracy and makes it easier to retrace your steps if needed.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Genealogy can be a long process. Some information may be difficult to find, or discrepancies may arise.
- Join a Community: Online forums or local genealogical societies can offer support and guidance. For instance, local genealogical societies often have experts and resources specific to your region.
By following these steps and utilizing available resources, you can systematically construct a detailed and meaningful record of your family's history.
