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In addition, you can download free software that will draw any type of
genealogical chart (similar to those mentioned below) at http://www.smartdraw.com/.
You can also create web pages once you are ready to publicly distribute
your findings for other family members to view.
The Ascendant Chart
This is used to record family
history starting with you and working backward toward previous generations. The
first chart you will work with will be the “pedigree chart. Typically, this
chart will show five generations of family history on one page with the name of
the person who the chart portrays recorded on the left-hand side. You will be
the first person in the pedigree chart followed by your mother and father,
grand/great-grandparents and so on. Again, this chart shows family members who
were born before you. This type of chart typically begins with the originator
of your line of descent; the very first person who can legitimately be proven
as your blood relative. Therefore, you will need that information in order to
work with this type of chart.
The Descendant Chart
This chart works in the
opposite way of the ascendant chart. It begins with you or another member of
your family and moves forward to subsequent generations. This chart won’t be of
much use at first, but if and when your family grows you can add their
information or pass it on to a younger family member in time to continue. This
chart also begins with the originator of your line of descent so you will need
that information before you can build a descendant chart.
Family Group Sheet
This is used in your ancestral
research and is the basis for your lineal chart. This sheet shows what is known
as “nuclear families” i.e. parents and their offspring, not other family members like aunts,
uncles etc. You will record life events such as dates and places of birth, marriage, death and
interment on this sheet. Offspring will be listed with their husband or wife, and where and when
they were married. You can also cite sources or record any inaccurate information. Family group
sheets are essential because they are a basic medium for documenting your findings, they allow
you to easily see what information is absent, and also allow you to share your findings with others.
There are a few simple guidelines to follow when recording family information on these charts/sheets, which will give you a good indication of any information you still need to compile. It will also prevent you from documenting inaccurate information.
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