Genealogy: Getting Started - From Family Twigs to a Family Tree

Genealogy is defined in the dictionary as 'descent traced continually from ancestor', a study of pedigree. For most of us, it simply means trying to figure out what relation Aunt Millie's great -great grandson is to our daughter in law. It can boggle the mind.

Most people never realize that something as simple as a family reunion is a gathering of many leaves in the family tree. The people and their stories are what make up the family history and is the first tool in any search. This is the simplest place to start the gathering of information.

You already know some of your family tree. You certainly know yourself and this is the best place to start. Sit down and write down your facts; your full name, the date and place of your birth (include the hospital or maternity home). Don't forget to include christening or baptismal information.

Next if you are married, you need to record your spouse's details. Also here include your marriage date and place. Remember to include the name of the church or venue where you were married. Now is the time to also record you and your spouse's parents, not forgetting to include all the information noted above, including marriage details.

Now you can begin to add your children and siblings and their families. Remember to include all the pertinent information, and you can also add the parents of any spouse's if you wish.

You have now taken down the general information needed for the beginning of your family tree. This has included your parents, you and your siblings, your children and your nieces and nephews. You have amassed three generations. At this point, if you have grandchildren or great grandchildren, add them in. And do this also for your siblings.

Now at this point, go back and add any missing detail for the generations you have. Add any military service (include branch of service, rank, date, any service in war or conflicts, and any medals received). Also add dates and places of death and burial and any other facts you feel are important.

Now comes one of the hardest parts of research - Where do you find sources of information? The best thing is to talk to your relatives. They often are a treasure trove of information. Note down dates, places, and events, anything that can be used to tie pieces of information together.

The most important part of this research is to verify all the details you have with documents. This can be birth, marriage, death, baptismal and burial certificates; church and military registers, even tombstones. Family bibles are excellent sources, as well as baby books parents keep for their children.

You should have copies of certificates for your immediate family, as all other family should for their family units. You may find that as time goes on, it can get expensive to keep purchasing copies of these certificates. If other sources have them, then you can simply record in your notes that they have been verified. Something along the lines of "Aunt Judy Jones has verified that Ralph Jones was born on X date and place via his birth certificate." Or "Information verified by Judy Jones." Whatever makes you happy is the best way to go

You are now ready to begin your journey back into history, In coming articles I shall discuss various methods of data collection and storage, the varied ways you can conduct research. using the internet as well as hard copies in libraries and other facilities and how names have been passed down and changed through the ages.

My next article will feature tips and ideas on how to store the information you have uncovered!