How to Number a Family Tree

When researching our family history the process involves accurately recording the information and data about our ancestors. It begins with creating an ancestor chart, which might also be called a "pedigree chart," or some people refer to it as a "family tree." If we are building our own family tree, then the person we will begin with is our self. We then add the names of our parents, then grandparents, and then great-grandparents, and earlier generations. Creating a chart helps to illustrate the relationships, but the people must be placed on the chart in a specific order and numbered to maintain order and consistency.

Instructions

1. 

   Number all the males with even numbers. This does not apply to the first person (you) on the chart, which might be male or female. The first person will be numbered "1." Place the mark on the far left.

2. 

   Begin each generation at the top of the column and move down. As you add each generation to the chart, such as your parents, the numbering will begin at the top of the column, and move down. When you move over to the next column, to add the next generation, begin at the top.

3. 

   Include all the blanks. For the numbering to be consistent, include a space for each grandparent or grandparent in each generation. Do not exclude a space simply because you don't have the information. Leave the space blank, and if you later find the information, you can include it.

4. Understand that if you number correctly, the father of the first person on the chart will be number 2. The paternal grandfather will always be number 4, and the father of the paternal grandfather will always be number 8.

Resources

• How to Make a Family Tree