How to Define a Family Tree
A family tree is a genealogical chart or diagram showing the ancestors, descendants and relationships of a family or group. Two major components of a family tree include the pedigree or ancestral chart and the family group sheet. Family trees can be handwritten or generated through genealogical software programs or online family tree building and sharing sites.
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Instructions
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Identify what you already know. Start with yourself and work backward, recording the names of your parents, grandparents and so on on a pedigree or ancestral chart. Include dates and places if you know them. Blank pedigree/ancestral charts can be downloaded for free online from many sites. Use your favorite search engine to search for "free downloadable pedigree charts."
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Complete a family group sheet to organize your ancestors according to marriages. These forms can also be found online for free. Gather the information you need by talking to your relatives and asking for birth, marriage and death certificates, a family Bible, wills or other pertinent documents.
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If you're using a genealogical software program or online family tree building site such as http://www.Ancestry.com, http://www.Geni.com or http://www.MyHeritage.com, you can first enter all of the pertinent data (names, dates, places) into it, then generate a pedigree/ancestral chart with a few clicks of your mouse. Most genealogical software companies offer a free trial of their product so you can try it first to see whether it fits your needs.
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Tips & Warnings
A pedigree/ancestral chart records the ancestors from whom you directly descend. Use ID numbers to identify the names on the chart. Use the ahnentafel numbering system. Assign the number 1 to the first person on the first chart. A man's ID number is always double the ID number of his child (2,4,6, etc.) The man always appears in the upper position and all males have an even number. Females get an odd number. A wife's number is always one higher than her husband's (3,5,7, etc.).
Most standard pedigree charts generally cover four generations, with spaces to include names, dates and places of birth, marriage and death for each individual. There's also room to list the names of the members of the fourth generation along with a reference for each on any succeeding charts---with vital information recorded on those additional charts.
If you plan to upload your family tree online to share with others, do not include personal information for living individuals. Most sites have features to safeguard against this, but it's best to start the tree with someone who is deceased.
