2. The Family Tree

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A family tree gives information about yourself, your grandparents, and your great grandparents and so on. Usually, it covers four or five generations including yourself. Begin your research by completing this chart, and you will be able to identify information that you already know.  It is very helpful to keep a family tree on hand for quick reference. This visual will help you tell what information is missing about your ancestor.

When recording names, use the maiden name for females. The proper way to record a date would be first the day, then the month, then the year.

For example: 5 November 1878.

Places are recorded by listing the city, state, county/parish, then the country without abbreviating.

For example: Columbia, Richland, South Carolina, United States.  This is an important document to take with you when you visit the archives, local family history center, or collaborate with family members.


Do not worry about ancestors or details which you are lacking at this stage. Your journey has just begun!

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