In the last lesson, you learned what a pedigree chart is and how to use it properly. In this lesson, you learn about the second most important document you'll produce from your studies: the family group sheet.
Where the pedigree chart focuses on an individual's history, the Family Group Sheet spotlights an entire family (not surprisingly, considering its name!). This particular tool provides a space for a couple and their children. It also contains fields to record the birth, marriage, death and locations of burial for each member.
Many of these sheets also allow you space to record the spouse's name and the name of each child. It's also valuable because this document allows you to record comments about family members or documents you've uncovered.
As you progress with your research, you'll discover just how valuable a tool this document is. This sheet allows you to include information not only on the individuals, but on the children of your ancestors - and their spouses. If your pedigree is a portrait of your life, then consider the family group sheet a wide-angle photograph of your family.
When you have difficulty locating a birth certificate on a specific ancestor, turning to this sheet and checking on his/her sibling may yield more clues. Knowing something about a missing ancestor's brother or sister, at least gives you a starting point in looking for some of the necessary documentation to confirm his membership in your family.
In Tip #6, I'll explain the difference between a primary and secondary source. This comes in handy when it's time to start documenting your research. Until then, I'd like to leave you with another fact from my file, Which President is Related to Whom?
The eighteenth president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant (gotta love a president whose initials are U.S.!) was seventh cousin of Millard Fillmore! And despite that, he still got elected president! Imagine that!
Ready to dig in and unearth your family history? Check out the ebook You're Related to Whom? How to Research and Create Your Own Unique Family Tree.
VoodooGenealogy.com
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