Genealogy - Using A Pedigree Chart

A pedigree chart, as used by genealogists, is a form that lists an individual family member and his direct ancestors along with all the important data about his life.

This is a must-have chart. It's also just about the easiest one to use. And it wouldn't be a bad idea that you start your family history quest with it.

The first chart you create will be all about . . . you! Then it branches back into history, showing your direct ancestors. Pedigree charts typically document four generations of a family. The chart usually leaves spaces to add names and dates for birth, marriage and death for each individual listed.

You are placed on the first line on the chart. Your father's information is placed on the second line; your mother's information on the third line. From here, the chart takes two distinct routes. The first is following the ancestral routes of the individuals along the father's family history. This is the upper track of the form. The mother's route uses the bottom track.


So, I can hear you say now, you've limited me to four generations. What do I do after that? Pull out another pedigree chart. Create a new one, starting with the fourth generation on your previous chart. Now, each individual in this generation is placed on the first line of his or her own pedigree chart. Each chart is given a number in order to keep track of "who's who", and reference their number on the original chart.


Let's say you've created your pedigree chart. Your father's father (normally referred to as your great grandfather) is ancestor Number 8 on your original pedigree chart. As you find more documentation, you'll follow his family line still farther back into history.

Now, you'll need to create a new chart. Be sure to designate this as "Chart Number 2. Right now it might not make a large difference, but as you begin to collect these charts, this simple tracking system becomes indispensable.

VoodooGenealogy.com