The history of the ancestors and the formation of the family occupies many contemporaries. Not wanting to go the hard way, we are trying to build a family tree by last name. This method is indeed the simplest, but the result may be inaccurate if you do not follow a certain procedure and some genealogy rules. Yes, there is such a science! And, according to her basic theory, a surname is just a hint when reconstructing a family’s history.
Instruction manual
1
The first thing you need to do when planning to draw up a pedigree by last name, to prepare a "workplace" - folders and envelopes or other storage media for grouping and classifying the materials received. When receiving new information or documents, it is necessary to number them, distribute them by epochs (years) and belonging to one or another branch of the family. Such an approach to the start of research will greatly simplify the task. The geological family tree itself can only be compiled after collecting and analyzing the information received. Each branch of the family should be placed in a separate folder or envelope, photos or notes should be time-bound.
2
The second step on the way to compiling a family tree by last name is a survey of its oldest representatives. It is these sources that provide the most necessary information. It is no secret that older people remember all their ancestors, they know exactly who was whose son or daughter, when and how the surname was modified, from what time and city it originates from. Thus, you can get information about how the surname itself appeared - from a nickname, profession, or father's name. Everything that older people say needs to be shorthand or recorded on a voice recorder. Not the fact that a lost source can be remembered at the next meeting. The best option is a few conversations.
3
The next step should be a visit to archives and address tables. This is necessary to confirm the information received from elderly relatives and to find additional information about those whom the source missed in the conversation. Most archival documents have been transferred to digital media, but many of them are still stored in paper versions, so it may take longer than expected to take this step. Most attempts to compose a family tree by last name break at this stage, the most difficult and requiring a painstaking approach. The need to spend time, visit institutions and libraries, write down the information received - all this knocks down the heat, tires and can cause the abandonment of grandiose plans.
4
If there were outstanding people in the history of the family, then you can search for information about them in museums. As a rule, guides and leaders in such institutions know much more than family members and can provide not only documents about the life and work of their ancestors, but also give advice on finding the right sources and evidence. Sometimes ministers of museums keep in touch with descendants of celebrities and can give their coordinates, which will become an additional source of information for compiling a family tree by name. But you need to be prepared for the fact that one of the alleged relatives will refuse to meet and will not want to take part in your work, maintain acquaintance with you and your family. The circumstances of the loss of kinship and feelings are different, unpleasant or tragic, which some simply do not want to remember.
5
Going to any place where information about your surname or family is possibly found, prepare a list of questions that need answers and tasks that need to be addressed. After interviewing a person or viewing the documentation, the received information must be processed - to structure and rewrite the data, decompose the photographs by years and surname branches, and identify gaps in the family history. Which must be replenished. After this, it may be necessary to visit the museum or archival institution a second time, and talk with an elderly relative. Not everyone may like such attention, but someone will even perceive it as importunity. Try to get the most information in one visit and carefully document everything so as not to waste both your and other people's time.
6
Gathering information about a specific family member, you need to try to find out as much as possible about him - where and when was he born, who were his mom and dad, how many children did he have, in what places did he live and how much did he do, what was he distinguished and famous for, what character traits he possessed. All these nuances are very important for compiling a family tree by last name. A mini-biography can be compiled for each representative, which will include only important milestones in life and a list of the closest relatives. All respondents can leave their business cards with phone numbers. Perhaps after some time they will remember something and come in to supplement their story. But if a person does not want to take a business card, no need to insist.
7
After the information has been collected, you need to make a sketch of the family tree and place on it data or photos of everyone about whom even the smallest and most insignificant facts have been found. A preliminary layout of the family tree is made in full size. For convenient operation, it is better to place it on a stand, to which it is easy to attach buttons or adhesive tape. The base of the stand should not be paper - this material is easily torn and if you have to make changes, it will quickly deteriorate. Let it be a board on which you can write with chalk or marker and which is easy to clean.
8
The last step in creating a family tree by last name is to create a book or tree on a poster. When ordering media, you need to accurately calculate how many pages will be needed or what size should be whatman to fit all relatives and branches of families. It is better to post information and photos on your own, because a stranger, having not understood the topic thoroughly, may mess up something or stick a photo in the wrong “window”. And the final stage of work is the most interesting, fascinating and pleasant, so few people want to trust it to someone.
