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Am I doing this all WRONG?

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Deryn

Deryn Report 1 May 2005 14:01

I am using the fan chart to log ancestors. I am trying to do one generation at a time. I have read that we should follow one branch at a time - I am only putting parents on the tree not siblings aunts uncles etc. Should I enter the whole family? Please someone help - I am going a bit mad here!

Phoenix

Phoenix Report 1 May 2005 14:09

Deryn You do what YOU want to do. There's no such thing as right and wrong here. It makes sense to get as much info on one generation before you look at the next, because it makes searching easier if you have more facts to go on, but there are no rules. Just enjoy yourself.

Seasons

Seasons Report 1 May 2005 15:23

I use the fan chart just to show direct ancestors. However I have a file of Family History sheets on which I put the details of the couple bdm, their parents and below their children with room for bdm's for them. (LDS have them and GR I think to print off). I then file these in order of the fan chart by generation keeping a copy of the fan chart at the front of the file and a numbered file index cards with a sheet showing the section for each couple. If I wish to go sideways I then add a Family History Sheet for other children behind their parents Family History Sheet. I've now started to add addresses on the back of the sheets at various times ie births, marriages, deaths, census etc and names of witnesses of marriages or who registered births or deaths. By doing this I have a small A4 folder that has all the consolidated information in it - instead of the larger ones with BDM certificates, info which you have to keep. I also now have surname folders with extra info that I haven't sorted yet and what I am still doing research on. Hope that makes sense. Just re-read you message - if you are also putting your tree on GR put siblings, aunts uncles etc on if confirmed because someone may be following a different line with mutual ancestors that may help you with a brick wall or have loads of info to give you. Don't put living rellies on GR without permission and be careful of putting young children on. I would just start with yourself and work back.