The history of 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 rules of genealogy. Yes, there is such a science! And, according to her main theory, the last name is only a clue when recreating family history.
Instructions
Step 1
The first thing to do, when planning to compile a pedigree by last name, to prepare a "workplace" - folders and envelopes or other media for grouping and classifying the materials received. When receiving new information or documents, it is necessary to number them, distribute them by eras (years) and belonging to one or another branch of the family. This approach to the beginning of the survey 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, photographs or records should be time-bound.
Step 2
The second step towards compiling a family tree by last name is to interview the oldest members of the family. 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 changed, from what time and city it originates. Thus, you can get information about how the surname itself appeared - from a nickname, profession or father's name. Everything that older people say should be stenographed or recorded on a dictaphone. It is not a fact that the source will be able to recall the missed one at the next meeting. The best option is several conversations.
Step 3
The next step is to visit the archives and address tables. This is necessary to confirm the information received from elderly relatives and in order to find additional information about those whom the source missed in the conversation. Most archival documents have been digitized, but many are still in paper form, so this step may take longer than expected. Most attempts to compose a family tree by last name break off at this stage, the most difficult and requiring a painstaking approach. The need to waste time, visit institutions and libraries, write down the information received - all this knocks down the ardor, tiresome and can cause rejection of grandiose plans.
Step 4
If there were outstanding people in the history of the family, then you can look 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 ancestors, but also give advice on finding the necessary sources and evidence. Sometimes ministers of museums keep in touch with the descendants of celebrities and can give their coordinates, which will become an additional source of information for compiling a family tree by last name. But you also need to be prepared for the fact that one of the prospective relatives will refuse to meet and will not want to take part in your work, to maintain acquaintance with you and your family. The circumstances of the loss of family feelings and ties are different, unpleasant or tragic, which some simply do not want to remember.
Step 5
Going to any place where information about your last name or family is possible, prepare a list of questions to which you need to get answers and problems that need to be solved. After interviewing a person or viewing the documentation, the information received must be processed - structured and rewrite the data, decompose photographs by years and branches of the surname, identify gaps in the family history. Which need to be replenished. After that, perhaps, there will be a need for a second visit to a museum or archival institution, a conversation with an elderly relative. Not everyone may like such attention, but someone will even perceive it as intrusiveness. Try to get as much information as possible in one visit and document everything carefully so as not to waste your and other people's time.
Step 6
When collecting information about a specific family member, you need to try to find out as much as possible about him - where and when he was born, who his mom and dad were, how many children he had, in what places he lived and how much, what he did, what he was distinguished and famous for, what character traits he possessed. All these nuances are very important for compiling a family tree by last name. You can compile a mini-biography 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, there is no need to insist.
Step 7
After the information has been collected, you need to draw up a sketch of the family tree and place on it data or photos of everyone about whom even the smallest and most insignificant facts were found. A preliminary model of the family tree is made in full size. For convenient work, 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 made of paper - this material tears easily and, if it is necessary to make changes, it will quickly deteriorate. Make it a board that you can write on with chalk or a marker and that is easy to clean.
Step 8
The last step in the work of compiling a family tree by last name is to create a book or tree on the poster. When ordering a medium, you need to accurately calculate how many pages you need or what size the Whatman paper should be in order to fit all relatives and branches of families. It is better to post information and photos on your own, because a stranger, without understanding the topic thoroughly, can confuse something or stick a photo in the wrong "window". And the final stage of the work is the most interesting, exciting and enjoyable, so few people want to trust it to someone.
