Lesson 3: Genealogical Forms
Genealogical forms can be located in many places. You can find them in genealogical books (see the recommend book list for some ideas), request them from genealogical societies (see a list of genealogical societies in the links section), and some libraries might carry them.
In this lesson we will look at some of the genealogical forms that are used in tracing family history.
Genealogical Forms
Good grief, you say, more forms? Isn’t there enough paperwork without you throwing more at me? How much more can I take!!
Genealogical forms are very important in tracing your family tree and keeping accurate records. Listed below are four genealogical records and a brief description of each.
1. Family group records:
a. These will be the beginning of your family tree. The family group record will list the surname (the last name) at the top of the form, along with which record it is (No. 1, No. 2, etc.
b. Next will be listed family members, starting with the husband and his vital statistics.
c. The wife’s data is listed next
d. Next the children will be listed.
2. Individual Work Sheet:
a. This form has all the information you have compiled on a particular individual, including but not limited to:
i. Name
ii. Birth
iii. Occupations
iv. Death
v. Marriage
vi. Spouse
3. Research Calendar:
a. A list of people you have spoken with.
i. The subject
ii. Date of interview
iii. A list of sources and comments
4. The Family Tree
a. Shows the progress you have made researching your family history at a glance.
More work will be done on the family tree in a later lesson
There are many more genealogical forms than those listed above, but the four listed will get you started on your journey into the past, and keep you organized as well.
Some genealogical forms will have abbreviations. Listed below are just a few and their meanings:
1.d.s.p. - died without issue
2. d.s.p.l. - died without legitimate issue
3. d.s.p.m.s. - died without surviving male issue
4. d.s.p.s - died without surviving issue
5. d.unm - died unmarried
6. d.v.p. - died in the lifetime of his father
7. d.v.m. - died in the lifetime of his mother
8. Et al - and others
9. Nepos - grandson
10. Nunc Nun - an oral will, written by a witness
As you can see, not all paperwork you come across will be easy to decipher. There is a list of links that will help you in your search included in this course. Please see the links page to find more information.
