Preserve: Creating a Descendants Report
Using Google Docs, Word, or Pages to Outline Descendants of an Ancestor.
Descendants Report
If you are wondering what to do with the records of the lineal descendants of the ancestor you have traced back to, this is the post for you. This is another method of preserving your family history research in a way that is accessible to others. It also helps to see the whole picture view of a family line.
In a Descendants Report, which is like an outline of an ancestor and their descendants, you start with the oldest ancestor you have found and have confirmed. From that person, you list all his or her children in outline form. Under each child listed, you list their children, and so forth. This continues until you no longer have anyone to enter. More on this below.
This is a good choice if you’ve focused on one surname and want a preserved record of any descendants within that surname.
One of the Word Processing Documents such as Google Docs, Pages for Mac, Microsoft Word, or any other compatible document.
Basic understanding of how to use one of these documents.
computer or laptop
How to create a Descendants Report using an outline method.
How to publish your Descendants Report
How to save it as a PDF and make it available to yourself on your Kindle Reader
How to embed it into another website page
How to turn it into its own website page
How to Create the Descendants Report
Using a Google Doc, Pages, or Word document, start with the generation of your direct ancestors that is furthest in time away from you. In other words, the oldest generation you have researched back to in one surname line. The examples I give here are from Google Docs.
Using the Numbering system on the document, begin recording each generation from there.
Click on the Numbering icon shown with the yellow arrow above.
Use your keyboard’s Return/Enter key to get to the next line for the next sibling.
When starting a new generation for the individual you just added, use Return/Enter and then use the Tab key on your keyboard. This will move you to the next level and number/letter. If you’ve tabbed over one, it’s the next generation.
Note that traditional numbered outlines begin with a Roman numeral, but that is not how it is done on Google Docs. Rather than reinventing the wheel, I use whatever they provide. It gets the job done.
Keep reading. I know this may seem abstract, but the examples provided at the end are helpful. You will also find information on self-publishing your Descendants Report that includes:
Adding it in PDF form to your own Kindle Device. See below.
Publishing it as a webpage
Publishing as a PDF that can be printed, saved on your drive or embedded on your own website.