* New User Questions
-
- Gold
- Posts: 25
- Joined: 03 Mar 2019 23:53
- Family Historian: V6.2
New User Questions
Hello:
I am new to Family Historian and have been researching my family for several months now. I want to start entering the information I have now in Family Historian. I don’t know who in my family to start with. I have the software installed and have read the help menu and searched the knowledge base on this website. I have worked with the sample report in Family Historian also. I was adding a second marriage to the sample report and a divorce. When I added the second marriage I was going to add the father of the second bride and I was asked by the software if I wanted to create a new record or link the existing record. I am not sure which I should choose to that question. The version of Family Historian I have is 6.2.7.
I am new to Family Historian and have been researching my family for several months now. I want to start entering the information I have now in Family Historian. I don’t know who in my family to start with. I have the software installed and have read the help menu and searched the knowledge base on this website. I have worked with the sample report in Family Historian also. I was adding a second marriage to the sample report and a divorce. When I added the second marriage I was going to add the father of the second bride and I was asked by the software if I wanted to create a new record or link the existing record. I am not sure which I should choose to that question. The version of Family Historian I have is 6.2.7.
- LornaCraig
- Megastar
- Posts: 3201
- Joined: 11 Jan 2005 17:36
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: Oxfordshire, UK
Re: New User Questions
Hello, welcome to FHUG.
It doesn't matter who you start with when entering data into a new project, but when researching their own families most people probably enter themselves as the first person. So click Add in the main toolbar and then choose Unrelated Individual and enter your own name. Then grow the tree from there.
There are several situations where you are asked to choose between creating a new record and linking to an existing record. In most cases you will be creating a new record, but sometimes the 'new' spouse/father/mother/son/daughter you want to add is already in your database. For example if an individual marries someone who is a distant cousin, and you already have an existing record for the cousin. In that case you choose to link to exisitng record and select the cousin's record from the list.
It doesn't matter who you start with when entering data into a new project, but when researching their own families most people probably enter themselves as the first person. So click Add in the main toolbar and then choose Unrelated Individual and enter your own name. Then grow the tree from there.
There are several situations where you are asked to choose between creating a new record and linking to an existing record. In most cases you will be creating a new record, but sometimes the 'new' spouse/father/mother/son/daughter you want to add is already in your database. For example if an individual marries someone who is a distant cousin, and you already have an existing record for the cousin. In that case you choose to link to exisitng record and select the cousin's record from the list.
Lorna
- tatewise
- Megastar
- Posts: 28410
- Joined: 25 May 2010 11:00
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: Torbay, Devon, UK
- Contact:
Re: New User Questions
Have you worked through the topics in how_to:key_features_for_newcomers|> Key Features for Newcomers as advised when you joined yesterday?
Many new users say they wished they had spent more time reviewing the tutorials & Features before entering their records.
ancestralsources:index|> Ancestral Sources is particularly useful for capturing common source records such as Birth, Marriage, Death & Census.
You may find some useful tips in research:getting_started|> Getting Started with Genealogy Research on how to enter your data into FH.
Many new users say they wished they had spent more time reviewing the tutorials & Features before entering their records.
ancestralsources:index|> Ancestral Sources is particularly useful for capturing common source records such as Birth, Marriage, Death & Census.
You may find some useful tips in research:getting_started|> Getting Started with Genealogy Research on how to enter your data into FH.
Mike Tate ~ researching the Tate and Scott family history ~ tatewise ancestry
-
- Gold
- Posts: 25
- Joined: 03 Mar 2019 23:53
- Family Historian: V6.2
Re: New User Questions
Thank you for the information I will start my tree with myself and create new records. I have been working with the software most of the day. I was also wanting to know the best report to create.LornaCraig wrote:Hello, welcome to FHUG.
It doesn't matter who you start with when entering data into a new project, but when researching their own families most people probably enter themselves as the first person. So click Add in the main toolbar and then choose Unrelated Individual and enter your own name. Then grow the tree from there.
There are several situations where you are asked to choose between creating a new record and linking to an existing record. In most cases you will be creating a new record, but sometimes the 'new' spouse/father/mother/son/daughter you want to add is already in your database. For example if an individual marries someone who is a distant cousin, and you already have an existing record for the cousin. In that case you choose to link to exisitng record and select the cousin's record from the list.
-
- Gold
- Posts: 25
- Joined: 03 Mar 2019 23:53
- Family Historian: V6.2
Re: New User Questions
Yes I have been reviewing this info and working with the sample report.tatewise wrote:Have you worked through the topics in how_to:key_features_for_newcomers|> Key Features for Newcomers as advised when you joined yesterday?
Many new users say they wished they had spent more time reviewing the tutorials & Features before entering their records.
ancestralsources:index|> Ancestral Sources is particularly useful for capturing common source records such as Birth, Marriage, Death & Census.
You may find some useful tips in research:getting_started|> Getting Started with Genealogy Research on how to enter your data into FH.
-
- Gold
- Posts: 25
- Joined: 03 Mar 2019 23:53
- Family Historian: V6.2
Re: New User Questions
Thank you so much for getting back with me I have been reviewing the help menue and working with the sample report. I will create a new record instead of linking an existing record and start my tree with me and would like to know a good report to use.
- tatewise
- Megastar
- Posts: 28410
- Joined: 25 May 2010 11:00
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: Torbay, Devon, UK
- Contact:
Re: New User Questions
I'm not sure what you mean by 'sample report'.
Do you perhaps mean the Family Historian Sample Project?
Or do you mean a Report from the Publish menu?
Also not sure what you mean by 'a good report to use'.
A good report to use for what?
Or do you mean a good Project name to use?
To be sure we are all talking about the same thing, please state the menu commands you are using.
Alternatively, attach a screenshot of the dialogue involved; see info:forums#posting_topics|> Posting Topics for how to do that.
Since you are new to both genealogy research and to the FH software, then it will take more than a day or two to understand how best to use all the features. Be prepared to make some practice runs, and discard it all and start again.
Do you perhaps mean the Family Historian Sample Project?
Or do you mean a Report from the Publish menu?
Also not sure what you mean by 'a good report to use'.
A good report to use for what?
Or do you mean a good Project name to use?
To be sure we are all talking about the same thing, please state the menu commands you are using.
Alternatively, attach a screenshot of the dialogue involved; see info:forums#posting_topics|> Posting Topics for how to do that.
Since you are new to both genealogy research and to the FH software, then it will take more than a day or two to understand how best to use all the features. Be prepared to make some practice runs, and discard it all and start again.
Mike Tate ~ researching the Tate and Scott family history ~ tatewise ancestry
-
- Gold
- Posts: 25
- Joined: 03 Mar 2019 23:53
- Family Historian: V6.2
Re: New User Questions
The sample report that came with the software. I am looking for a report from the publish menu that states facts in an organized outline easy to read.
- tatewise
- Megastar
- Posts: 28410
- Joined: 25 May 2010 11:00
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: Torbay, Devon, UK
- Contact:
Re: New User Questions
All the Reports present the details they are designed to include in an organized easy to read style.
But different Reports include different levels of detail in differing styles, and can be further customised to add/remove details and change the style of various component items.
See how_to:index#publishing_reports|> Publishing Reports and study the summary styles and tips on usage.
Experiment with the standard Reports and how to customise them, until you find the ones you prefer.
That is why I advised studying the how_to:key_features_for_newcomers|> Key Features for Newcomers which identifies Documentation & Tutorials that includes the FH Book: "Getting the Most From Family Historian" where features such as Reports and Diagrams are presented as tutorials.
But different Reports include different levels of detail in differing styles, and can be further customised to add/remove details and change the style of various component items.
See how_to:index#publishing_reports|> Publishing Reports and study the summary styles and tips on usage.
Experiment with the standard Reports and how to customise them, until you find the ones you prefer.
That is why I advised studying the how_to:key_features_for_newcomers|> Key Features for Newcomers which identifies Documentation & Tutorials that includes the FH Book: "Getting the Most From Family Historian" where features such as Reports and Diagrams are presented as tutorials.
Mike Tate ~ researching the Tate and Scott family history ~ tatewise ancestry
-
- Superstar
- Posts: 420
- Joined: 18 Nov 2012 01:50
- Family Historian: V6.2
- Location: Mesa, Arizona, USA
Re: New User Questions
Regarding the various report formats that are offered in FH. As others have said, it would be a good idea to experiment with the different FH report formats until you find something that appeals to you.
However,as you do this experimenting, be aware that most of the FH report formats use computer generated text, based on your input data. Personally, I am not a fan of the computer generated text approach. In other words, I prefer to write my own text in my words, with my paragraph formatting. The Individual Summary Report (ISR) accommodates this approach quite well, i.e., it does not rely on computer generated text. When using the ISR report format, as you create Facts for an individual, use the Note boxes that are available for each Fact to type your own story (your text) for that Fact. The text from these Note boxes will then be presented in a very concise and well organized format when you publish the data with the ISR option.
I think you will find that the ISR approach meets your goal of "states facts in an organized outline easy to read". But, by all means, experiment and see what works best for you.
However,as you do this experimenting, be aware that most of the FH report formats use computer generated text, based on your input data. Personally, I am not a fan of the computer generated text approach. In other words, I prefer to write my own text in my words, with my paragraph formatting. The Individual Summary Report (ISR) accommodates this approach quite well, i.e., it does not rely on computer generated text. When using the ISR report format, as you create Facts for an individual, use the Note boxes that are available for each Fact to type your own story (your text) for that Fact. The text from these Note boxes will then be presented in a very concise and well organized format when you publish the data with the ISR option.
I think you will find that the ISR approach meets your goal of "states facts in an organized outline easy to read". But, by all means, experiment and see what works best for you.
-
- Gold
- Posts: 25
- Joined: 03 Mar 2019 23:53
- Family Historian: V6.2
Re: New User Questions
I have been working with the Family Historian Sample Project. I am still a little confused about creating a new record and or linking an existing record. It sounds like every time I add a person I would create a new record. The unrelated individuals I am putting in my note field by adding a note such as witnesses and god parents. When would I use the link to an existing record feature? The family tree I am creating in Family Historian is about only related individuals. So my question is every time I add a new related individual in Family Historian should I create a new record and when would I link to an existing record?
- Jane
- Site Admin
- Posts: 8514
- Joined: 01 Nov 2002 15:00
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: Somerset, England
- Contact:
Re: New User Questions
You don't need the existing record option to often, but it's important to use it when needed
For example from my own tree
My Father in Law married his brothers widow
My Great Aunt married a Great Uncle from another Branch.
So when the person you want is already in another branch of your tree you need the option.
For example from my own tree
My Father in Law married his brothers widow
My Great Aunt married a Great Uncle from another Branch.
So when the person you want is already in another branch of your tree you need the option.
Jane
My Family History : My Photography "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad."
My Family History : My Photography "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad."
- tatewise
- Megastar
- Posts: 28410
- Joined: 25 May 2010 11:00
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: Torbay, Devon, UK
- Contact:
Re: New User Questions
This may be obvious, but when you start building your family tree, you should create a New Project.
Do NOT add your relatives to the Family Historian Sample Project.
In most cases, when you add a relative they will need a new Individual record.
There is a Fact Witness feature that links people such as Witnesses and Godparents to the Event they relate to.
That formally links them to the Event and their role appears in their Property Box and Narrative Reports.
Quite often those people will be relatives you have already added, so you would choose the existing record option.
Another example is where children are adopted or fostered.
The children will typically already be entered along with their birth parents.
You might add the adoptive or foster parents first, and then add the children to them, in which case the children will be existing records.
Do NOT add your relatives to the Family Historian Sample Project.
In most cases, when you add a relative they will need a new Individual record.
There is a Fact Witness feature that links people such as Witnesses and Godparents to the Event they relate to.
That formally links them to the Event and their role appears in their Property Box and Narrative Reports.
Quite often those people will be relatives you have already added, so you would choose the existing record option.
Another example is where children are adopted or fostered.
The children will typically already be entered along with their birth parents.
You might add the adoptive or foster parents first, and then add the children to them, in which case the children will be existing records.
Mike Tate ~ researching the Tate and Scott family history ~ tatewise ancestry
- AdrianBruce
- Megastar
- Posts: 2107
- Joined: 09 Aug 2003 21:02
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: South Cheshire
- Contact:
Re: New User Questions
Take an example - if you're working back from someone's verbal description of their family, you'd create a new related individual in your project in Family Historian if they mention "Aunty Nelly" for the first time. Any later reference to "Aunty Nelly", for instance if someone else describes "Aunty Nelly" as their mother's mother, would use the existing record for "Aunty Nelly". Or if you found "Aunty Nelly" in the 1939 Register, that would use the existing record for "Aunty Nelly".SilverSchnauzer wrote:... The family tree I am creating in Family Historian is about only related individuals. So my question is every time I add a new related individual in Family Historian should I create a new record and when would I link to an existing record?
And then if you find Nelly's baptism, that would be a further use of the existing record for Nelly - but if you didn't know her parents beforehand, then the same baptism should create two new records for her parents, and you'd link them to the existing record for Nelly.
Essentially, you want one, and only one, individual-record in your project for each real person. (If you end up with two individual-records for one person, don't worry, they can be merged, but that's another lesson for much later on...)
Adrian
-
- Gold
- Posts: 25
- Joined: 03 Mar 2019 23:53
- Family Historian: V6.2
Re: New User Questions
Thank you everyone for your knowledge and responses to my questions. So here is an example in my family. My Dad's brother and his wife were my God Parents when I was baptized I don't really have the record for that, but I could write to the church and get it. The only record I have for that is my Dad told me who were my God Parents when I was baptized. So when I add my Dad's brother ( My Uncle) to my family tree should I link my Dad's brother and his wife to me as God Parents or add a new record for my Dad's brother ( my uncle)?
- Valkrider
- Megastar
- Posts: 1570
- Joined: 04 Jun 2012 19:03
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: Lincolnshire
- Contact:
Re: New User Questions
I would add them as your fathers brother and wife. Then add them as God parents to yourself.
- tatewise
- Megastar
- Posts: 28410
- Joined: 25 May 2010 11:00
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: Torbay, Devon, UK
- Contact:
Re: New User Questions
May I go into a bit more detail on Colin's answer, because it does not go into enough detail for a newcomer like you.
There are several steps to the whole process, some of which you may have already performed.
Many of the following steps are most easily performed in the Focus Window.
I can provide screenshots of the steps if that would help.
There are several steps to the whole process, some of which you may have already performed.
Many of the following steps are most easily performed in the Focus Window.
- I assume that you have already added yourself, your parents, and your grandparents.
If not, then please use the Add Father and Add Mother links above their boxes in the Focus Window.
Since these will be new relatives choose the Create New Record option each time. - Now double-click your dad's father's box (your paternal grandfather) so your grandparents are in Focus.
Your dad will be shown as one of the Children below.
Click on the Add Child link and Create New Record for your uncle.
( You can repeat this for all your dad's siblings, your blood aunts & uncles, but NOT their spouses. ) - Now double-click your uncle so he moves into Focus.
Click on the Add Wife/Partner link to his right and Create New Record for his wife, who is your aunt. - Open your own Property Box and select the Facts tab.
If you have not already done so, then use the + Add Fact button and Add Baptism.
If you know the details, then enter the Date and Place and Address where you were baptised. - Now right-click that Baptised fact and select Witnesses so we can add your uncle & aunt as godparents.
In the Witnesses for Baptism dialogue, click Add and Add Individual(s).
Double-click to select your uncle from the popup list so he appears in the right-hand Selected Individuals.
Do the same for your aunt, so they are both listed on the right, then click OK.
In the Edit Witness Details dialogue, click in the Role box, choose Godparent, and click OK.
That will list your uncle & aunt as Godparents and you can click Close. - You say the evidence for the baptism is what your dad told you, so that can be entered as a Source Citation.
If necessary, click the Show Sources yellow scroll icon top right, so the yellow Sources For pane is displayed.
With the Baptised fact selected, click the Add Citation yellow scroll + icon button.
In the Select Source dialogue click the New button to get the New Source Record dialogue.
Enter a Title such as Baptism Details from Dad which can be changed later if you like.
Enter a Type such as Baptism.
Enter Author as your dad's name.
Enter Text From Source as whatever he told you about the baptism and your godparents, etc.
Finally click Create. When you become more experienced you can go back and revise any of those details.
Later, if you obtain the church records, then you can add them as another Source Citation.
I can provide screenshots of the steps if that would help.
Mike Tate ~ researching the Tate and Scott family history ~ tatewise ancestry
-
- Gold
- Posts: 25
- Joined: 03 Mar 2019 23:53
- Family Historian: V6.2
Re: New User Questions
Yes This all makes good sense I printed out your instructions too. Thank you so much for all of your help and support. I do plan on obtaining these details from the church. My sister and brother and me were all baptised at the same church and would like to know who their god parents were too. Again thank you and everyone who has responded to my questions for your help and support.