Here is another thought If you have a master list chart produced try numbering from the first children like this Original father and mother and first generation in DOB order 1 First child 2 Second child 3 Third child 4A Twin fourth child 4B Twin fourth child Second generation gets an extra number 11 This is the first child of the first child 12 Second child of the first child 33 Third child of the third child Third generation 112 second child from the first child of the first child In my case I am something like 332122 One can by counting the numbers see that I am six generations out from the starting parent. Anyone at a family reunion can also instantly see that I am from the original 3rd child line This is perhaps the reverse of order for the Ahnentafel system and more in line with what is called the "Register Numbering System" FTM produces reports like this with a lot more data inter spaced such as DOB DOD etc interlaced - http://genealogy.about.com/cs/research/p/register.htm for an example hope that helps Alan Melbourne