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The current Grand Number plan has been in use since 1964 when it replaced the
original Grand Number plan used in the Cyclopeedy and Supplement I. All genealogical data published since 1964 has used
the new Grand Number notation.
As we connect
with cousins outside of our familiar circle of relatives, a shorthand way of defining where we each fit into the family can
be very helpful. The Grand Number assigned to each person met this need.
The Grand Number consisted of the Tine, the Generation, and a Sequential Number
assigned by a family recordkeeper. If you don't know your Grand Number, you may be able to look it up. If you
never had a Grand Number, it can not be "derived" from something else, and there is no one today assigning Grand
Numbers.
However, your Short Grand
Number can also quickly convey useful information that can help two people determine their relationship with each other, and
it can be quickly and easily derived.
The Short Grand Number (SGN) consists of the first two parts of the Grand Number and an optional suffix: - The Tine from which one is descended.
- The number of generations
back to Captain James Skilton.
- A suffix which is a
- lower
case “s” for spouse/partner,
- lower case “a” for adopted, or
- lower case “p” for stepchild.
Because
the Short Grand Number is made
up of the first two parts of the Grand Number, it is a notation very familiar to many in the family, and anyone can easily
derive their Short Grand Number. For example, I am descended from Samuel William Southmayd Skilton (Tine 7) and I am
the 6th generation (F) counting Captain James as the 1st generation (A). Thus my Short Grand Number is 7F.
In a recent conversation with a cousin, we determined that his SGN is 2F. From his SGN,
I immediately knew several things:
- He is descended from Tine 2.
- He
and I are the same number of generations down from Captain James.
- Since we are both
generation F and we are not on the same Tine, I know we are 4th cousins.
- If we were on the same
Tine it would take a little more research to define our relationship, but I know we 3rd cousins or closer.
Everything one needs to determine their SGN is available on our website (www.skiltons.org). The quickest
way to determine your Short Grand Number is to use the Cyclopedy, the Supplement, and the Reunion Report Index for 1970 and
earlier (all of which are available here). Search for a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, and
once you find them, you should have enough information to determine your Tine and generation. For additional information on Skilton Grand Numbers
and Short Grand Numbers, and tips on deriving your SGN, please click below.
Skilton Family Grand Numbers
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