Personal biography example template

Here's an outline, or formula, if you will, to follow. Think of each numbered, bold section being a paragraph. You don't need to be an English major, a published writer, or even good at writing to do this. Just tell the story.

1. Origination a. Name of person b. Date of birth, place of birth. Put it in context of what county the town was in, and if not a large place, give a general approximation of how far it was in what direction from the larger well-known city... c. Names of parents, their birthplaces... d. Siblings, birth order. Special note of siblings who live near them now, or those of other special accomplishments .

2. Heritage a. Occupation of parents... b. Places lived while at parents' home -- why might they have moved... c. What was this area of the country known for?

3. Education a. Grammar/High School... b. Anecdotes/accomplishments of their youth... c. College / Vocational Schooling... d. Post-grad / Additional Vocational studies... e. Scholastic achievements of merit.

4. Military a. When enlisted... b. Where enlisted... c. Branch of service, and company/regiment information... d. Ranks, promotions... e. Battles, wounds... f. When discharged.

5. Occupation and Life a. First Job(s)... b. Trials/Struggles... c. Towns/Areas they lived in -- why would they have moved each time... d. Path of jobs/businesses led to the prime one... e. Professional accomplishments... f. Professional awards and recognition... g. Retirement

6. Family a. When married... b. Children, when and where born. If they are grown and working, tell where they work, to whom they are married, and whether they have any children... c. Describe progression of places they lived... d. Deaths in the family, where buried.

7. Community a. Church... b. Volunteer... c. Clubs/Organizations... d. Public Office, elected or appointed... e. What did the town/area look like that they lived in? What were the conditions there?

8. Conclusion a. What others think of the person... b. Main accomplishments of lifetime... c. Death/burial, if applicable... d. Surviving spouse info... e. Is there a single anecdote or story from their life that sums up the essence of the person? This would be the place to put it.