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Archiver > TMG > 2001-06 > 0991490497


From: "Maggie McQuillan" <>
Subject: RE: [TMG] Filing System
Date: Sat, 02 Jun 2001 09:01:37 -0500
References: <200106020011.f520Buo28329@lists5.rootsweb.com>


Sharon, I also struggled with how to file by surname with hundreds of folks with
the same name. Here is what I've settled on (for now <grin>).

I use manilla file folders, all with left cut tabs. On the tab I enter:
SURNAME, given name (TMG#) b.YEAR
SURNAME, given name (TMG#) b.YEAR
MAR(riage). dd/mm/yyyy
The top name is always the husband, the second is always the wife.

On the front of the folder, under the area of the tab I enter location where born:
Country, State, County, City, etc.
Country, State, County, City, etc.
again, top line for male, second for wife

Also, on the front of the folder under the tab-less right side, I enter
SURNAME, given (yyyy-yyyy); SURNAME, given (yyyy-yyyy)
SURNAME, given (yyyy-yyyy); SURNAME, given (yyyy-yyyy)
top line is husbands father on left and his mother on right. Second line is wifes
father on left, mother on right.

Last, I color code by generations, using myself as gen 3 and working backward and
forward from there. I make a colored filled-in circle to the left of the surnames
on the tab to designate the generation - gen 1 red, gen 2 blue, gen 3 yellow, etc..
You can also purchase colored sticky dots, but I find the glue fails after a few
years and the number of colors are limited, so colored pencils work very well. If
and when another generation gets added, it is very easy to add another color. (I
keep a small color chart taped on the top file drawer as a key.)

I only create a folder when a marriage relationship begins. Otherwise, a child's
documentation stays in the parent's folder. I use large dividers in my file cabinet
for generations, and file alpa within each generation. If I accidentally miss-file,
the colored blue dot swimming in a sea of yellow dots informs me immediately!

I also have a 4 drawer file cabinet, using a separate drawer for each of my major
lines (2 for maternal and 2 for paternal). This way, when I'm working on my dad's
father's line I don't have to wade through all the files from all four lines -
which would never fit in a single file drawer anyway.

I have never failed to find a file with this method, and I believe that when I'm
gone it will be very clear to whomever wishes to take over where I leave off.

Maggie


How is it possible to find a document filed only by surname if one has MANY
documents concerning that one surname. I am struggling with my filing
@#$=&*!!!

AND/OR How can one file by source number if one has used generic sources in
certain instances?

Sinking (in paper stacks),
Sharon Wells Gabel

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