After all the research is done and your status family group record is as complete as you can make it, it is time to type up a final, documented copy of the family group record. It should be easy to tell what sources you used to obtain your data because you have it all neatly filed. You may wish to place a copy of your documented family group record in the research folder as well as in you Family Record Book.

As the number of documented family group records grows, you may wonder how to file them in your Family Record Book. One of the easiest ways is alphabetically: first by the surname of the husband; then, under each surname, by the given name of the husband; and finally, for those who have the same given name and surname, file them chronologically by date of birth. (see Figure 25) You will probably wish to use this same idea in filing your Family Research Folders.

As your research progresses, you will want to keep an accurate up-to-date pedigree chart. Whether you file it in folders or your Family Record Book, by the time you have more than one, you will need to number them in such a way that you can easily turn to the one you desire.

There are two main ways of doing this; either way can be done using letters or numbers. The first method is referred to as pre-determined. That means that each line in the last column of a pedigree chart has a definite number or letter assigned to it. (see Figure 26) The second method is referred to as random. This means that as a line extends off the pedigree chart, it is assigned th next letter or number available. (see Figure 27) Any of these methods are workable and each has advantages and disadvantages. It will be up to you to decide which one or combination of ones fit your needs best.

The result of following this filing system or one similar will be that you or someone else can easily find the information desired and will be able to come back to a folder a day, week, month, or years later and within only a few minutes' time be able to pick up where you left off and not have to repeat your research.