Andy, the computer filing....Kay's idea is good for hard copies.....I make a file in my documents under the name like: Lewis J....then put all my data in this file Pictures..same thing with family surnames jokes....good ones only military.....etc. You can also use generation numbers if that is easier for each file. In my documents.....right click to create new folder. Every month or so..BACK UP BACK UP BACK UP. Then I take the disc to work, in case my house burns down or theft. :o( TT ----- Original Message ----- From: Andy Lanier Sent: Saturday, February 08, 2003 12:03 PM To: BLANKENSHIP-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [BLANKENSHIP] Reuben Blankenship of Alabama Help!!!! Can anyone tell me how to organize all my files so I can put my hands on documents when I want them? I'll probably get messages telling me that it's impossible. I started this many years ago and just a year ago I got my first computer and still have lots of stuff that hasnn't been recorded in the computer. Please bear with me and I'll try to get the stuff out when I find it. You've heard the story of not being able to open the closet door without everything falling out, well, it actually happened to me. In addition I took a sabbatical from genealogy for several years and everything that came in was just stuck in the first available space and there was also a move to another house during that time. Maybe if I live to be a hundred I'll get it organized. One interesting tid bit about Reuben Blankenship. While living in Shelby Co. AL, he was approved for a Revolutionary War pension on 24 May 1833 for the grand amount of $23. 31 per year for service as a Private in the Virginia Militia. While this seems like a pittance, I have receipts from family members in the mid 1800's and a pair of overalls could be purchased for 15 cents so I imagine the pension was a great help to them. Another interesting item that was almost always listed at the end of their purchases was a gallon or two of corn whiskey. When I start looking for these receipts and other documents I sometimes feel that I've been sampling some of this whiskey.On the other hand, maybe if I did have a sample, I'd be better able to sort things out. I know a lot of you think I have been sampling it when I get started on one of my messages that seems to run on and on. Just be thankful you aren't having to listen to me talk as that's much worse. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! Andy Lanier ==== BLANKENSHIP Mailing List ==== Do not forward virus hoaxes or chain letters to mailing lists. For more information, send email to the List Admin, BKAYMEL@aol.comGet more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com