Using City Directories in Family Tree Research : eBay Guides

How can a city directory help my research?

Find out more about an individual

• How does he spell his name?
• What is his middle initial?
• Is he married?
• Where does he live?
• Does he own his home or rent?
• Has he a telephone?
• Who are his neighbours?
• What does he do for a living?
• Where does he work?
• Is he the head of the household or a resident?
• Does he own a business?
• Is the woman single, married or widowed?

Find out about the city

• What is the city's history?
• What is the population?
• What are the leading industries?
• What are the names and locations of the schools?
• What are the names and locations of the churches?
• What are the names and locations of hospitals, asylums & orphans homes?

Don't get stuck at a brick wall just using census, use census substitutes.