Washington, Postmaster Indexes - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
These directories are for the year 1900.

Record Description
Directories are published books that are usually updated every year or so. This collection of directories consists of postal and shipping guides to Washington counties. They are usually arranged alphabetically.

Record Content
The individual directories may include any of the following pieces of information:


 * Name of head of household or business
 * Name of spouse
 * Street address
 * Other contact information such as telephone number
 * Occupation or business enterprise

How to Use the Record
To begin your search, you must know the following:


 * Name of your ancestor
 * The city or town where he or she lived

Once you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate the information given. Some directories list all members of the household separately, especially those 18 years of age and older. However, the information given in a directory is usually brief so it can be easy confuse individuals. Compare what information is given with what you already know about your ancestor to make sure it is the correct person.

Next, look at the pieces of information given in the directory for new information. Add any new information to your records of each family. You should also look for leads to other records about your family. For example:


 * Use the residence or address and family names to locate your family in the federal and state census records.
 * Use the residence or town and family names to search for other local records such as church records and land records.

You may also find these suggestions helpful.


 * Transcribe the information from the site, or download it for viewing or printing.
 * Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname. This is especially helpful if the surname is unusual.
 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives. This can help you identify other generations of your family. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify.
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.

If you are unable to find the ancestors you are looking for, try the following:


 * Check for variant spellings of the surnames.
 * Search the directories of nearby towns and cities.

Record History
The first directories were simple groupings of residents by street within large cities. The businesses that compiled the directories usually combined the listings with their own business or professional information and address. Information on other professionals and businesses quickly began to be included on the lists. Then the directories began dividing the names by function, and eventually there were multiple types of directories, such as city, telephone, county and regional business, professional, organizational, religious, and post office and street directories.

Why the Record Was Created
Directories were created to form a readily accessible record with current residence or contact information. They were created primarily by businesses for advertising and sales purposes.

Record Reliability
The information in directories is fairly reliable because it was usually provided by the business people and residents themselves. However, typographical errors may have occurred.

Related Websites
Washington State Library

Related Wiki Articles
United States Directories

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the Wiki Article: How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Examples of Source Citations for a Record in This Collection

 * “Delaware Marriage Records,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org: accessed 4 March 2011), entry for William Anderson and Elizabeth Baynard Henry, married 23 November 1913; citing marriage certificate no. 859; FHL microfilm 2,025,063; Delaware Bureau of Archives and Records Management, Dover.
 * “El Salvador Civil Registration,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org: accessed 21 March 2011), entry for Jose Maria Antonio del Carmen, born 9 April 1880; citing La Libertad, San Juan Opico, Nacimientos 1879-1893, image 50; Ministerio Archivo Civil de la Alcaldia Municipal de San Salvador.

Sources of information for This Collection
"Washington State Postmaster Indexes." FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org). Washington State Library, Olympia, Washington. FHL digital images, 6 digital folders. Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

The suggested format for citing FamilySearch Historical Collections is found in the following article: How to Create Source Citations For FamilySearch Historical Records Collections.