United States City and Business Directories - FamilySearch Historical Records

United States

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains an index of city and business directories from numerous locations in the United States. It covers the period between ca. 1749 and ca. 1990.

The instructions for indexing this collection were to index the names of all persons found on residential lists and names of employers and employees. Business names were not to be indexed unless they contained personal names. For example, "Barner Kehlenbeck Wines and Liquors" would be indexed as two separate surnames, Barner and Kehlenbeck. Business names such as The Ad Book and AAA Plumbing were not to be indexed, but records like those may be found in the index.

Some of the cities included are: • 2

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:
 * Person's name
 * Occupation
 * Address

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The residence of your ancestor
 * The birth date of your ancestor
 * The names of other family members and family relationships

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * Analyze the entry to see if if provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby localities
 * Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the United States.
 * United States Guided Research
 * United States Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Related FamilySearch Historical Record Collections

 * United States Census, 1900
 * United States Census, 1910
 * United States Census, 1920
 * United States Census, 1930
 * United States Census, 1940

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.