Part of R&R’s mission is to connect individuals and users to specific locations through many sources. City Directories are a key component of linking individuals to historic homes and businesses. These often-overlooked sources of genealogical information are invaluable sources of data when used in conjunction with other materials to tell a comprehensive story of a location and or residents. Dozens of companies published these directories, and they come in many forms dating from the mid-19th century. For example, Charleston, South Carolina’s mid-19th century directory gives details of owners, occupations, locations, businesses and more. Many mid-sized cities toward the 20th century also have city directories that were broken into two or more sections listing streets, individuals and businesses.
R&R initially extracted data on individuals who lived at specific locations on identified streets. When available, listings of these individuals show on each post covering three or four decades. It is important to note, however, that R&R does not attempt to cover all time periods or extract data from all directories; therefore, a complete indexing of occupants of a specific location may be missing.
When extracting this information, R&R does not routinely change the spelling or try to correct data unless there is overwhelming proof a mistake was made by the directory company. R&R suggests users visit their local library or museum to enjoy viewing and studying the collection of directories, but be aware many smaller cities did not have directories. And because some institutions have placed limits on user access to their directories due to wear and damage, researcher should consult with the institution prior to visiting to learn their policy is for accessing the information. In many cases institutions are more than happy to assist researchers and answer their questions electronically. For additional information on the history of city directories, please see the attached links.
Informative links:
My late husband Charles Guillebeaux was a descendent of Andre Guillebeau, French Huguenot who settled in New Bordeaux, SC. The Guillebeau House, now located in Hickory Knob State Park, was his home. Gil was an only child whose parents died while he was in his teens/early twenties and he knew only selective information about his family history. I have researched Gil’s ancestors in order to fill in details, tracking his ancestry back to Andre G. and have been pretty successful in ‘connecting the dots’, with just a couple holes. One of these is my inability to find the date of his father’s death and/or where he is buried. I am writing to ask you assistance.
Gil’s father was Jessie Guillebeaux (b. 1883). Gil’s parent were from Abbeville, SC but moved to Evanston, IL when Gil was a baby. Gil told me that Jessie died in Evanston but he took the body by train to SC and buried him on the family property in New Bordeaux. This would have been in the 1940’s, before the House was moved to Hickory Knob. I am unable to find death records for Jessie in either IL or SC.
Jessie was the son of Cornelius Guillebeaux (1856-1943). Internet records show Cornelius lived, died and was buried in McCormick. It would seem likely that Jessie was buried near Cornelius. Can you help me determine where that was?