Lowcountry City Directories Online

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Permalink Reply by Alane Roundtree on July 22, 2009 at 7:57am

Hi Toni,

City directories can be full of genealogical gems.

I have been fortunate to discover leads for persons I have been researching in the pages of city directories over the years. They can be especially useful in helping to track migrating ancestors in-between census enumerations. Directories printed in the 1890s can also help serve as a substitute record for the lost 1890 census.

One unique item I found in the Charleston City Directory (1888) are listings for persons who had moved since the last directory was printed! For example on pg 450 the listing for William RHETT states he "removed to New York." To find this type of information in a record that appears on the heels of the destroyed 1890 census is invaluable indeed.

Thank you for posting these links Toni and reminding folks not to overlook those city directories!

Peace,
Alane

Permalink Reply by Toni Carrier on July 22, 2009 at 1:11pm

Hi Alane,

Oh wow, what a great find in the 1888 Charleston directory!

Thank you for sharing your discovery, and your comments on the value of city directories to your research. Awesome!

---toni :)