How To Use The Directory Of Names When Researching Your Genealogy

How can I use the directory of names?

The trade and commercial directories become more complete from the early nineteenth century and they are normally published in county volumes, or there might be urban volumes. And they're broken down into administrative units, also known as a hamlet or village and then they're listed alphabetically according to the names of the individuals who are included. Or if they are urban ones, they might be arranged by street and then listed alphabetically according to the names. But it's only those people who are heads of household who are recorded, not everybody. If it's recorded under certain occupations, again the address of where that person practiced might well be different from where they actually lived.