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(This page's most recent update is February 2026)
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An ancestor’s place of residence may be documented in many more sources than census schedules alone. The records below highlight where a specific address, township, county, or community affiliation may be stated or strongly implied.
Government Records
- Census schedules – List residence at time of enumeration.
- State census records – Provide interim residence data.
- Voter registration lists – Identify precinct or ward.
- Tax assessment rolls – Indicate property location.
- Jury lists – Show residence qualification.
Land and Property Records
- Deeds – Identify grantor or grantee residence.
- Mortgage records – Provide borrower’s address.
- Lease agreements – Show tenancy location.
- Homestead applications – State settlement residence.
- Plat maps – Locate property within township.
City and Community Directories
- City directories – Provide street address and occupation.
- Rural directories – List township and route information.
- Telephone books – Confirm household location.
- Business directories – Identify commercial address.
Court and Legal Records
- Civil lawsuits – Identify residence of parties.
- Criminal proceedings – List address at time of charge.
- Probate files – State residence at death.
- Guardianship records – Identify minor’s place of residence.
- Divorce filings – Note county of filing.
Military Records
- Draft registration cards – Provide residential address.
- Pension applications – State residence at time of filing.
- Bounty land files – Identify place of residence.
- Discharge papers – Note residence upon separation.
Church and Religious Records
- Membership rolls – Identify parish residence.
- Baptism and marriage records – Record family address.
- Burial registers – List residence at death.
- Church directories – Provide household listings.
Educational and Institutional Records
- School enrollment lists – Show district residence.
- College catalogs – List student hometown.
- Asylum admission records – State county of residence.
- Poorhouse registers – Identify prior residence.
Newspapers
- Obituaries – Frequently state residence.
- Legal notices – Publish residence of involved parties.
- Social columns – Mention visits from or to specific locations.
- Real estate advertisements – Identify property location.
- Public meeting announcements – Reference community address.
Migration and Travel Records
- Passenger lists – State last residence or destination.
- Border crossing records – Identify prior residence.
- Naturalization petitions – Record place of residence.
- Internal passport records – Document movement between regions.
If you’d like this information in a clean, printable, and well-organized reference format, this topic is also included in the Quicksheet Vault. The Vault is designed for researchers who prefer working tools they can save, print, and reuse—whether that means building a personal binder of key resources or keeping reliable references close at hand. You can learn more about the Quicksheet Vault HERE