Using business records for family history research can often-overlooked treasure trove of information lies within business records. These documents can provide unique insights into the lives of ancestors, their communities, and their roles in the economic landscape of their time. This guide explores how to effectively utilize business records in your genealogical pursuits. In using these types of records families can use them to trace records and photographs of relatives who were employed by a particular business. They also provide a picture of ones family background that is not biased in either direction. Finally, using business records for family history research can help uncover unanswered questions or open a new area of exploration into ones family background.
What Are Business Records?What Are Business Records?
J. C. Bengtsen family butcher, ca. 1920
Business records encompass a wide array of documents generated by commercial enterprises. These include but are not limited to:
Account ledgers: Detailed records of transactions, which may list customers and their purchases.
Employment records: Information on employees, including hire dates, job roles, and wages.
Licenses and permits: Documents showing who was authorized to operate a business or perform specific trades.
Directories: Business and city directories that often list names, addresses, and occupations.
Contracts: Agreements that may include personal information about involved parties.
Trade association records: Membership rosters and meeting minutes of professional or trade organizations.
Where to Find Business RecordsWhere to Find Business Records
Locating business records can be challenging but rewarding. Key repositories include:
Archives and Libraries: Local and regional archives often house historical business records, particularly for defunct companies. Public and university libraries may also hold special collections related to prominent local businesses.
Courthouse Records: Licenses, permits, and bankruptcy filings are frequently preserved in county or municipal courthouses. These records can pinpoint when and where an ancestor operated a business.
Historical Societies and Museums: Local historical societies often maintain records or artifacts of businesses significant to their community. Membership or visitation may be required for access.
Online Databases: Platforms like FamilySearch and MyHeritage host digitized business records. Searchable directories and records from trade groups or professional organizations can also be found online.
Business Successors: If the business is still operational, its current management may maintain historical records. A respectful inquiry can sometimes yield valuable information.
Using Business Records in GenealogyUsing Business Records in Genealogy
Identifying Ancestors’ Occupations: Business directories and employment records often provide precise information about an ancestor’s occupation, place of work, and employer.
Confirming Residence: Customer accounts and trade ledgers can confirm an ancestor's address, as many businesses recorded this information for billing purposes.Caribbean Migration PatternsTracking Migration Patterns: Following an ancestor’s business dealings or employment can help trace their movement from one location to another, particularly in cases where traditional migration records are unavailable.
Understanding Social Connections: Business partnerships, trade associations, and contracts may reveal relationships between your ancestor and other community members.
Contextualizing Lives: Business records offer insights into the economic conditions of your ancestor’s time, providing a richer understanding of their daily lives.
Research Tips for SuccessResearch Tips for Success
Be Specific in Searches: Narrow your search by specifying the type of business and location. Use timeframes to avoid sifting through irrelevant data.
Cross-Reference Data: Verify information from business records against other sources such as census data or family letters for consistency.
Consider Economic Context: Understand the local economy of the time. For instance, ancestors listed as “grocers” in the 19th century may have operated small general stores or been part of larger trade networks.
Explore Trade Publications: Historical trade journals and newspapers can provide details about the business or industry your ancestor was involved in, including advertisements, announcements, and news.
Document Your Sources: As with all genealogical research, meticulously document where you find information. This ensures accuracy and allows you to revisit records if necessary.
Case Study: Tracing a Family BusinessCase Study: Tracing a Family Business
John Edwards, a genealogist, traced his great-grandfather’s life using business records. Starting with a 1910 city directory listing his ancestor as a "tailor," Edwards located trade association records that detailed his membership in a local guild. Further investigation at a regional archive uncovered ledgers from a now-defunct textile supplier, listing orders placed by Edwards’ great-grandfather’s shop. These records confirmed his ancestor's role as a community tradesman and revealed details about his clientele and business practices.
ConclusionConclusion
Business records are a valuable, underutilized resource for genealogists. They provide a wealth of information that can help break through brick walls, reveal new family connections, and offer a deeper understanding of your ancestors' lives. With the right strategies and a commitment to thorough research, these records can be pivotal in constructing a richer, more accurate family history.
