City Directories .....

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 12:58 pm

Hi Everyone

As Yoda would say - "tis a favour I ask" - do any of you kind folks have access to a very well know US Genealogy Subscription Package which begins with An.... - if so could you search the 1945 City Directory for Philadelphia - I have an elusive ancestor who I know resided at 2942 North Orianna Street, Philadelphia in 1942 (got this from his Draft registration card) - his name is Alexander Allan Bn 1/3/1887 in Aberdeen. It would help progress my searches for his death and unlock more of his history if I can find him on the 1945 City Directory.

Thanks lots in advance

Ted

Post by **paddyscar** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 6:40 pm

I checked the Social Security Death Index (which redirects you to that same source) and was able to locate 2 registries for Alexander Allan born 1887. One died in Delaware, PA in 1966 and the other in 1973 in Allegheny, PA. ($27 to get copies)

As you have his draft notice, is there a possibility of tracing him through the US Defence Dept., Veterans of Foreign Wars or American Legion?

Post by **SarahND** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:09 pm

Hi Ted,

Well, he is there in 1930, anyway:

2942 N. Orianna St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Alexander Allen, 42, born in Scotland, millwright in a machine shop
Helen, wife, 41, born in Germany
Robert, son, 17, born in Pennsylvania, candy salesman

I'll keep looking...
Sarah

Post by **SarahND** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:34 pm

Hmmm. The only Philadelphia Directory I see is for 1890. Do you know that there is one available for 1947?

Sorry, I forgot to mention that on the 1930 census it states that he came to the U.S. in 1906. But, I seems that it was really 1907, since there he is on the passenger list for July 1907, born in Huntly. His mother lives at 1 Farquhar Place, Aberdeen
The relative he is going to is R. McLeod, 1617 John St, Philadelphia
He is 5ft 8in, fair complexion, fair hair, blue eyes

Cheers

Sarah

Post by **SarahND** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:47 pm

SarahND wrote:1947

I mean 1945

(there isn't one of those either!)

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:49 pm

Hi Sarah and Frances

Thanks for your help and suggestions - I did know that Alexander was at that address in 1930 - I had this previously from the 1930 US census. He registered for the Draft in 1942 and was still at the same address - all males over the age of 18 had to register - (but he was too old as he was 55 then - so I won't get anything further from veteran records etc in the US). I have him on the 1911 US census and on passenger lists in 1907 and 1909 - he returned to Scotland in 1914 and served in the British Army. He returned to the US again in 1921. His 1st wife Agnes Bowie seems to have died around 1925 - but I cannot find that death either. By 1930 he was remarried to a woman called Helen (of German descent) and living at the address in Philadelphia - hs only son Robert was living with them at that time. I know he visited relatives in Vermont in 1941 - but the most up to date info I have is the draft card in 1942.

His son (now deceased) lost touch with him and his death date is unknown - but it seems that he likely lived out his life in Philly. I'll check out the 2 SSDI records Frances has posted.

A listing on another site inducated that the 1945 City Directory for Philadelphia is on the Anc**** site - but I have no access to it. - hence my post here. Thanks lots for your help - truly appreciated.

Best regards

Ted

JustJean · Post by **JustJean** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:50 pm

Hi Ted

I wonder if you've googled around (suspect you have

) to see that indeed the city directories seem to exist for Philadelphia right through 1945. They can be researched in person but copies can only be made from the microfilms. This site gives more info....

http://www.hsp.org/default.aspx?id=126

They have a research fee but it looks a bit pricey for such a small request. Wish I knew someone in Philly who could drop in and obtain the info

Best wishes
Jean

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:56 pm

Hi Jean

That site was where I got the original indication for the 1945 directory - I have posted up on a couple of blog sites in Philadelphia to see if some kind local will do the deed for me - here's hoping.

Thanks for your interest and taking time out from filing all your photos from your trip over the pond !!

Best regards

Ted

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 8:09 pm

Hi Ted
I've also had some great help in the past from folk on rootsweb, when I was rummaging about with some Canadian relatives. Might be worth a try posting on there and you might just strike lucky with a helpful local from Philadelphia.

Best wishes
Lesley

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 10:48 pm

Hi Lesley

Thanks for that - but got the t-shirt already - there is a site in Pennsylvania where various kind folk offer to do a variety of research for free.

we Scots like 'free' The site has a brilliant name - Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness - the link is:-

http://www.raogk.com/pennsylv5.htm

Wearing your administrator hat could you post this up to the Research Sources board on TS - it could be a useful site for other members here on TS.

Thanks lots

Ted