On first thought -you'd think it was a telephone directory. Back then it wasn't too dissimilar. City and county directories were much the same. Compilations began as early as 1850. Others have adresses and values of real estate holdings along with the number of acres.
Directories also list businesses church and street locations.
They also serve as an almanac - with information on facts, figures and governmental information. Vital records began in New York in the mid-1880's. They were generally log books, and are still available in town clerks offices.