Frank A Richey of 1899 is listed as Franklin A Richey in 1894. Lafayette D Richey of 1899 is Lafayette DeM in 1894, giving the researcher new clues or better identifiers. Once individuals have been located in a city directory, it is important to follow up with research on their employers. W. H. Richey is asst B R Hall. Going to the Hall listings in the city directory, one finds this man identified as an undertaker and embalmer.
Most directories also have cross indexing by streets i.e., householder or crisscross directories.
Streets are listed alphabetically and numerically, with family head or business named for each address. Checking these will identify neighbors. Crisscross directories also reveal whether the resident is a tenant or homeowner. Check General Matter City directories also list names and addresses of asylums, cemeteries, churches, fraternal organizations, hospitals, insurance companies, newspapers, railroads, and schools. City maps, with ward boundaries, are sometimes included.