Cecil Sharp did much more than specify name and place, Richie. His diaries, and notes in his fair copy note books, give some interesting background on singers like the Hensleys of Carmen, NC. Mrs. Townsley of Pineville, KY, he tells us, was of mixed Irish, French and Cherokee descent. Julie Boone of Micaville, NC, used to walk the countryside barefoot and sleep rough, was considered crazy by her neighbours (though Sharp liked her), and had learned many songs from African-Americans. Sharp also took those wonderful photographs of the singers, which you'll surely have seen.

It might not be the comprehensive family and social history we'd prefer to know nowadays, but I'd say he did more than most collectors of his era.