Final answer:
The most direct evidence points to Illinois as the state where the narrator's family lived, from the mention of family members residing there and the prevalence of I-houses in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage mentioning Vincennes, IN, a Creole folk house, and the one detailing a person's family history in Illinois provide hints to answer the given question. However, the most definitive clue comes from the phrase “I’ve a mother and a sister 'way back in Illinois.”
This suggests that the family being mentioned lived in Illinois, which is one of the Midwestern states where I-houses were prevalent. Additionally, the Hoosier and a boatman reference indicate a connection to Indiana, but it does not clearly state that it is where the narrator's family lived. Considering the provided excerpts, Illinois appears to be the most direct and supported answer.