What obituaries tell us about our culture, past and present
"Within the short period of a year she was a bride, a beloved
wife and companion, a mother, a corpse," reported "The National
Intelligencer" on the death of Elizabeth Buchanan in 1838.
Such obituaries fascinate us. Few of us realize that, when
examined historically, they can reveal not only information about
the departed but also much about American culture and about who and
what we value. They also offer hints about the way Americans view
death.
This book also will fascinate, for it surveys more than 8,000
newspaper obituaries from 1818 to 1930 to show what they reveal
about our culture. It shows how, in memorializing individual
citizens, obituaries make a public expression of our values. Far
from being staid or morbid, these death notices offer a lively look
at a changing America. Indeed, obits are little windows through
which to view America's cultural history.
In the nineteenth century, they spoke of a person's character,
in the twentieth of a person's work and wealth. In the days when
women were valued mainly in their relationships with men, their
obituaries were about the men in their lives. Then, as now,
important friendships make a difference, for sometimes a death has
been deemed newsworthy only because of whom the deceased knew.
In 1838 when a 50-year-old Virginian named William P. Custis
died "after a long and wasting illness," readers of "The Daily
National Intelligencer" learned about his generous hospitality, his
sterling business principles, and his kindness as a neighbor and
husband. Custis's obituary not only recorded the fact of his death
but also celebrated his virtues.
The newspaper obituary has a commemorative role. It distills the
essence of a citizen's life, and it reflects what society values
and wants to remember about the deceased. Throughout our history,
these published accounts have revealed changing values. They
provide a link between public remembrances of individuals and the
collective memory of a great American past. In obits of yesteryear
men were brave, gallant, vigilant, bold, honest, and dutiful. Women
were patient, resigned, obedient, affectionate, amiable, pious,
gentle, virtuous, tender, and useful.
Mining newspapers of New York City, New Orleans, Baltimore,
Chicago, and San Francisco, along with two early national papers,
"Niles' Weekly Register" and "The National Intelligencer," Janice
Hume has produced a portrait of America, an entertaining history,
and a revealing look at the things Americans have valued.
Janice Hume is an assistant professor at the A. Q. Miller School
of Journalism and Mass Communications at Kansas State
University.
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