The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat represents more than just a death notice—it's a window into American life during one of the most pivotal moments in our nation's history. This obituary, published just weeks before the stock market crash that would trigger the Great Depression, captures the essence of small-town America and the lives of ordinary citizens who helped shape our communities.
The Historical Context of October 1929
October 1929 stands as one of the most significant months in American history. When the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat was published, the United States was still riding high on the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties. Most Americans had no idea that within weeks, Black Tuesday would devastate the stock market and plunge the nation into the Great Depression.
During this time, local newspapers like the Belleville Democrat served as the primary source of information for communities. These publications weren't just news sources; they were the social fabric that held towns together. Every birth, death, marriage, and significant event was documented, creating an invaluable historical record for future generations.
The timing of Jacob Crouse's obituary makes it particularly significant from a historical perspective. It represents the end of an era—both literally for Mr. Crouse and symbolically for the country. The obituary captures a moment when America still believed in unlimited prosperity and endless opportunity.
Life in Belleville During the Late 1920s
Belleville, like many American towns in 1929, was experiencing unprecedented growth and optimism. The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat was published during a time when communities were tight-knit, and everyone knew their neighbors. Local newspapers played a crucial role in maintaining these community bonds by documenting the lives and deaths of residents with careful attention and respect.
The Belleville Democrat: A Cornerstone of Local Journalism
The Belleville Democrat newspaper played a vital role in documenting local history, and the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat is just one example of how these publications preserved community memories. Local newspapers of this era were more than just news sources—they were historical archives in the making.
These newspapers typically featured detailed obituaries that went far beyond basic death notices. They painted complete pictures of individuals' lives, their contributions to the community, their family connections, and their lasting legacies. The obituary format of 1929 was distinctly different from modern death notices, often reading more like biographical sketches than simple announcements.
The editorial standards of newspapers like the Belleville Democrat were rigorous. Every fact was checked, every name was verified, and every detail was confirmed with family members. This attention to detail makes historical obituaries like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat incredibly valuable resources for genealogists, historians, and family researchers today.
The Role of Local Newspapers in Preserving History
Local newspapers served as unofficial historians for their communities. The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat is part of a larger collection of historical documents that help us understand how people lived, worked, and died in early 20th century America. These publications documented everything from major news events to the smallest community gatherings, creating comprehensive records of daily life.
Understanding Obituary Traditions in 1929
The format and content of the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat reflect the obituary traditions of the late 1920s. During this period, obituaries were typically longer and more detailed than modern death notices. They often included:
- Comprehensive biographical information about the deceased
- Detailed family histories and genealogical connections
- Professional accomplishments and community involvement
- Religious affiliations and church memberships
- Military service records when applicable
- Surviving family members with their relationships clearly defined
- Funeral arrangements and burial locations
The obituary writing style of 1929 was formal yet personal, respectful yet informative. Writers took great care to honor the deceased while providing readers with a complete picture of their life and contributions. The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat would have followed these established conventions, making it a valuable historical document.
Social Customs and Death Rituals of the Era
When examining the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat, it's important to understand the social customs surrounding death in late 1920s America. Mourning periods were longer and more formal than today. Families typically wore black for extended periods, and community support systems were robust and well-established.
Jacob Crouse: A Life Remembered
While specific details about Jacob Crouse's life would need to be verified through the actual 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat, we can understand the broader context of lives like his during this period. Men of his generation lived through incredible changes in American society, from the Industrial Revolution through World War I and into the prosperity of the 1920s.
The typical American man of Jacob Crouse's era witnessed technological marvels that previous generations could never have imagined. The automobile transformed transportation, electricity changed daily life, and radio brought the world into people's homes. The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat represents the end of a life that spanned these remarkable transformations.
For genealogists and family historians, obituaries like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat provide invaluable information for tracing family trees and understanding ancestral lives. These documents often contain details that aren't available anywhere else, making them precious resources for historical research.
The Importance of Genealogical Records
The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat serves as a crucial genealogical record for the Crouse family and related families. Obituaries from this era typically included extensive family information, making them excellent starting points for family history research. These documents often bridge gaps in official records and provide personal details that bring ancestors to life.
Researching Historical Obituaries
Finding and researching historical obituaries like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat requires patience and multiple research strategies. Modern genealogists and historians have several resources available:
Digital Newspaper Archives:
- Newspaper.com
- GenealogyBank
- Chronicling America (Library of Congress)
- Local historical society collections
Research Strategies:
- Search multiple name spellings (Crouse, Crause, Krouse)
- Check surrounding dates if exact date searches fail
- Look for related family obituaries
- Cross-reference with cemetery records
- Consult local historical societies
The digitization of historical newspapers has made obituaries like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat more accessible than ever before. However, not all newspapers have been digitized, and some may only be available in physical archives or microfilm collections.
Tips for Successful Historical Research
When searching for specific obituaries like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat, researchers should be prepared for variations in spelling, dates, and publication details. Historical records often contain transcription errors or printing mistakes that can complicate searches.
The Significance of October 4, 1929
The date of the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat places it at a fascinating moment in American history. October 4, 1929, fell on a Friday, just three weeks before Black Tuesday (October 29, 1929) would trigger the stock market crash. This timing makes the obituary a poignant reminder of how quickly circumstances can change.
On October 4, 1929, Americans were still optimistic about their economic future. The stock market had been setting records throughout the 1920s, and prosperity seemed unlimited. The publication of Jacob Crouse's obituary on this date captures a moment of transition—both personal and national—that would soon take on greater historical significance.
The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat thus serves as both a personal memorial and a historical marker, representing the end of the Roaring Twenties prosperity that many Americans took for granted.
Economic and Social Context of Late 1929
Understanding the broader context of late 1929 helps illuminate the significance of documents like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat. This was a time when most Americans believed that prosperity would continue indefinitely, making the upcoming economic collapse all the more shocking.
Newspaper Preservation and Digital Archives
The preservation of historical newspapers containing obituaries like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat has been an ongoing challenge for libraries and historical societies. Paper deterioration, storage limitations, and funding constraints have threatened many valuable collections.
Fortunately, digitization projects have helped preserve many historical newspapers. Major initiatives include:
- Chronicling America: A Library of Congress project digitizing American newspapers
- NewspaperARCHIVE.com: Commercial digitization service
- State digital newspaper projects: Many states have funded digitization efforts
- University collections: Academic institutions often maintain newspaper archives
These digital preservation efforts ensure that documents like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat remain accessible to future researchers and family historians.
For more comprehensive research resources and historical document analysis, platforms like BigWriteHook provide valuable tools for understanding and interpreting historical records.
Challenges in Historical Newspaper Preservation
The physical preservation of newspapers presents unique challenges. The paper quality of newspapers from 1929 was often poor, leading to rapid deterioration. Many newspapers from this period have become too fragile to handle, making digital preservation crucial for documents like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat.
The Broader Impact of Local Obituaries
Obituaries like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat serve multiple purposes beyond simply announcing a death. They function as:
Historical Documents:
- Primary sources for genealogical research
- Windows into past social customs and values
- Records of community involvement and contributions
- Documentation of family structures and relationships
Social Functions:
- Community mourning and support
- Celebration of individual achievements
- Preservation of family memories
- Connection between past and present generations
The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat exemplifies how local obituaries contribute to our understanding of American social history and community life.
Community Building Through Obituaries
Local obituaries helped strengthen community bonds by highlighting shared connections and mutual support systems. The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat would have served this function for the Belleville community, reminding readers of their interconnectedness and shared history.
Research Methodologies for Historical Obituaries
Researching specific obituaries like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat requires systematic approaches and multiple search strategies. Successful researchers typically employ several methodologies:
Primary Source Research:
- Original newspaper archives
- Microfilm collections
- Digital newspaper databases
- Library special collections
Secondary Source Verification:
- Cemetery records
- Death certificates
- City directories
- Census records
- Church records
Cross-Reference Techniques:
- Family Bible records
- Funeral home records
- Local historical society files
- University archives
The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat may be found through any of these research avenues, and cross-referencing multiple sources helps verify information accuracy.
Building Comprehensive Historical Profiles
Using obituaries like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat as starting points, researchers can build comprehensive historical profiles by combining multiple source types. This approach provides fuller understanding of individual lives and historical contexts.
Technology and Historical Research
Modern technology has revolutionized the search for historical documents like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat. Advanced search algorithms, optical character recognition (OCR), and digital databases have made previously inaccessible records available to researchers worldwide.
Digital Search Tools:
- Boolean search operators
- Fuzzy matching algorithms
- Date range filtering
- Geographic limitations
- Name variation searching
OCR Technology Benefits:
- Searchable text in scanned documents
- Automatic indexing of historical records
- Improved accessibility for researchers
- Faster search result delivery
These technological advances have made finding specific obituaries like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat much more feasible than traditional manual searching methods.
Future of Historical Document Access
Continued technological advancement promises even better access to historical documents. Machine learning and artificial intelligence may soon help researchers find connections and patterns in documents like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat that human researchers might miss.
Key Takeaways
The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat represents far more than a simple death notice. It stands as a historical document that captures American life at a crucial turning point, just weeks before the Great Depression would reshape the nation's economy and society.
Important Points to Remember:
• Historical Significance: The obituary dates from just three weeks before Black Tuesday • Community Documentation: Local newspapers served as unofficial community historians • Genealogical Value: Obituaries provide crucial information for family research • Research Challenges: Finding historical obituaries requires multiple search strategies • Digital Preservation: Modern technology has improved access to historical documents • Social Context: 1929 obituaries reflect the customs and values of their era • Research Resources: Multiple databases and archives may contain the document
| Research Resource | Type | Accessibility | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chronicling America | Digital Archive | Free | No Cost |
| Newspapers.com | Commercial Database | Subscription | Monthly/Annual Fee |
| Local Historical Society | Physical Archive | By Appointment | Varies |
| University Libraries | Academic Collection | Public Access | Usually Free |
| FamilySearch | Genealogy Database | Free Registration | No Cost |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Where can I find the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat? The obituary may be available through digital newspaper archives like Chronicling America, Newspapers.com, or local historical society collections. Start with free resources before trying subscription services.
Q2: Why is this particular obituary historically significant? The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat was published just three weeks before Black Tuesday, making it a document from the final days of the Roaring Twenties prosperity period.
Q3: What information would typically be included in a 1929 obituary? Obituaries from 1929 usually included biographical details, family relationships, professional accomplishments, community involvement, religious affiliations, and funeral arrangements.
Q4: How reliable are historical newspaper obituaries? While generally reliable, historical obituaries may contain errors in dates, spellings, or biographical details. Cross-referencing with other sources is recommended for genealogical research.
Q5: What if I can't find the exact obituary I'm looking for? Try variations in spelling (Crouse vs. Crause), check surrounding dates, look for related family obituaries, and contact local historical societies or libraries for assistance.
Q6: Are there costs associated with accessing historical obituaries? Some resources are free (Chronicling America, FamilySearch), while others require subscriptions (Newspapers.com, Ancestry.com). Many libraries provide free access to subscription databases.
Q7: How can I verify information found in historical obituaries? Cross-reference obituary information with census records, death certificates, cemetery records, and other primary sources to verify accuracy and completeness.
Q8: What should I do if I find the obituary I'm looking for? Save digital copies, take detailed notes, and use the information as a starting point for broader genealogical research. Consider sharing findings with other family researchers.
Conclusion
The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat serves as a fascinating intersection of personal history and national significance. This document, published during the final weeks of American prosperity before the Great Depression, captures both an individual life and a pivotal moment in our nation's story.
Whether you're researching family history, studying local community development, or exploring the social customs of 1929 America, this obituary offers valuable insights into how people lived, died, and were remembered during this crucial period. The careful documentation provided by newspapers like the Belleville Democrat has preserved countless stories that might otherwise have been lost to time.
As we continue to digitize and preserve historical records, documents like the 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat become increasingly accessible to researchers, genealogists, and history enthusiasts. These records remind us that history isn't just about major events and famous figures—it's also about ordinary people whose lives and deaths shaped the communities we live in today.
The search for and study of historical obituaries connects us to our past in deeply personal ways, helping us understand not just where we came from, but how the experiences of previous generations continue to influence our lives today. The 4 oct 1929 jacob crause obituary belleville democrat stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and studying these precious historical documents.