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Colonial gravestones and demography
Author(s) -
Dethlefsen Edwin S.
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
american journal of physical anthropology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.146
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1096-8644
pISSN - 0002-9483
DOI - 10.1002/ajpa.1330310308
Subject(s) - census , credibility , demography , geography , colonialism , genealogy , historical demography , population , history , sociology , developed country , political science , archaeology , law
This paper discusses in a general way the range and use of demographic data that are, or may be, retrieved from colonial New England gravestones. In particular it examines some limitations of the usefulness of these data. The uses of gravestone data are also discussed in conjunction with those of published vital records and of early census figures. An optimistic view is expressed of the feasability of using such data in bridging the “credibility gap” between paleo and modern demography, with particular reference to possible studies of average age at death and of population composition and change.