PATTERNS OF CONCEPTION, NATALITY, AND MORTALITY FROM MIDWESTERN CEMETERIES - A SOCIOLOGICAL-ANALYSIS OF HISTORICAL DATA

Our research demonstrates the potential of cemeteries data for sociolo gy and contributes to a greater understanding of demographic and socia l patterns characterizing the Midwest since its Euramerican settlement . We examine data from ten cemeteries (2,021 burials) spanning the 183 0s-1980s in east-central Illinois. Seasonal conception patterns reflec t winter and spring peaks, with indication of the spring peak dissipat ing more recently. Seasonal mortality patterns show a tendency for you nger people to die in late summer and older people to die in late wint er. Contrary to national patterns, we found female deaths exceeding ma le deaths in the 10-64 age group. As expressions of gender bias, femal es are disproportionately identified on gravestones in terms of famili al relationships. Of the different cemetery types surveyed (1 family, 4 neighborhood, 2 community, 3 church), only the church cemeteries con tinue to be used, suggesting a sectarian role in preserving otherwise declining communities.