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Obituaries and funeral notices in historical newspapers used distinctive language reflecting era, culture, religion, and journalistic style. Many phrases are euphemistic or symbolic, while others identify burial places, family members, affiliations, or causes of death. Understanding these terms helps genealogists confirm relationships, locate cemetery records, uncover religious background, and identify social ties. The tables below list commonly used obituary and funeral terminology, the context in which it appeared, and the genealogical clues each provides.
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