Information pertaining to death announcements and life summaries published in a local periodical from Lincoln. These announcements traditionally provide details concerning the deceased’s life, funeral arrangements, and expressions of sympathy to the bereaved.
Such publications offer a vital historical record for genealogical research and community memory. They serve as a permanent tribute to individuals and allow families and friends to publicly acknowledge a life lived and share information about memorial services.
The subsequent sections will further explore the function of these announcements within the framework of local history, genealogical studies, and the role of newspapers in preserving communal narratives.
1. Historical Record
The connection between obituaries published in the Lincoln Daily News and their function as a historical record is profound. Each announcement, seemingly a simple notification of passing, contributes a thread to the complex tapestry of Lincoln’s past. The cause is self-evident: a life concludes, prompting a public notice. The effect, however, ripples outward. These notices, taken collectively, reveal demographic trends, common causes of mortality in different eras, and prevailing social customs surrounding death and mourning. They document family lineages, professional affiliations, and civic contributions, offering glimpses into the daily lives of those who shaped the town.
Consider, for example, the obituary of Elias Thompson, published in 1918. It details his service in the Great War, his subsequent struggle with illness, and his untimely demise. This single entry not only records Thompson’s life but also reflects the profound impact of global events on a small Midwestern community. Or the obituary of Martha Peterson, a local teacher, published in 1952. It speaks of her dedication to education and her influence on generations of Lincoln students, illuminating the importance of educators in shaping the community’s future. These aren’t just names and dates; they are fragments of stories that, when pieced together, paint a vivid portrait of Lincoln’s evolution.
The practical significance of recognizing these announcements as a historical record is considerable. Genealogists rely on them to trace family histories. Historians consult them to understand local dynamics. The Lincoln Daily News death notices, therefore, transcend their immediate purpose, becoming a crucial resource for anyone seeking to understand the town’s identity, its people, and its place in history. The challenge lies in preserving and accessing these records to ensure that these stories continue to inform and inspire future generations.
2. Genealogical Resource
Within the dusty archives of local libraries and the digital repositories of historical societies, reside troves of information invaluable to tracing familial roots. The death notices from the Lincoln Daily News stand prominently among these resources, serving as vital links in the chain of genealogical discovery. They are more than mere announcements of passing; they are portals into the past, revealing connections, relationships, and life stories that might otherwise be lost to time.
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Names and Dates
The foundation of any genealogical search lies in identifying names and dates. The Lincoln Daily News’ obituaries meticulously record the full name of the deceased, their date of birth, and date of death. Consider the search for the descendants of Samuel Abernathy. Armed with Samuel’s name and the approximate period of his life, a researcher might unearth his death notice in the Lincoln Daily News from 1935. This single entry could then confirm his birthdate, list his surviving spouse’s name, and perhaps even mention his parents’ names, providing critical leads for extending the genealogical search further back in time.
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Family Relationships
Obituaries frequently list the surviving family members of the deceased: spouses, children, siblings, and sometimes even grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This information is critical for piecing together family trees and understanding kinship networks. Imagine a researcher tracing the lineage of the Baker family. An obituary for Sarah Baker, published in 1978, might list her three children John, Mary, and Thomas along with their spouses. This information not only confirms Sarah’s direct descendants but also provides new surnames to investigate, expanding the search into related families.
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Geographical Clues
These records often contain clues about the deceased’s place of birth, residences, and movements throughout their life. These details can lead researchers to other relevant records, such as census data, land deeds, and church registers. The obituary of William Davies, appearing in the Lincoln Daily News in 1902, could note that he was “born in Wales and immigrated to the United States in 1860, settling in Lincoln shortly thereafter.” This information provides a researcher with specific places and timeframes to target their search for immigration records and naturalization papers, offering a richer understanding of William’s life journey.
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Associations and Occupations
Beyond the basic biographical details, obituaries sometimes mention the deceased’s affiliations with local organizations, churches, or professional associations, as well as their occupations. These details add depth to the genealogical narrative and can lead to further discoveries. Consider the obituary for Elizabeth Carter, printed in 1945. It might mention that she was a “longtime member of the Lincoln Historical Society” and “worked as a seamstress for the local textile mill.” This information could direct a researcher to the historical society’s archives for additional information about Elizabeth’s activities and contributions to the community, as well as to records related to the textile mill, providing a more complete picture of her life and times.
The Lincoln Daily News’s obituaries, therefore, are indispensable tools for genealogical researchers. They offer a wealth of information, from the fundamental building blocks of names and dates to the richer contextual details that bring ancestral stories to life. By carefully examining these records, researchers can unlock the secrets of their family history, connect with their past, and gain a deeper understanding of their place in the tapestry of time.
3. Community Memory
The collective recollection of a town, its triumphs, its tragedies, and the ordinary lives lived within its boundaries, forms the foundation of its community memory. The death announcements printed in the Lincoln Daily News contribute significantly to this shared remembrance. Each notice, regardless of the individuals prominence, etches a piece of their existence into the communal consciousness. The cause: a life lived in Lincoln. The effect: a thread woven into the fabric of the towns narrative. These notices aren’t simply records of passing; they are miniature biographies, capturing the essence of a person’s life, their contributions, and their connections to the community.
Consider the case of old Mrs. Abernathy, whose death announcement appeared in the Lincoln Daily News decades ago. She may not have been a figure of great renown, but the notice detailed her years teaching Sunday school, her dedication to the local garden club, and her unwavering support for the annual town picnic. These seemingly minor details paint a picture of a woman deeply intertwined with the community’s everyday life. Through her obituary, future generations can glimpse a piece of Lincoln’s past, understanding the values and activities that shaped the town. Similarly, the death notice of a local businessman might outline his role in establishing the town’s first bank or his contributions to the construction of the town hall. These details, preserved in the newspaper’s archives, serve as tangible reminders of the individuals who helped build and sustain Lincoln. If not for this information, a lot would be forgotten.
The practical significance of recognizing these death announcements as integral to community memory lies in their ability to foster a sense of continuity and connection. By reading about those who came before, current residents gain a deeper appreciation for the town’s history and the people who shaped it. The Lincoln Daily News, through its death notices, acts as a repository of collective memory, ensuring that the stories of Lincoln’s residents, both great and small, are not forgotten. Challenges arise in preserving these records and making them accessible to future generations, but the effort is crucial for maintaining a strong sense of community identity and fostering a connection to the past.
4. Life Summary
The death announcements printed in the Lincoln Daily News invariably feature, at their heart, a concise summary of the departed’s existence. This summary, though often brief, serves as a vital capsule, encapsulating the essence of a life lived and providing a glimpse into the individual’s character and contributions. The cause is self-evident: a death warrants a remembrance. The effect: a miniature biography that becomes a permanent part of the local historical record. Without it, the record would feel impersonal and incomplete. Think about the passing of George Henderson, a local farmer. His death announcement, beyond simply stating the date of his passing, chronicled his dedication to the land, his years of service on the school board, and his unwavering commitment to his family. This life summary transformed a mere notification into a tribute, painting a picture of a man deeply rooted in the community and respected by his peers.
The inclusion of a life summary within the Lincoln Daily News announcement has practical applications. Genealogical researchers use them to flesh out the bare bones of family trees, adding depth and context to their ancestral narratives. Historians draw upon them to understand the social fabric of Lincoln, gleaning insights into the values, occupations, and affiliations of its residents. Family members cherish them as lasting tributes, preserving the memory of loved ones for generations to come. Without the life summary, the announcements would be reduced to mere statistical data, devoid of the human element that makes them so meaningful. Another example would be the obituary of Emily Carter, a long-time nurse at the local hospital. Her dedication to caring for others, her tireless efforts during the influenza epidemic, and her volunteer work at the local soup kitchen, all meticulously detailed in her life summary, offer a powerful testament to her compassion and selflessness. These details not only honor her memory but also provide a valuable historical record of the challenges faced by the Lincoln community during times of crisis.
In essence, the life summary is more than just a component of the Lincoln Daily News announcement; it is its soul. It transforms a simple notification of death into a lasting tribute, a historical record, and a vital link to the past. The challenges in preserving these records, ensuring their accessibility, and accurately reflecting the lives of those they commemorate are significant. Yet, the effort is essential for maintaining a strong sense of community identity and fostering a connection to the individuals who have shaped the town’s history. The Lincoln Daily News life summaries preserve a precious, and otherwise forgotten, aspect of the individuals life. They serve as a powerful reminder that every life, no matter how seemingly ordinary, leaves an indelible mark on the world.
5. Funeral Details
The inclusion of funeral details within death announcements published in the Lincoln Daily News serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the solemn acknowledgment of a life’s end with the practical arrangements for its final farewell. The cause is clear: the passing of an individual necessitates a gathering for remembrance and committal. The effect is equally profound: the dissemination of essential information, enabling the community to offer their respects and support to the bereaved. Without these details, the announcement remains incomplete, leaving a void where practical guidance is expected.
Consider the announcement for Martha Olsen, a long-time resident of Lincoln. Her obituary, appearing in the Lincoln Daily News, not only chronicled her life and contributions but also meticulously outlined the specifics of her funeral service: the date, time, and location of the visitation, the name of the officiating clergyman, and the chosen cemetery for interment. This information allowed neighbors, friends, and former colleagues to pay their respects, offer condolences to her family, and participate in the final farewell. Without these details, many would have been unable to attend, depriving the family of valuable support and diminishing the collective act of remembrance. There’s the story of a distant relative who read the article, and made the trip from out of state because of the published details. He wouldn’t have come, or known to come, without them.
The practical significance of including funeral details in the Lincoln Daily News death notices lies in their ability to facilitate closure, provide comfort, and strengthen community bonds. These announcements transcend their role as mere notifications of death; they become instruments of collective mourning and support. Challenges may arise in ensuring accuracy and respecting the family’s wishes regarding privacy, but the importance of providing this essential information remains paramount. These details allow people the chance to say goodbye, and mourn together as one.
6. Public Acknowledgment
The tradition of announcing deaths within community newspapers, specifically through death notices in publications like the Lincoln Daily News, fulfills a fundamental human need: public acknowledgment. This act transcends mere notification; it’s a formal recognition of a life lived, a mark left on the world, and a validation of an individual’s existence within the collective memory of a community.
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Validation of Existence
In a world where individuals can feel increasingly isolated, the death notice serves as a public record that a life mattered. It provides a formal validation of an individual’s presence and contributions. The story of Elsie Miller, a quiet librarian from Lincoln, is illustrative. Her obituary in the Lincoln Daily News, though brief, acknowledged her decades of service to the community, noting her passion for books and her dedication to helping countless students. Without this public acknowledgment, Elsie’s life might have faded quietly into obscurity, her contributions largely unrecognized. The obituary ensured her story was preserved, validating her impact on the town.
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Community Mourning Ritual
Death notices facilitate the community’s grieving process. By announcing a passing, the Lincoln Daily News obituary allows friends, neighbors, and acquaintances to collectively acknowledge the loss and offer their condolences. The case of local shop owner, Thomas Bellwether, demonstrates this point. His unexpected death sent ripples of sorrow through the town. His death announcement in the Lincoln Daily News served as a focal point for community mourning, prompting an outpouring of support for his family and a collective sharing of memories about Thomas’s kindness and generosity. Without the public announcement, the community’s grieving process would have been fragmented, lacking the shared acknowledgment necessary for collective healing.
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Formal Record of Passing
Beyond the emotional and communal aspects, the Lincoln Daily News obituary also functions as a formal record of passing, providing an official confirmation of death for legal and administrative purposes. The story of Sarah Jenkins, a Lincoln resident who passed away without close relatives, is illustrative. Her death notice in the Lincoln Daily News served as the official record necessary for settling her estate and ensuring that her final wishes were carried out. Without this formal acknowledgment, navigating the legal complexities of her passing would have been significantly more challenging, potentially leading to delays and complications.
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Opportunity for Remembrance
The Lincoln Daily News obituary provides an opportunity for families to publicly celebrate the life of their loved one. By sharing memories, accomplishments, and personal anecdotes, the obituary transforms into a lasting tribute, preserving the individual’s legacy for future generations. Consider the obituary of war veteran Michael Harding, published in the Lincoln Daily News. His family not only announced his passing but also shared stories of his bravery, his dedication to his family, and his unwavering patriotism. This public remembrance allowed the community to honor Michael’s service and ensure that his memory lived on, inspiring others with his example of courage and selflessness.
Public acknowledgment, therefore, is not merely a superficial formality, but a fundamental aspect of death notices in publications like the Lincoln Daily News. It serves to validate lives, facilitate community mourning, provide formal records, and offer opportunities for remembrance, ensuring that the stories of Lincoln’s residents are preserved and celebrated within the collective memory of the town. The death notices that they preserve are more than mere announcements, they are touchstones that connect us to our history.
7. Memorial Services
Death announcements published in the Lincoln Daily News frequently include details regarding memorial services. These services, distinct from traditional funerals, offer an opportunity for remembrance and celebration of a life lived, often held weeks or even months after the passing. The announcements serve as invitations, extending the circle of mourning beyond immediate family to encompass the wider community.
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Announcing Service Details
The Lincoln Daily News announcement provides critical information. Date, time, location, and any special requests from the family (such as charitable donations in lieu of flowers) are clearly communicated. The announcement of Arthur Jenkins’ memorial service, held at the Lincoln Community Center six weeks after his death, exemplifies this. The notice specified that attendees were encouraged to share memories of Arthur, fostering a sense of shared celebration of his life. The service wouldn’t have reached as many without this vital inclusion.
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Expanding the Circle of Remembrance
Memorial services, unlike private funerals, are often designed to include a wider circle of friends, colleagues, and community members. The Lincoln Daily News announcement acts as a vital tool for extending this invitation. The announcement of local artist, Eleanor Vance’s memorial service, showcased the inclusiveness. Held in the Lincoln Art Gallery, the service welcomed not only her family and close friends but also fellow artists, students she had mentored, and patrons of the arts. The announcement broadened the reach, allowing all those touched by Eleanor’s life and work to participate in her remembrance.
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Offering a Personalized Tribute
Memorial services often allow for greater personalization than traditional funerals, reflecting the unique character and passions of the deceased. The Lincoln Daily News announcement may hint at these elements, drawing potential attendees who shared those interests. The notice of a local musician named Jake Ramerizs memorial service exemplified this. It emphasized the open-mic nature of the event, inviting attendees to share songs and stories in Jake’s memory. The announcement served as a clear signal that the service would be a vibrant celebration of Jake’s musical spirit, encouraging those who shared his passion to attend and contribute. It wouldnt have felt as welcoming, or clear without that aspect mentioned.
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Providing a Public Forum for Grief and Remembrance
The Lincoln Daily News announcement, by publicizing the memorial service, provides a space for collective grief and remembrance. It signals to the community that it is appropriate and encouraged to mourn and celebrate the life of the deceased. It is the first step to healing for many. The announcement of beloved local history professor, Robert Smith’s service, which was held on the universitys green, demonstrated this. The publication of these details fostered a shared sense of loss and created an opportunity for the community to come together, express their grief, and celebrate Professor Smith’s contributions to Lincoln’s intellectual life.
The details published in the Lincoln Daily News obituary regarding memorial services represent more than mere logistical information. These details foster a shared understanding, enabling wider participation and more meaningful tributes. They are central to mourning, allowing for individual expression and communal healing after a loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
The topic of mortality and its public documentation raises inevitable questions. These inquiries, ranging from practical concerns to matters of historical preservation, warrant considered responses. What follows addresses some of the most common uncertainties surrounding death notices in the Lincoln Daily News.
Question 1: Why publish a death notice at all? Isn’t it a morbid exercise?
The practice of publishing a death notice transcends morbid curiosity. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of a life’s conclusion and provides vital information to the community. Consider the story of elderly Martha Peterson. She passed away quietly in her home. Without a notice in the Lincoln Daily News, many of her friends and former colleagues might never have known of her passing, missing the opportunity to pay their respects and offer support to her family. It’s an act of respect, a thread in the community tapestry.
Question 2: How much does it cost to publish a death notice in the Lincoln Daily News?
The cost varies. Several factors influence the final price. The length of the notice, the inclusion of photographs, and any special requests all contribute. The Lincoln Daily News advertising department can provide specific pricing information. The Jones family learned this firsthand. When their patriarch, Robert Jones, passed, they wanted to include a lengthy tribute and a cherished photograph. The cost was higher, but for them, the complete story was paramount.
Question 3: What information should be included in the death notice?
Essential details are a full name, date of birth, date of death, and a brief summary of the individual’s life. The funeral or memorial service arrangements are also critical. The inclusion of family members is optional, but often appreciated. The Smith family struggled with this decision. They ultimately included the names of all immediate family members in their father’s death notice, believing it reflected his deep devotion to his family.
Question 4: What if the family wants to keep the details private?
The level of detail is entirely at the family’s discretion. The Lincoln Daily News respects the wishes of the bereaved. Some families choose to publish only a brief announcement, while others opt for a more detailed account. The Davis family opted for a simple announcement, stating only the name and date of death of their mother. They preferred to mourn privately, and the newspaper respected their wishes.
Question 5: How far back do the Lincoln Daily News obituary records go?
The availability of historical records varies. The Lincoln Daily News archives may contain death notices dating back several decades, possibly even to the newspaper’s founding. Digitization efforts are ongoing. Researchers should contact the newspaper directly or consult local historical societies for assistance. Mrs. Eleanor Abernathy, a local historian, spent years combing through the newspaper’s archives, meticulously documenting the lives of Lincoln’s past residents. Her work highlights the enduring value of these historical records.
Question 6: Are there online resources for searching Lincoln Daily News death notices?
The Lincoln Daily News website might offer an online search function for recent death notices. Third-party websites dedicated to genealogical research may also index these records. Availability depends on the specific website and the extent of its database. Researcher, Mr. Williams, successfully located his great-grandfather’s death notice through a combination of online searches and a visit to the Lincoln Daily News library. He considers himself lucky, as most are lost to time.
These FAQs illuminate the practical and emotional considerations surrounding death notices. These announcements, while rooted in loss, provide essential information, facilitate community mourning, and preserve the memory of lives lived. The process benefits the current community, as well as future generations.
The following section will delve into the ethical considerations related to publishing death notices, addressing issues of privacy, accuracy, and sensitivity.
Guidance for Navigating Death Notices
Crafting or researching death announcements in the Lincoln Daily News requires thoughtfulness and attention to detail. Understanding the nuances involved can ensure a respectful and accurate representation of a life.
Tip 1: Verify Information Meticulously.
Accuracy is paramount. Double-check all dates, names, and relationships before submitting a notice. A misplaced digit or a misspelled name can cause considerable distress to the family. Mrs. Henderson, a long-time reader of the Lincoln Daily News, once recounted the story of a misspelled name in her grandmothers obituary. The error, though unintentional, cast a shadow over an otherwise heartfelt tribute.
Tip 2: Be Mindful of Brevity and Tone.
Space is often limited and costs can escalate quickly. Choose words carefully and maintain a respectful and dignified tone. Avoid overly sentimental or effusive language. Consider the case of the Bell family. They opted for a concise yet heartfelt description of their fathers life, focusing on his dedication to his family and community. Their brevity spoke volumes.
Tip 3: Respect Privacy.
Obtain consent from the family before publishing details about the deceased’s personal life, especially sensitive information. Remember that death notices are public records and should not contain anything that could cause harm or embarrassment. A situation arose when the Carter family published an obituary for their mother, who, it was later revealed, had been estranged from the family for many years. The announcement sparked controversy within the community.
Tip 4: Utilize Available Resources.
Consult with the Lincoln Daily News staff for guidance on formatting, content, and submission procedures. They can provide valuable assistance in crafting a respectful and informative announcement. Many long-time residents didn’t know the paper had a service like this.
Tip 5: Consider Historical Context.
When researching older death notices, be aware of changes in social customs and language over time. Expressions and conventions that were once commonplace may now be considered outdated or insensitive. A genealogical researcher came across a death notice from the early 1900s that used terminology now considered offensive. She learned a valuable lesson about interpreting historical records with sensitivity and awareness.
Tip 6: Provide Funeral or Memorial Service Details.
Including information about the funeral or memorial service allows community members to pay their respects and offer support to the family. Ensure that all details are accurate and up-to-date. The Williams family, upon publishing details of their grandfather’s funeral, were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. Had they not included that vital information, many would have been unable to attend.
These guidelines, though simple, can help ensure that the writing, or researching, death announcements in the Lincoln Daily News is done with sensitivity, accuracy, and respect. Remember that these announcements serve as lasting tributes and valuable historical records.
The subsequent section will conclude this exploration of death notices, summarizing the key themes and highlighting their enduring significance.
Lincoln Daily News Obituary
This exploration into the function and significance of “lincoln daily news obituary” has traversed the landscape of local history, genealogical research, and community memory. It has illuminated the multifaceted role these announcements play, from validating lives and facilitating mourning to preserving historical records and fostering connections between generations. The importance of precision, sensitivity, and respect for privacy has been emphasized, underscoring the ethical obligations inherent in documenting and sharing such personal information.
Consider the weight of each name etched into the pages of the Lincoln Daily News. Each “lincoln daily news obituary” represents a life lived, a story concluded, and a legacy left behind. Let future generations remember that these obituaries are more than mere announcements of death. They are threads in the fabric of Lincoln, connecting the present to the past and weaving a richer, more complete, narrative of the community’s story.
