Jacob Crause: The Life of a Belleville Resident, 4th October 1929

The early 20th century was a period of great change, and individuals like Jacob Crause played a pivotal role in shaping the communities around them. On October 4, 1929, the Belleville community in Illinois mourned the passing of Jacob Crause, a man whose life reflected the perseverance, dedication, and hardships faced by many during those transformative years. The obituary of 4 Oct 1929 Jacob crause Obituary Belleville stands not only as a marker of his life but also offers a window into the social fabric and historical context of Belleville during that era.

Obituaries during this period were more than mere announcements of someone’s death; they often told the life stories of individuals, offering insights into their contributions to family, work, and community. While obituaries are typically concise, the life of someone like Jacob Crause speaks volumes beyond the printed words. His passing, documented in local papers, provides a narrative of a life lived through pivotal moments in American history, from the late 19th century to the Great Depression.

In this article, we will explore 4 Oct 1929 Jacob crause Obituary Belleville background, his ties to Belleville, and the context in which he lived. We will also discuss the significance of his obituary, which was published on October 4, 1929, and how it sheds light on the community’s values and the importance placed on remembering individuals who shaped local history.

The Life and Times of Jacob Crause

Jacob Crause was born in the mid-to-late 19th century, a time when the United States was undergoing rapid industrialization and expansion. While little is specifically known about his early life, it is likely that he grew up during a period of significant economic growth, marked by the rise of factories, the expansion of railroads, and the migration of people to urban areas in search of work. Like many of his generation, Jacob Crause may have been part of this wave of migration, either moving from rural areas or arriving from overseas to settle in towns like Belleville, Illinois.

Belleville, a city located in St. Clair County, was a growing community during this time, driven largely by the coal mining industry, manufacturing, and agriculture. By the early 20th century, Belleville had become a vibrant town with a diverse population, including a large number of German immigrants who had settled in the area. It was within this context that Jacob Crause lived and worked, contributing to the development of Belleville’s social and economic landscape.

Throughout his life, Jacob likely experienced many of the major events that defined the early 20th century, including World War I, the rise of labor movements, and the beginning of the Great Depression. Like many people of his generation, he would have faced economic uncertainty, especially in the years leading up to his death in 1929. The stock market crash of October 1929, which occurred just weeks after his passing, marked the beginning of the Great Depression, a period of significant hardship for many Americans.

Jacob Crause and Belleville: A Community Connection

Belleville was more than just a place where Jacob Crause lived—it was a community to which he was deeply connected. During the early 20th century, Belleville was known for its tight-knit neighborhoods, where people worked together to support each other and build a sense of belonging. It was common for families to live in the same area for generations, and local businesses were often run by individuals who were well-known in the community.

As a member of the

4 Oct 1929 Jacob crause Obituary Belleville community, Jacob likely contributed to this sense of cohesion. Whether through his work, his involvement in local organizations, or his relationships with neighbors, Jacob Crause would have been part of the fabric that held Belleville together. His obituary, published in a local newspaper, reflects the importance of remembering those who played a role in shaping the town’s identity.

Obituaries were often one of the few ways that a person’s life was publicly commemorated, especially for those who were not wealthy or famous. In a small town like Belleville, these tributes carried significant meaning, as they allowed the community to come together in mourning and reflect on the impact that individuals like Jacob had on their lives. While the specifics of his occupation or family life may not have been extensively documented, the very fact that his obituary was published suggests that he was a respected member of the community.

The Significance of 4th October 1929

The date of Jacob Crause’s obituary, October 4, 1929, holds historical significance for several reasons. As mentioned earlier, this was a period of great economic uncertainty. In the weeks following his death, the stock market crash of 1929 would plunge the country into the Great Depression. This event would have had a profound impact on the people of Belleville, many of whom were already struggling with the challenges of a changing economy.

While it is unclear whether Jacob Crause directly experienced the effects of the economic downturn before his death, his passing during this time serves as a reminder of the personal stories that often get overshadowed by larger historical events. Obituaries like his offer a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who lived through extraordinary times. They help us understand the human side of history, beyond the headlines and statistics.

Furthermore, the date of Jacob’s obituary is significant in terms of local history. Belleville, like many other towns in the Midwest, was going through a period of transition. The coal mining industry, which had been a major source of employment, was beginning to decline, and the town was facing economic challenges as a result. For individuals like Jacob Crause, these changes would have had a direct impact on their livelihoods and their ability to support their families.

Remembering Jacob Crause: The Role of Obituaries in Historical Memory

Obituaries serve an important function in preserving historical memory, especially for individuals who may not have left behind extensive written records or public achievements. In the case of someone like Jacob Crause, whose life was likely spent working, raising a family, and contributing to his community, the obituary serves as a way to honor his legacy and ensure that he is remembered by future generations.

Obituaries also provide valuable historical data for genealogists and historians. They offer clues about family relationships, occupations, and social standing, as well as insights into the values and priorities of the community at the time. For example, an obituary might mention the deceased’s involvement in local organizations, religious affiliations, or notable accomplishments. In Jacob Crause’s case, the fact that his obituary was published suggests that he was regarded as an important figure within Belleville, even if his life was not marked by fame or fortune.

The publication of obituaries also reflects the changing nature of death and remembrance in the early 20th century. As towns like Belleville grew and became more connected to larger urban centers, the ways in which people commemorated their loved ones began to evolve. Obituaries became a more common way of marking a person’s passing, as newspapers became more widely available and literacy rates increased. For many families, the obituary was one of the few ways to publicly honor their loved ones, especially if they could not afford more elaborate forms of memorialization.

Conclusion

The life and death of Jacob Crause, as documented in his obituary on October 4, 1929, offer a glimpse into the social and historical context of Belleville during the early 20th century. While little is known about the specifics of his life, the publication of his obituary suggests that he was a respected member of the community, whose contributions to Belleville were valued by those who knew him.

Obituaries like Jacob’s are more than just announcements of someone’s passing—they are a way of preserving the memory of individuals who shaped their communities in ways that may not always be recorded in history books. By exploring the life of Jacob Crause and the context in which he lived, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by ordinary people during a transformative period in American history.

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FAQs About Jacob Crause Obituary, October 4, 1929

Who was Jacob Crause?

Jacob Crause was a resident of Belleville, Illinois, who passed away in 1929. His life, while not widely documented, likely reflected the experiences of many working-class individuals in the early 20th century. He was a part of the Belleville community and contributed to its social fabric.

What is the significance of October 4, 1929?

October 4, 1929, is the date when Jacob Crause’s obituary was published. It also falls just weeks before the stock market crash of 1929, which marked the beginning of the Great Depression. The timing of his passing offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by people in Belleville during this economically uncertain period.

Why are obituaries important for historical memory?

Obituaries serve as valuable historical records, preserving the memory of individuals who may not have left behind extensive public legacies. They offer insights into the lives of ordinary people and provide genealogists and historians with important data about family relationships, occupations, and community involvement.

How can I learn more about the life of Jacob Crause?

To learn more about the life of Jacob Crause, one would need to explore historical records from Belleville, Illinois, including census data, land records, and local newspaper archives. Genealogical research can also provide further information about his family and connections to the community.

What does Jacob Crause’s obituary tell us about Belleville in 1929?

Jacob Crause’s obituary offers a snapshot of Belleville in 1929, a town undergoing economic transition as the coal mining industry declined and the country faced the onset of the Great Depression. It reflects the importance of community ties and the value placed on remembering individuals who contributed to the town’s social and economic life.