Distribution of Death Dates in the Episcopal Cemetery

This fascinating graph, taken from the Historical Society, shows the distribution of death dates recorded on the gravestones in the Episcopal Cemetery. Just look at how the numbers drop off beginning in the 1870s, when nearby Oakwood Cemetery was established.

Note that this graph reflects only the dates on stones that existed in 1984, when this data was collected. No gravestones survive to mark the graves of the Revolutionary War soldiers who were buried in the cemetery (if such stones ever existed). The earlier the year, the more likely that stones no longer exist and thus were not factored into this graph. Still, it is probably pretty safe to say that the number of burials per year in the 18th century was smaller than that of the 19th century, particularly the mid-19th century, when the community was growing.