Fifth Generation

The Black Plague of 1348-49 was sparked a catastrophic change in Europe and Asia. Some say that it was the catalyst that brought about Rennaissance and Reformation. Many have made theories about the Black Plague and how it affected society. Modern historians looking at the plague with modern eyes conclude that the amount of death of suffering brought by the plague made people doubt religion and the church. However, by looking at will, probate records, and tombstones of the time, John Aberth, who wrote From the Brink of the Apocalypse proves this post-modern theory incorrect.

Wills can give a great insight into what was in the mind of the people of the time. Usually the will began with a religious hope depending on their particular beliefs. Then they will probably state how they wish to be buried. These desires of their souls are usually stated in the first paragraph.  This is a will from 1676 for example: And first being sorrie for my sins from my heart most humbly desiring forgiveness for the same I give and commit my soul unto Almighty God, my Savior, and Redeemer. . .through the merits of Jesus Christ deatha nd passion posess and inheirit the Kingdom of Heaven prepared for the Elect Chosen and my body to be buried in such a place where it shall please my executors. . .” (Will of Alexander Magruder)  or here from 1816, “Knowing the mortality of my body that it is appointed for all men once to die. . . I recommend my soul to God who gave it and my body to be buryed in a decent and Christianlike amnner. . “(Will of Moses Linster) From this we can receive clues on their beliefs. Alexander Magruder obviously was part of a Calvinist religion, since he was Scottish, he was Presbyterian. He stated belief in the “Elect Chosen” a common term used by Calvinists and Presbyterians. I also happen to know he is a Presbyterian. Moses Linster was a religious Christian who I believe was a Baptist. There is a theory he married into a Quaker family that converted to the Baptist faith. He wished to be buried in a “Christian-like manner.” Sometimes we can see desires of the parents for their children, “Son Isaac Tatum’s legacy to remain in the hands of my executors, until Isaac Tatum can be a man of sobriety and prudence.” (Will of Nanthaniel Tatum) He wished his children would be sober and prudent. Other ancestors would leave money or land to go towards a church. (Isham Tatum for example)

Tombstones also give us clues. There is usually a cross somewhere on Christian tombs.  The above Nathaniel Tatum’s tomb bears the quote, “Rock of Ages Cleft for Me Let me Hide Myself in Thee.” Nathaniel was the son of a Methodist minister and sometimes he would preach for his father. A favorite hymn was put on his tombstone. Contrast this with the tomb of William Burgess (1686)  “In His Lifetime a Member of His Lordship’s Deputy Governors.” I am sure William Burgess was religious (He was a Quaker at some point, but etched on his tombstone is a reminder that he once served in a high position of government.

I listed examples that exist in my own family of how wills and tombstones can help enter the mind of the people who lived at that time. The  writer John Abnerth uses these to give us a glimspe of how people responded to the Black Plague. He also listed other sources like chronicles and church records.  “Local priests weer by far the most requested the most requested group to participate in the deceased’s funeral and . . . were left the most money outside offamily in order to say masses to speed the deceased’s soul through purgatory. ” (p 171)He states that Parish churches received a lot of money for their upkeep because that was the most popular place to be buried. “Ninety- five percent of lay testators and 85 % of clerical ones between 1370-1532 left money to a parish church.” (p 172) The people died and were buried in the same manner that they were before the Black Plague. People weren’t suddenly questioning and breaking away from the Catholic church. There were small groups under John Wycliffe, but they never gained much popularity. Church records show that marriages, funerals, and christenings went on like before, except there were less people do to the high numbers dead. Tombs for the wealthy emphasized the difference of the spirit and the temporal body as evident by the two tiered transi tombs. The Black Plague changed society, but the faith of the people had not changed . . .yet.

Unless we invent the time machine, we will never be able to know exactly what people thought. Wills and tombs can give us at least a clue of the faith of the people at least towards the end of their lives.