Micro-Analysis of Mortality in Urban Areas. The Parish of Oliveira in Guimaraes, in Northern Portugal Between the Eighteenth and Twentieth Centuries

Abstract

Based on the methodology of parish reconstitution (Amorim, 1991), we have organized a demographical/genealogical database from the nominative data of baptism, marriage, and burial records for the central parish of the city of Guimarães, Oliveira, from the late 16th century to the early 20th century. We include information about social status obtained both from testaments and parish classification. We also have hospital records for the city of Guimarães during that time and status animarum for the parish of Oliveira from 1734 onwards. A systematic comparison of this information allows us to position each adult individually in terms of family and social life and follow his or her life path within a given adult community over a long-term period. The mortality record of individuals under the age of seven is not systematized before 1860, according to the dispositions of the Diocese of Braga, to which Guimarães belongs. By extending the research to 1910, we aim to systematically follow the adult population born between the late 18th century and the early 19th century while they are at risk of dying. We also aim to evaluate infant-juvenile mortality from 1860 onwards, according to social status at birth.