Obituaries - Jazz Age -

How obituaries have evolved An obituary was a notice of a death, especially in a newspaper, typically including a brief biography of the deceased person. Obituary is from the Latin obit, meaning death. The word obituary has been used to refer to published death notices since the 18th century. Beginning in the 1880s, a trend called death journalism inhabited newspaper obits in England and the United States. During this time, obituaries focused on the graphic and often morbid details of the person. The New York Times piece on the death of Theodore Roosevelt, for example, leads with an elaborate description of the blood clot that “detached itself from a vein and entered the lungs.”

Myrtle Wilson The innocent Myrtle Wilson was suddenly killed on the evening of August 9, 1922. She was the victum of a hit-and-run supposedly involving Mr. Jay Gatsby. Mrs. Wilson will be dearly missed by her friends and family and beloved dog. With her husband passing soon after her death, their families are mourning greatly.

George wilson George Wilson ended his own life on the date of August 12, 1922. George Wilson became suddenly depressed after his wife, Myrle, was killed three days prior. When George was told that Jay Gatsby was the driver of the vehicle that killed his wife, he became so enraged that he intruded in Gatsby's home and shot him dead. He then ended his own life to end his misery. No man deserves to leave this world in such a sad, lonely state of being and he will be greatly missed. 

James Gatz A gun killed Mr. James Gatsby on the same night as George Wilson's death on August 12, 1922.  Gatsby was known for his extravagant parties and life of luxury. It is a shame that no one will be able to enjoy another night full of music, laughter, and bright lights after Gatsby was shot dead in his own home by George Wilson. Although Gatsby is no longer with us, his home will forever be filled with memories and joy from the many exciting nights that were spent there.

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