What role did an inviter to funerals have in colonial America?

In colonial America, the person acting as an inviter to funerals played a crucial role in the community by notifying attendees of the funeral. This responsibility was significant because communities were often tightly knit, and word of mouth was the primary means of communication. The inviter ensured that family, friends, and members of the community were aware of the death and the funeral arrangements, thereby facilitating the gathering of mourners to support the bereaved family.

Being an inviter involved more than simply sending out invitations; it entailed ensuring that people were informed of the time and place of the services and often included personal outreach to those who may not have received formal notifications. This function highlights the social dynamics and the importance of communal support during times of grief in colonial society.

The other roles listed, such as designing funeral services, coordinating burial locations, and conducting the burial ceremony, were typically fulfilled by other members of the community and specific individuals like religious leaders or designated funeral directors, should they exist. The inviter's primary duty centered on communication, making their role indispensable in the bereavement process during this historical period.