Abstract
In this article we propose two approaches for determining the number of orphaned children in a population and for studying their life course. The first approach is based on vital registration records, the second on census data. At the end of the nineteenth century some 10 percent of children became orphans before their 10th birthday, and 13 percent before their 13th. At the beginning of the twentieth century the surviving parent normally took responsibility for the custody and guardianship of the children. When this option was not available, close relatives could either provide a home for some of the orphaned children in their own households, or join the household of the surviving parent to provide care for the children. Placing the orphans in domestic service was rare. All such arrangements tended to be temporary but, in general, orphans were cared for either by members of their family or by neighbors.
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