Overlijden van Graaf van Bylandt 1869

This anonymous text from 1860 documents the passing of Count Edward Klemens Elphinston of Bylandt at the age of 63. This obituary illuminates the values and expectations placed on aristocratic men of the era. His character is described through his devoted service to the King. His merits within the military are listed at length. The writing emphasizes his loyalty, duty, and the honor bestowed upon him by his class and country. In the Netherlands, the nobility was closely connected to the military. The Bylandt family has historically served in prominent positions in the Dutch armed forces. Edward van Bylandt continued this legacy, dedicating his life to military service. The commemorative tone reflects not only personal loss but also the perceived loss to the social order. This text reveals the intricate relationship between individual identity and societal roles, underlining the emotional and social impact of death within the context of 19th-century Dutch aristocracy.