The purpose of this essay is to examine the extent to which the cholera epidemics that prevailed in Sweden during the nineteenth century affected Döderhult parish during the period 1834-1866. The study aims first to examine the total number of cholera deaths in Döderhult parish. Additionally, it examines the individuals who died of cholera concerning gender, age and occupation. The essay also aims to examine whether Döderhult parish was more affected by the cholera epidemic than other nearby parishes were and if so, why? In accordance to this, the death rate of Döderhult parish is thus studied in comparison with Mönsterås parish and documented cholera deaths in Fliseryd parish during the period. 

The results show that of the 68 people who died in Döderhult parish between 1834 and 1866, 35 were men and 33 were women. The examination of the deceaseds’ age showed that the most vulnerable groups in the parish were the children and the elderly. The results regarding the deceased’s occupation showed that most men, women and children belonged to the working class. Last but not least, the comparative examination between Döderhult parish and the nearby parishes showed that Döderhult parish was worse affected by the cholera epidemic due to factors such as potential trade agreements, overcrowding, lack of public health measures, the industries’ impact on population and the spread of infection through relocation from the town of Döderhultsvik to the parish.