Genealogy Chat

Hi, I am trying to locate a record of a death that would have occurred between 1861 and 1867. I have tried ancestry, 1837 and double checked census but with no luck. I have even searched through the oversea section on 1837. My last thought before I go completely insane is that maybe this person was in prison or could have even died in prison. Would a record of this type of death still be registered in the normal was or would this have been recorded somewhere else? Any thoughts will be appreciated.....Lauren

As far as I know, even if someone died in prison, they should be registered. If they were in prison, they might be in a different district to the one you were expecting though. Could they have emigrated? Maybe they died later than you expected?

Hi Tracy, Thanks for your thoughts on this one. The gentleman in question was married to my great great aunt and in 1867 she remarried and stated that she was a widow. I can only assume that she was telling the truth, but have searched through all the deaths under his name on ancestry and 1837 up until 1900 - expensive search. I can still find no trace of the death. It has become a compulsion now to trace it...Thanks again......Lauren

Why assume she was telling the truth?! My GG grnadfather said he was a widower in 1881 and in 1891 had a new wife. After a LONG search I discovered that my GG grandmother did not die until 1896!!!! Also I can't find a marriage for the second 'wife'! How did they get away with it? My GG grandmother was only living about 5 miles away! Anne

It is possible it wasn't registered. Registration didn't become compulsory until 1879. After that, it had to be done within 5 days of the death, and supported by a certified note from a doctor. If you post his name, we could try to find him as well. Might be a case of fresh eyes needed?

Lauren If someone dies in prison it is registered in the same way as any other death. I would echo previous comment - why assume he is dead? People often claimed they were widowed as it was virtually impossible to get divorced in those days. Have you tried looking for him on the 1871 census? nell

He might simply have been missed off the GRO index.

Hi and thanks for the replies, I have checked for him on the 1871 census but there were no records. I stopped there so I shall see what I can find out from further census'. I'll let you know how I get on.....Lauren

I have an ancestor who died in prison in 1908 and it was registered in the normal way i.e. GRO index and death certificate obtained - the only difference might be who registers the death e.g. in my case it was the coroner as there was an inquest. I would have thought that such deaths are more likely to be registered as there woould be some sort of official at the prison who would make sure it was done.

I think all deaths in prison are subject to an inquest. My great-great uncle had an inquest when he died in 1908 in Broadmoor. nell