Genealogy Chat

if samual benton hung himself,this info is from a new contact.he was born 1783 and apparently died 1836 he was from birmingham/staffordshire area any tips would be greatfully recieved bacardi x

The first thing I would do is ask the contact what their source for the info is!!! Depending on what they answer you may know whether this is worth persuing or not! If he had lived in a village I would have suggested finding his burial entry which might give some telling info, but if he died ''in the Birm area'' then that might be difficult. Maybe you could look for local newspaper reports? Merry

thanks monty,will persue this further as it sounds like an interesting story bacardi xx

Merry is getting quicker. Just googled and found a Samuel Benton who committed suicidein the 1800s. But he was in USA. I'd try newspapers for that time, or maybe someone has assumed the two Samuels are the one person.

thanks elizabeth did you google his name or suicides as my new contact only has access to a computer at weekends will have to wait for some answers bacardi xx

thanks elizabeth did you google his name or suicides as my new contact only has access to a computer at weekends will have to wait for some answers bacardi xx

I had information from a GR contact that one of my ancestors had hung himself. I would try to find out where the information about your ancestor came from and you may then be able to follow it up. As far as I know my contact had been to the local Records Office and had seen the inquest details. She had found out that he suffered from some mental illness (he was a farmer and hung himself in the barn). Because he was ill when he committed suicide he was allowed to be buried in the churchyard, which would not normally be allowed for someone who had taken their own life.

thank you angela for your advice bacardi xx