Genealogy Chat

The inquest itself probably does not survive, but a newspaper report is likely to, unless it's say in London. Your ancestor's husband is likely to have been a witness and named in the report. It is also likely to mention all sorts of domestic details. Old newspapers are likely to be kept both at the local studies library for the area and at the British Newspaper Library at Colindale. Brenda

Lynne, I had the very same question to ask. I found a distant ancestor who was married in 1881 census and widowered by 1891 (as stated in the census) by 1901 she was dead, as these were a youngish couple I was nosey and sent for her death cert dated 1895 and its states "Wife Of". Helen I wondered maybe he left her and she was embarrased to mention she was still married but without the husband to the enumerator? I have not found the death of the Husband from 1881-1920? So I am still left not knowing the full story of this family. I would be interested to know if anyone else has seen this on a death cert i.e. "Wife Of" and can verify the husband was dead so the lady was indeed a widow? Pat x

Lynne It should say widow, so you can assume Patrick was still alive, but it has been known for errors on certificates to occur! Have you checked for Patrick on the 1891 census? nell

My GGGrandmother, Johanna Humphreys died suddenly from natural causes in 1889. The informant on the certificate was the Deputy Coroner and there was an inquest two days after her death. Under Occupation is says 'wife of Patrick Humphreys, a Cooper'. I am now trying to find Patrick's death record and wondered whether he died before or after Johanna. As it says 'Wife of' can I assume he was still alive? would it have said 'widow' if he was dead? Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks Lynne