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Which is the right death date?

ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Sandra S

Sandra S Report 13 Jun 2007 21:34

I have my g-g-g-granddads death cert. Date of death 11th March 1900. I know it's his, as he has an unusual name James Methuselah Lee. I went to the cemetery last weekend, and found his grave. It has a very impressive monument on it that must be about 9 foot tall. The inscription said 'Methuselah Lee - Better known as James Lee. Died 11th March 1899' Now who do I believe, the inscription or the GRO? Could his death be registered exactly a year after he died?

Sam

Sam Report 13 Jun 2007 21:37

Personally I would go with the death certificate. The momument will only have whatever date someone told them on it and they could have been mistaken. Or the monumental mason could have made an error. Even if the death was registered a year after he died (which I doubt) it should still have the correct date of death on it. Sam x

Shirley~I,m getting the hang of it

Shirley~I,m getting the hang of it Report 13 Jun 2007 21:38

More likely that the inscription is wrong. it may have been added much later and a mistake was made in the info given to the stonemason. Is it poss to find out when the stone was erected that may give a clue then.

Heather

Heather Report 13 Jun 2007 21:43

The death cert will give the date that the death was registered - it is much more reliable than an inscription which may have been done any time - may be years later. Can you not ask the cemetary if they have any records of his burial?

Sandra S

Sandra S Report 13 Jun 2007 21:47

Thanks for your replies, I think that your all right and that the inscription is wrong, as I can't see them not registering his death for a year! Heather - I went on Sunday and the office is closed, don't know when I will be able to get up there again.... I don't suppose any of you are in Plaistow, and feel the need to pop into the East London Cemetery? lol Sandra