Genealogy Chat

I have recently purchased a possible death certificate for my great great grandfather William Roberts, the age is right for when he was born, but the informant is an L M (then I cant read the surname but it is definitely not Roberts) who is his grandaughter. My William Roberts had a grandaughter called Lillie May but at the time of his death she would have only been about 7 years old and was the daughter of one of his sons (so her name would have been Roberts too). Does anyone know if an informant could possibly be that age and if so what are the chances that it is the correct death certificate, even though the surname is different? Am I being dumb or just hopeful?? Any advice would be appreciated, hope you follow what I mean. Thanks Marilyn

Does it actually say the informant is his grandaughter? If it doesnt say their status then it could really be anyone couldnt it. I dont think a 7 year old would be the informant. Didnt he have any other children who could have a daughter? Have you a scan of the cert that you could send people to try and decipher the name?

Someone aged 7 wouldn't be an informant on a death certificate. Could the informant be another granddaughter (cousin of the one you think would be 7) with the same first name? Have you found the extended family on any census (if this is before 1901), to see what the names are? If you are able to scan the certificate and send it by email, I could have a look to see what I think the name is. Let me know if you want to and I'll pm my email address. Kath. x

Thanks to both of you for replying. It definiately says grandaughter and he has a number of other children but I dont have families for them yet. Will have to do some digging on Ancestry, but cant get on it on this computer for some reason, If I have any luck finding other grandchildren and there is a grandaughter with |L M initials, I will scan the certificate in (if it is the right one, I am quickly losing hope) and get back to you.. Thanks again for replying and giving me some ideas, Iam having to go off this computer for a while now so will check back later. Marilyn

The informant doesn't have to be related just someone who was present at the death and is prepared to do the registering. I have had doctors at Workhouse infirmaries, landladies, local neighbour who would do the laying out etc as the informant. You may get lucky and confirm a connection to the family tree but it doesnt always follow and you may just have to accept by law of reason that its the right family member. Shirley

Kath I missed that shirley

Shirley, I think Marilyn said that the informant WAS described as granddaughter on the certificate. Kath. x