Present at Death

[Finley 1]

Looking at the Death cert pdf I have just received --  I realised that the
'signature' of person that made their mark as  'present at death' is more than likely a family member.  She is NOT someone I already know about, she could be a niece or a grandaughter of the deceased...So to find the person I have to search the census around the area and time of death.. but would be better if I had a possible age..

SO  ----   I just wondered if there was a rule, regarding age of said signature./markee     

Could they be someone below the considered age of an adult? 


hopefully I have explained myself ... properly

xin

[Girl Guide]

As far as I am aware there is no suggestion that you have to be above a particular age to be an informant on a death certificate.

a bit of information here:-

http://home.clara.net/dixons/Certificates/deaths.htm#COL9

Scroll down to Informants  Details

Is there an address for the informant?  If so check it out either via census records or electoral rolls.

[Rosinish]

I have just looked at 6 random Scottish deaths which I have & each informant gives their relationship apart from one who states 'Occupier' which I assume may have been a lodger with no kin connection?

Would an informant on English certs. not normally give their relationship where applicable?

Annie

[Finley 1]

thanks both

I am in a veritable pickle at the moment, with this.. so will peruse during the peaceful early hours.


appreciate your in put

Xin

[Finley 1]

uhm that bears thinking about will go and check --- on other certs thanks for that Rosinish..

and again am reading the link GG

 

xin


and that explains it fully -- thank you the link says not necessary at that time to state relationship and that it could be unknown ... family member.

ok 

[AntonyMMM]

"Present at the Death" is the qualification that allowed the person to register the death, being a relative is another qualification. On early registers when someone fell into both categories just the "primary" qualification of being present was shown - this changed later and the relationship would also be shown.

So they might be related, but might not.

There has never been a specified age limit for an informant registering a death, birth or indeed being a witness at a wedding. the registrar needs to be satisfied that the person is old enough to understand what they are doing and able to give the information.

[Finley 1]

Thank you all

And Anthony precise and concise -- lovely.   I used to have brain like that 





xin