Liverpool & South West Lancashire FHS - Forum

Hello, I have just been re-examining the death certificate of Robert Gerrard, my gt gt gt grandfather, who died at St Helens' Junction on 12th July, 1858. His death was certified on 29th July, 1858 by Charles Driffield, Prescot coroner. Cause of death is given as "natural decay, old age, fell dead at work." I am interested to know if there is any documentation about it and if there was a coroner's report. Why wouldn't a doctor have certified the death, or indeed a member of his family? Any information anyone can give me would be gratefully received!

Thanks in advance,

Anna

This information from Glenys, Secretary of the Leigh Group is useful

http://liverpool-genealogy.org.uk/phpBB ... hp?t=10020

I gather that Coroners reports aren't always kept very long, but you could try to see if there was mention of the death in one of the local newspapers, there are lists of local holdings here
http://liverpool-genealogy.org.uk/phpBB ... php?t=8300

Sorry, there doesn't appear to be mention of him in the newspapers available online, but there aren't any specifically for St Helens which is what you would need.

I presume that as he died suddenly (as he was at work) and probably had not see a doctor during his last illness or within 14 days of his death, the death would have to be reported to the Coroner.

As the Coroner obviously decided to hold an inquest, he would certify the death.

A doctor can only certify a death when he has attended the person during their last illness.

Mary, thank you for your reply. The list of newspapers is helpful and I will try and investigate further.

Thanks for your help.

Anna

Prescot Reporter did not start publication till 1859. You can get in touch with St Helens and see what date the ST Helens Star started publication

St Helens Intelligencer December 1855 - December 1859 might be the only one for the date in question, see the dates in the link I gave above

Mary and Katie, thank you both for your information - I will certainly try that lead.

Thanks again.

Anna