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Research in Other Countries => South Africa => Topic started by: gwen j on Monday 14 April 14 12:28 BST (UK)

Title: South African Death Records.
Post by: gwen j on Monday 14 April 14 12:28 BST (UK)

If someone died in SA in the 1960's would there be a record of the death and if so where? The person in question was born in the UK but not sure if he would have been classed as British or not.

Title: Re: South African Death Records.
Post by: Nookie on Monday 14 April 14 12:53 BST (UK)

Estate records are held at the National Archives (naairs).  In some cases the death notice is filed as a separate item.   If you give the full name I will see if I can trace the records for you.

Title: Re: South African Death Records.
Post by: gwen j on Monday 14 April 14 14:38 BST (UK)

Thanks Nookie! I'm looking for my great uncle Barnett Philip Ford born in London UK 1879. Have found various passenger records for 1914 1929 and 1937 have him travelling to SA. Rutti Tooti found him in East London SA in 1964. Anything you can find on him would be very much appreciated.
Gwen

Title: Re: South African Death Records.
Post by: Nookie on Monday 14 April 14 14:50 BST (UK)

I did a search for him with your previous posting, but with no luck.  Are you sure he died in South Africa?  I know that he would have been 83 in 1964 - could he have possibly wanted to return to England to spend his last days there?

Title: Re: South African Death Records.
Post by: gwen j on Monday 14 April 14 15:40 BST (UK)

Thanks for looking Nookie. I am only assuming that he died in SA as he'd lived there for so long. I've looked on free BMD but can't see him!
Gwen

Title: Re: South African Death Records.
Post by: Nookie on Monday 14 April 14 16:10 BST (UK)

I searched naairs, eggsa tombstones as well as eggsa newspapers with no luck.  Even googling his name only brought up your previous requests!

Could he possibly be in the UK archives?

Title: Re: South African Death Records.
Post by: gwen j on Monday 14 April 14 19:06 BST (UK)

This is strange! I've tried searching using various variation of his name -Barnett Philip, Barnett P, Philip Barnett, Philip B but with no luck! Must be still alive!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: South African Death Records.
Post by: Nookie on Monday 14 April 14 19:37 BST (UK)

That really is wishful thinking :)

The possibilities are that his file is not in the archives yet, and no volunteer has photographed his tombstone.

Did he possibly have a family out here?

Title: Re: South African Death Records.
Post by: gwen j on Monday 14 April 14 21:47 BST (UK)

I have no idea I'm afraid. I know he was once engaged when he lived over there to a Miss  Martha Joyce Williams from Fishguard in Wales but the marriage never took place. The engagement was announced in the Times June 11th 1933. I think Martha eventually married someone else! It said in the announcement that Barnett was from Gxara,Kentani,Transkei.

Title: Re: South African Death Records.
Post by: rutti tutti on Tuesday 15 April 14 06:13 BST (UK)

Just had a thought...seem to think the eastern cape death notices are not on nails but family search have some.
Ruth

Title: Re: South African Death Records.
Post by: gwen j on Tuesday 15 April 14 13:25 BST (UK)

Can't see him on there either Ruth!

Title: Re: South African Death Records.
Post by: Nookie on Tuesday 15 April 14 14:57 BST (UK)

Last resort!

The Daily Dispatch is the newspaper distributed in East London.  How about writing a letter to them appealing for help.  The email address is letters(at)dispatch.co.za.

Maybe that would bring some results.

Title: Re: South African Death Records.
Post by: gwen j on Tuesday 15 April 14 20:16 BST (UK)

thanks nookie, I'll e mail them tomorrow!