RootsChat.Com

Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: Jolyon on Wednesday 15 April 20 16:47 BST (UK)

Title: Death registration - name of informant.
Post by: Jolyon on Wednesday 15 April 20 16:47 BST (UK)

 Hi all,

If compiled correctly I have attached a copy death cert where I can't decipher the surname of the informant.   Hoping someone has a flash of inspiration.

Thanks in advance.

Jolyon   

Title: Re: Death registration - name of informant.
Post by: ShaunJ on Wednesday 15 April 20 16:55 BST (UK)

Mary Heys?  There was a Mary Heyes in Haydock at that time.

Title: Re: Death registration - name of informant.
Post by: arthurk on Wednesday 15 April 20 17:02 BST (UK)

I'd agree with that - in fact I think there's a second 'e' here too, inserted as a superscript.

Mary Heyes in Haydock in 1841 census: HO107/524/8 fo7 p7

Title: Re: Death registration - name of informant.
Post by: BumbleB on Wednesday 15 April 20 17:04 BST (UK)

I don't think it is Heyes - compare the "H" in Haydock!  Could be Keyes  Keys

Sorry, I added the extra "e"

Title: Re: Death registration - name of informant.
Post by: josey on Wednesday 15 April 20 17:12 BST (UK)

Hmm I think it might be Mary Leys - no 'K'or 'L' to compare.

Title: Re: Death registration - name of informant.
Post by: Crumblie on Wednesday 15 April 20 17:15 BST (UK)

Looks like Mary Keys to me.

Title: Re: Death registration - name of informant.
Post by: arthurk on Wednesday 15 April 20 17:15 BST (UK)

My first thought was a 'K' or an 'L', but there weren't any matching names in the 1841 census.

Also, what there is of the initial letter is more or less identical to the first part of the 'H' in Haydock, so I wondered if the pen was low on ink at that point. Or if the informant had signed with a lower case 'h', might the registrar have decided to reproduce it in this copy?

I know none of this is conclusive and it relies on speculation, but on balance of probabilities I'd still go for Heyes.

Incidentally, the printed wording indicates that this certificate came from the GRO. If it was felt important enough, a copy taken from the original register could be obtained from the local register office, and this would have either a photocopy of the original entry with Mary ?'s signature, or a modern interpretation of it.

Title: Re: Death registration - name of informant.
Post by: ShaunJ on Wednesday 15 April 20 17:29 BST (UK)

The burial record (Winwick 2 May 1841) gives the Poulsons' address as "Heyes Green". In the 1841 census Mary Heyes, 45, lived at "The Heys" - possibly the same area?

Title: Re: Death registration - name of informant.
Post by: Jolyon on Wednesday 15 April 20 19:33 BST (UK)

Thank you all for your thoughts, though no eureka moment.  I don't think the first letter is a lower case 'aitch' either, but it could be I suppose.

It's a subject I re-visit every now and again so I'll put it on the back-burner for another day.  Again my thanks to all for your contributions. 

Regards

Jolyon