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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: Miriam_90 on Saturday 06 February 21 12:40 GMT (UK)

Title: Cause of Death: Catherine Tucker
Post by: Miriam_90 on Saturday 06 February 21 12:40 GMT (UK)

Hi,

I've come across a death record for my great-great-aunt, Catherine Tucker. I'm struggling a bit with the cause of death. ". . . . . Convulsions 4 days certified."

I think it could 'uremic' or 'uremia' but as on other words on this sheet, they don't always dot the i's. The start of the word is very similar to the start of 'spinster' but I'm still none the wiser. 

I hope the genius of rootschat might shed some light on this for me.

Title: Re: Cause of Death: Catherine Tucker
Post by: Fisherman on Saturday 06 February 21 12:53 GMT (UK)

I read it as struma, which is a swelling/tumor/enlargement of tissue.

Title: Re: Cause of Death: Catherine Tucker
Post by: Miriam_90 on Saturday 06 February 21 13:07 GMT (UK)

Quote from: Fisherman on Saturday 06 February 21 12:53 GMT (UK)

I read it as struma, which is a swelling/tumor/enlargement of tissue.

I've never heard of that phrase before but it certainly seems to fit better than my own attempt. Hmmm, I must look that up. Thank you

Title: Re: Cause of Death: Catherine Tucker
Post by: Karen McDonald on Saturday 06 February 21 15:33 GMT (UK)

Hi,

As far as I am aware - and please correct me if I am wrong - I believe it applies only to the thyroid, not generally.

Best regards,
Karen

Title: Re: Cause of Death: Catherine Tucker
Post by: JenB on Saturday 06 February 21 15:47 GMT (UK)

Strums was also known as scrofula, and was a form of tuberculosis apparently particularly common in children. One reason for its spread was the use of unpasteurised milk.
https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/scrofula

https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/England_Epidemics_and_Major_Causes_of_Death_S_to_W_(National_Institute)