Presumed death

[hanes teulu]

One example of a death registration was George Henry Eldridge on the Stella. The presumed death was granted 2 May 1899 and there was a probate record "... died on or since 30 March 1899 ...". But his body was later found off Dieppe, brought to Southampton and buried there June Qtr 1899.

[hanes teulu]

Thanks for the update offer.
This is a post I've chased in various directions. Like you, all new to me but intriguing.

[Jcutting]

The information about presumed deaths isn’t clear , but it’s very interesting , and an area I’ve never had reason to look into . Until now lol. I’ll let you know what the GRO say when I ring them later . 👍

Although a good deal earlier than the period you are talking about, I have a GG Uncle who disappeared in the Philippines sometime after 1867.
In 1895 the family applies to the Court to have him presumed dead.

He does not appear in the GRO death indices for either 1867 (date of presumed death) or 1895 (date of declaration)
I do not know if this is because his death was abroad or if it was a policy to not include presumed deaths

[hanes teulu]

Much appreciate being kept informed - as you say "very interesting"

Scotland introduced a "Presumption of Death Act" in 1977 and Northen Ireland a 2009 Act.
This is an extract from the '77 Act re. registration -

[Jcutting]

Sorry this has taken so long. The Internet went down in our area a few days ago and has been on and off since.
So. I spoke to the death registry department in the GRO. And basically the person I spoke to said I had done everything that they would of suggested.
And no. The presumed death would not be included on the death index.
And the person I spoke to  didn't know if there was a separate record .
If there was ,she didn't know about it. She also said she would of thought there would be a record of it somewhere 🤔
Basically.  I got nowhere 😕
The search continues.
I'm still looking for any evidence of Mary ann grocock abandoning her two young children around 1919 Leicester.  Only for them being rescued by a neighbour after fire engulfed the house . 😖

[hanes teulu]

Thanks for the update. Much as I suspected. Pretty sure they weren't recorded on the main GRO index.
The legislation I've found is fairly recent - Scotland 1977, N. Ireland 2009, England/Wales 2013 and Ireland 2019. These mention maintaining a register.

Pre this legislation, I was wondering about (a) obtaining copies, if required, after the initial certificate was granted (b) updating the records where a person previously presumed dead was proved to be still alive. Paperwork has to exist somewhere!
All very intriguing.

Thanks again


 

[Jcutting]

If I do find anything on the subject I'll let you know.  👍