Incorrect date of death

[Bay Horse]

This is a bit of an odd one. I managed to find a headstone in a churchyard this weekend, distantly related to our family by marriage only.

However, the date of death inscribed on the stone is a day out (16th instead of 17th). The death certificate says 17th. Which is more likely to be right? (Bearing in mind it's much easier to amend and countersign on a paper document than on a lump of stone? )

 

[AnnB]

I don’t know, I can see the argument for either. What did the person die from? Is there a possibility that there was a bit of uncertainty as to the actual date of death, so whoever had the stone carved told the stonemason the date was the 16th as that was the date they thought it was, maybe the person died late at night and wasn’t actually declared dead until just after midnight? Another of life’s little mysteries

 

[Bay Horse]

Thanks, Ann.

He died from 'old age' - he was actually eighty-eight, remarkable for 1867. His surname is incorrectly spelt on the death cert, too - but that doesn't surprise me. One of those surnames with various possible spellings.

The informant signed their name in full, not by their mark.

Hmm. I think I shall enter both dates but with a note.

 

[Andromeda]

Have you checked the newspapers for a death notice?

I agree that there might have been a bit of pre/post midnight confusion, but if I had to choose one I'd probably choose the death certificate because of the qualification of the informant and the fact that it will have been registered quite quickly afterwards.

 

[Bay Horse]

I did, @Andromeda, but they don't seem to cover that year.

You're right. There'd be greater accuracy.