Sad News

[Saundra Mueller]

I just got a Death Certificate for my Great Uncle. I have been looking for him for a long time. I was looking forward to learning more but when I read it I was shocked. It said "gunshot wound of head self inflicted during temporary insanity". Now I have so many more questions,what drove him to this? Was he given a christian burial? This was 1936, in England, what were the laws like then? How can I find information on the inquest?
This is really brothering me, I want to know if he is buried with his father?
They both died in Downderry,Cornwall, is there a listing of cemetery's somewere? I am so lost, does anyone have any suggestion's on where to look? Need help, please. Saundra

[v.wells]

http://www.ukvillages.co.uk/ukvillages.nsf/villages/Downderry-Cornwall will have listings of cemeteries. I just googled Downderry, Cornwall, England. There may also be online newspaper archives mentioned in the Cornwall forum.

This man may have had injuries from the war if he served and decided that suicide was his only alternative, or he may have lost a loved one and couldn't go on anymore. I don't know what church laws were in 1936 but if he was catholic he might have been buried in unconsecrated grounds in the cemetery, but I doubt it. He would be treated like anyone else who died. As to whether or not he is buried with his father you would have to contact the cemetery or local church/cemetery warden/council.

[Peter Goodey]

As a general rule for this sort of timescale, cemeteries run by local authorities are the best places to try first.

Downderry is covered by Caradon District Council and cemeteries are listed here:

http://www.caradon.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=670

[Jan1954]

If you can identify the local newspaper of the time, there should be a report of the inquest therein.

[Lindad]

I would have thought you have quite a good chance of finding out more about this. 1936 is relatively recent and events at that time would certainly be well within living memory of some of the older residents.

Cornwall was quite a close community until quite a bit later. There's bound to be someone still living there who is known to be the 'local historian' albeit unofficially. Maybe the church wardens or vicar may be able to help you?

See http://www.stgermansparishes.com/

[Saundra Mueller]

I want to thank all of you so much. I was really upset with this and every time I look at his picture its like he is reaching out to me. I hope you don't think I'm crazy, just a little maybe. While I have been research him I feel like he was very close and leading me on. Now I do sound like I'm crazy!
He was in the Royal Navy for 21 years and pensioned with Rheumatism.
Maybe that got the best of him, maybe he couldn't work any more.

His Mother was a widow living with her two spinster daughters. I know in my heart how much this must of hurt her. There were four more boys, but all in America, so she must of felt quite alone,with no man to lean on. Well I'm a widow to and thats how I feel sometimes.
Again Thank's to Everyone |hug| Saundra

[Mutley]

Hello Saundra,

It is a shock when you receive this type of information. One of mine was similar but he cut his own throat. I still struggle to say it. There are many others on the forum who have found information like this, that has really upset them, regarding an ancestor .

Time will lesson the blow and you will be all the more determined to find out as much information as you can.

Good luck. |hug|