Visitation of God
Monday November 26, 2007
I've seen a lot of death certificates over the years, but believe it or not this was the first time I ever saw "Visitation of God" listed as the official cause of death. My first inclination was to laugh hysterically, but a little research soon told me that the unusual cause of death wasn't quite as unique as I first thought. It was actually very common in the middle of the nineteenth century to attribute sudden unexplained deaths in this way - basically a fancy way of saying "natural causes."
If you find this interesting, you might be interested in exploring some of the historic causes of death found detailed in many online resources, including articles such as Decennial Cause of Death in England, 1851-1910 from the fascinating Web site A Vision of Britain Through Time. Or look up the unusual causes of death in one of these Old Disease Dictionaries.
Comments
Why was your first inclination to laugh hysterically? That came across a bit insensitive, which I’m sure you didn’t intend. It’s a good reminder that we as genealogists should handle documents as we behave in cemeteries: With respect and dignity.
Good point. I definitely didn’t mean to come across as insensitive. My initial inclination to laugh was only because it struck me as a funny thing for a coroner to list as an “official” cause of death, not that it wasn’t a valid cause. More of a disbelieving chuckle than a hysterical one, I guess. Absolutely no lack of respect intended. And one reason why I chose to let the dear departed remain anonymous.
Lighten up, anonymous!!!
Kimberly, Thanks for sharing your find and your humor!
Visitation of God: I was reviewing a Coroners Report and noticed that several people died in jail and cause was “Visitation of God” and wondering if they committed suicide. If anyone has the true answer since a coroner used this a a cause please let me know.. John Plumpton
Google Coroners report Horace Plumpton