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Friday 8 July 2011

What Did Your Ancestor Die Of?

A common cause of death for women in the 1800s was Milk Fever - an infection following childbirth but one that people thought was associated with nursing women. Milk Leg was another complication of childbirth - today we know this to be caused by clotting in the legs following childbirth, but in the 1800s this again was associated with nursing mothers.
There were a myriad of illnesses commonly listed on death records but that are unfamiliar to us in the 21st century. Here's a list to some of the more common causes of death in the 1800s:

1 comment:

  1. Found your blog on the GeneaBloggers' site. I look forward to following your blog as I have rellies from Kilmarnock, Ayreshire.

    Cindy
    MySavages.blogspot.com
    GenerationsOfGermans.blogspot.com

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