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Archiver > CASANFRA > 2000-08 > 0965705444


From: rwalker <>
Subject: [CASANFRA] Infant death index and Lost Souls
Date: Mon, 07 Aug 2000 20:30:44 -0700


I have wondered about what happened in the late 1800s and early 1900s to
babies who died shortly after birth, or while still infants. Were they
buried in a special place in the cemeteries? Would their births have
been registered if they only lived a few hours? Would there be any
record of them anywhere? I know San Francisco records are difficult
because of them all being destroyed in 1906. I have often wondered about
the babies that my Grandmother had, who died. There are no family
stories about them, so I don't think they lived long, and no
photographs. My family was not of the class that would have had births
announced in the papers. She had at least 4 who died. Two I know of,
were born and died on the morning of the Earthquake; two days later the
family had to evacuate. I know I wan't find any records of them. There
was one born between 1894 and 1900 who died. According to the 1900
census Grandma was the mother of 4, with 3 living children. So she must
have had one more between 1900 and 1906. (None listed on CADI, so
probably before 1905.) I am going to check if there are any records at
the church, as soon as I can reach someone there (they don't answer
phones). I was just wondering if anyone knows if there were any customs
regarding this in those times? Or where to look?
Thanks, "rwalker"

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