Monday, August 12, 2019

Death of a Limb

If someone loses a limb, a death certificate may be issued, abundant with the details we need, such as the names of parents.

This was the situation for John Joseph Coburn's right arm. While working on the trains in Clifton, New Jersey, John's arm was severed between two railroad cars.

Thanks, Pat!

The death certificate provides great information, such as address, names of wife and parents, birthdate and place, and cemetery. Because John was still alive when this document was created, it could be more accurate than the usual death certificate.

Articles appeared in the local papers.


The rest of John Coburn died December 14, 1978. Those death certificates are not available at the Archives. His obituary is below.