In a message dated 11/19/2004 9:00:44 AM Eastern Standard Time, MIOAKLAN-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: What I would like to know is what happens when a death is NOT recorded? In reviewing the vitals from 1867-1837 that are on film, I have noted that there are lots and lots of incidents where a death that occurred in Oakland county, or should have occurred in Oakland county anyway, is not recorded. ***********The time you speak of was before the State of Michigan required vital records. Granted by 1954 I would think that most people should be recorded, but the question comes down to what if it isn't? ***********By now a death IS recorded 'somewhere'. A doctor usually signs a death of one of their patients...... If the death is of undetermined causes, accidents, etc..... the cornor becomes involves in the death and signs the death record. ***********By now a person cannot LEGALLY just 'do away with a body'. The police would become involved. To get a body buried in a cemetery, a death record and burial permit is needed,. The cemetery have laws to follow. ***********As to location of a death record: if the person died IN THEIR HOME, the death record will be in that county. If the person died while ON VACATION OR OTHER TRIP, the death record will be in that county. If the person WENT TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL/CLINIC and died, the death record could be in that county. Ask yourself where could that person have gone JUST before he died. Do you know where the person is buried? If so contact the cemetery, politely, and ask what information is on the internment card/information. You could tell them you are looking for where they died. They might be able to tell you the city/county they died in.