My great grandmother, Alvira Larson died at the State Hospital May 15, 1896. She apparently was made a ward of the state due to tuberculosis and not insanity. It also appears she died alone. Familysearch.org has the death record from the state registry. I have asked for death certificates from both the state and the county and all I seem to get are transcriptions of the information found in the state registry. I have seen copies of "real" death certificates online at "seekingmichigan.org" and am aware of all the additional information they contain. Unfortunately "seekingmichigan.org" death records only go back to 1897! I believe my great grandmother was more than likely buried in the state hospital potter's field, but I would really like to confirm that. I would also like to find out how long she was treated before her death. Is there somewhere I can obtain photo copies of the "real" death certificates prior to 1897?

Thanks for your help!

Karen Verschoor