I believe that shortly after Lillian's birth and blessing, Ernest, Lavina and their children George and Lillian move from Comins, Oscoda, Michigan to Beaverton, Gladwin, Michigan.
The story told to me by my grandmother Edna Jean (Burt) McKenzie (Lillian's younger sister born in 1927) is as follows:
In the fall of 1913, Lavina May (Hawley) Burt, had a dream or vision that her youngest daughter Lillian Elnora Burt (Approx 2 years old) was going to die. At the time her husband Ernest Nile Burt was away on Missionary work for the RLDS (Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) church. She somehow was able to reach Ernest and told him that Lillian was going to die and that he needed to come home. Ernest raced several miles to catch a train in the nearest town. When he returned home, he arrived to find Lillian playing on the living room floor and appearing to be completely healthy. Ernest was upset with Lavina, asking her why she had sent him such a message when Lillian was obviously fine.
Lillian passed away the next day on September 18, 1913.
Lillian's death certificate states that she died on September 18, 1913, in Beaverton, Gladwin, Michigan. Cause of death is listed as Acute Gastroenteritis. 1
Acute (Consumption)/ Acute (Gas-)/ Acute (Pneumonia) - An acute condition is attended with symptoms of some degree of severity and coming to a crisis. Could be acute gastroenteritis - occurring in the hot months and characterized by vomiting and purging, with griping and cramps. .......Usually caused by imprudence in the diet.2
Lillian was buried in Beaverton, Gladwin, Michigan on September 21, 1913. I have not yet found the location of her burial.
Ernest Nile Burt and Lavina May (Hawley) Burt had six children, four out of the six children died before the age of three.
Lesson Learned: Be very thankful for the time we live in and the medical technology that we have available to us, and most of all my two beautiful children.
Great job! I I often wonder if SMA was the cause of those deaths…
Heather-
There may be a connection with Grandma’s brother Kenneth Evert Burt. He died of Rickets at a very young age. Here is a link to information about Rickets. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickets
Becky