John Marshall et al
As part of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative, we’ve digitized a small selection of inquests and inquiries from 1872 to 1934, found in series GR-0431. These were chosen to reflect the experiences of early Chinese immigrants to B.C. – their living and working conditions, and their unfortunate accidental or unusual deaths. They range from a woman working in a brothel in Barkerville who died of natural causes to three sawmill workers who died from malnutrition. Learn more.
*All transcriptions are provided by volunteers, and the accuracy of the transcriptions is not guaranteed. Please be sure to verify the information by viewing the image record, or visiting the BC Archives in person.
*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum. Some materials may contain content that is racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. The Royal BC Museum is only the custodian of archival materials; the content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Royal BC Museum.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
No 3
27
The little girl showed evidence of a bad blow across the face and forehead, and I thought that possibly might be the cause of her death, and while I was working with her one of the men informed me that she had been floating and that the larger girl was found hanging on to her and I though it probable a blow on the head had killed her and the amount of air in the lungs kept her floating and that is why she kept afloat.
Q; - Did you have any conversation with the man?
A; - I asked him how he was. He said he was doing pretty well. I made a closer examination of him. About the very first question I asked him he shut up like a clam and I concluded he did didn't want to.
Q; - What seemed to be his condition?
A; - He didn't seem to be suffering from shock at all. he did not want to talk, in my opinion.
No 4 William Charles Fowler, 1884 Fifth Avenue West, Vancouver, B.C. contractor and builder, being duly sworn, saith; -
Last Saturday evening we were coming over the bridge. I should say the hour was about 6.20, close to 6.20 as near as I can get at it. Coming to the bridge we were coming where Mr Weir had not be accustomed. I told him "Better be careful for the draw is ahead." I saw the lights on the side of the bridge. That's all I know about it.
Coroner; - What kind of a conveyance was it?
A; - That we were in?
Q; - Yes. An auto; five passenger; the bridge was closed all right and the light was burning.
Mr Cowan; - Have you had railway experience?
A; - Fifteen years.
Q; - As what? A; - Fifteen years as trainman.
Q; - Accustomed to observing lights? A; - Yes.
Q; - And on this occasion you saw the green light did you?
A; - Yes.
BC Archives, GR-0431 Box 10 File 4 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Inquisitions / inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.