Chinaman (Name Unknown)
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
This deponent Quimuck upon his oath said:
This morning I was close to my canoe - near the Bluff fishing where I saw the body of the deceased in the water in the eddy. I brought it to town Quimuck Indian his mark
This Deponent Robt Davis? Foster upon his oath saith: -
I am a duly qualified physician and surgeon. I examined the body of what I consider to be that of Chinaman now lying on the River Bank. I found the body much decomposed and must have been in the water over [ten?] days. I discovered two small cuts - one on the cheek - the other on the back of the head. Also the right arm was fractured near the shoulder - the cut in the face appears to have been inflicted before death from its appearance. It must have been done by some sharpe stone or instrument - it is a clean cut but would not cause death.
"Robert D Foster" MD
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 18 day of July AD 1892 "A.T. Bushby Actg Coroner
BC Archives, GR-0431 Box 1 File 3 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Inquisitions / inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.