Transcription Page

Ah Man

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. 

BC Archives GR-0431

*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.

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Goon Gau, a Chinaman being sworn according to a Chinese mode saith

I knew a Chinaman named Ah Man. I saw him about a week ago last Saturday. He was at Col. Lane’s Fishing. I saw his body today in a canoe near Lewis Stables, he was working for English [& Co. He had, I was told Eight dollars in his pocket on the day I saw him alive. He was drowned the day I last saw him alive. I promised to give ten dollars to any one who would find the body.

Goon Gau

Taken on oath & acknowledged on this 1st day of August A.D. 1877 before me C.N. Trew

BC Archives, GR-0431 Box 2 File 1 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Inquisitions / inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.

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