Transcription Page

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. 

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

This morning about 7 o’clock I was in my boat fishing. An Indian was with me. We saw a body floating down the river in the middle of the current. We went to it, made fast to it wit ha rope and brought it down to New Westminster. I found by turning the body over that it was that of a man and I believe a chinaman. There was a strap around the body at the waist. No other clothing was on the body. I found it in the river about half way between the city and the mouth of the Pitt River.

George Morris his mark X

Taken on oath and acknowledged this 14th day of June AD 1879 before me C.N. Trew Coroner

BC Archives, GR-0431 Box 2 File 5 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Inquisitions / inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.

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