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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

British Columbia New Westminster District

To the Constable of New Westminster City of Surrey

By virtue of my office, these are, in Her Majesty’s name, to require and command you, immediately upon sight hereof, to summon and warn six good and lawful men of New Westminster District to be and appear before me, Charles Newland Trew, Coroner of Said District at The Courthouse, in the said City on the 14th day of June, at 11 of the clock in the forenoon, then and there to enquire of, do, and execute all such things as on Her Majesty’s behalf shall be lawfully given them in charge, touching the death of a Chinaman Name Unknown AND be you then and there to certify with you shall have done in the premises; and further to do and execute what in behalf of our said lady the Queen shall be then and there enjoined you.

GIVEN under my hand and seal, the 14th day of June, A.D. 1879

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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