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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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Q;- On account of the framework on the bridge you would have seen the bridge tender's lantern if it had been lighted on the center of the swing as he said it was? A;- I don't know, after they passed it. Q;- The bridge was open, no light in the center of the swing, or a lantern was you evidence. Mr Ladner;- I think Mr Cowan is wrong. He said- Coroner;- I Mr Ladner;- Mr Cowan says the lantern was sitting in the center of the swing, that is quite a material matter. Mr Cowan;- Now, then you gave us to understand there was positively no light, lantern anywhere? A;- There was no light. Q;- Then the bridge tender is wrong? A;- He is wrong. I don't care about him. Q;- If he says there was a light, there was the light of his lantern and a red light he is wrong? A;- Well, I tell you; I didn't see it. Q;- But you swore a moment ago there was none? A;- I swore I didn't see it. Coroner;- Just make your testimony exactly what you know. Mr Ladner;- The witness has clearly explained that. Witness;- I didn't say that. Coroner;- That's what you said, and I want you to be careful in the future, Mr Cowan;- Will you swear there was no light? A;- No light. Q;- Are you or are you not sure there was no light on that bridge? A;- I have told you repeatedly, sir. Coroner;- Mr Hutchison, he is just asking you that plain question. It has been sworn by, - I can give you eight that have sworn positively the lights were there. Can you swear positively the lights were not there? A;- I seen no lights, that is, the height of a man, sir. Q;- You said there was no light on that bridge of any kind.