1884/16 Ah Keong, attempted murder, big scrap in Victoria’s Chinatown
As part of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative, the BC Archives has digitized a selection of documents related to criminal prosecutions against the Chinese community from 1866 to 1914, found in GR-0419. These are mainly records created as part of the preliminary hearing held before a judge in order to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. There are often lengthy witness statements, and cross examinations by both prosecution and defense lawyers. The eventual verdict is sometimes recorded on the outside of the docket. They offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th and early 20th century criminal activity around the province, and ways in which the Chinese community was stereotyped. The records offered for transcription here are a small selection; for additional digitized material from GR-0419 click here.
*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. In addition, GR-0419 records deal with subjects such as assault, murder and abuse, which may upset some readers. 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.
*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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
Indictable Offences
General Form of Information or of Complaint on Oath
Canada City of Victoria Province of British Columbia
The information of Fong Wy of the City of Victoria, in the Province aforesaid, taken upon oath before me the undersigned one of her Majesty 's Justices of the Peace in and for the said province at Victoria this 8th day of October in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight and eighty four who saith that he hath just cause to suspect and believe and doth suspect and believe that Geong Ah Keoug, Gay Wah Shue, Yip Mong Guen, Ah Kow, Poun Shuk and Wong Sing and others to the informant unknown, did on the evening of Tuesday the 7th instant feloniously and unlawfully assault and wound the said Fong Wy with intent thereby feloniously willfully and of his malice aforethought to kill and murder him the said Fong Wy.
contrary to the form of Statute in such case made and provided.
Taken and sworn before me, the day and year and at the place aobve mentioned
A.F.P. 10 Oct/84
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 26 File 1884/16 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents. A J Langley JP