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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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is a doctor, he was doctoring a little girl, some friend's daughter. He came in the house about six o'clock and stayed there about three hours. I heard about the fight it was over I was there all the time with Ah Kim.
To Mr. Davies Ah Kow went away at 8 o'clock, Ah Kim was in the house at 6, 7 and 1/2 past 7 & 8, I don't know how old the girl was, she was about 20 her name is Choy An, She had consumption, a cough. Ah Kim stop at New Westminster he has no house here, he was sent for to come and doctor this girl, I sent for him, the girl is a friend of mine, not my wife, my friend's wife she is a widow, she has no man Wah Shue was in the house all night, he came in at 6 o'clock and stopped all the time. Wah Shue is one of the prisoners, Wah Shue's house is on Fisgard Street I work at the saw mill constant employment. Wah Shue house is 4 doors away from this corner on Fisgard Street from Governnment St
T.W. Jackson Interpreter
[illegible] C.P.C.
A.F. Pemberton P.M.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 26 File 1884/16 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.