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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

Last Friday I was coming down the Fraser River and I saw a body floating among the logs about 2 miles above the mouth of the Harrison River. I carried on down to the [rancherie and told the man there. I went up with them and showed them where the body was. The body was lying in the water face downwards. The body had on a white shirt, his trousers and shoes. I saw nothing else about the body.

Paul His mark X

Taken upon oath and acknowledged before me this 2nd say of September 1875.

C. N. Trew Coroner

BC Archives, GR-0431 Box 1 File 6 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Inquisitions / inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.

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