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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]

Sam an Indian being sworn states

Last Friday Paul came down the river and told me and some other men that he had found a body in the Fraser River above here. We went up and saw the body and found it to be that of a Chinaman. We took it on shore. I did not know the Chinaman. I had heard that a Chinaman had been upset from a canoe some distance above Popcum. I know the Chinaman but I did not know his name. The Chinaman had been upset one week and three days before the body was found.

Sam 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.

Current Page Discussion [edit] [history]

Image 5 of 7