Ah Sigh
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
Daniel Clanefs M. D. having been duly sworn in Medical evidence states, I examined the body of the deceased Chinaman Ah Sigh. He had been dead about five hours. On examining the head, I found a severe contused wound on the right frontal bone, also a severe cut & bruise on the right cheek bone. The right side was likewise bruised & the integument abbraided, the left leg was abbraided over the shin bone. I consider that the wounds on the head in conjunction with the bruises on the side were quite sufficient to cause death.
D. Clanefs, M.D. Taken before me at Chase River this 3rd day of August 1877
Warner R Spalding Coroner
BC Archives, GR-0431 Box 2 File 1 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Inquisitions / inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.