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Richmond County (Va.) Coroners' Inquisitions, 1850-1857

Richmond County (Va) Coroners' Inquisitions, 1850-1857, are investigations into the deaths of individuals who died by a sudden, violent, unnatural or suspicious manner, or died without medical attendance. Causes of death found in coroners' inquisitions include murder, infanticide, suicide, domestic violence, exposure to elements, drownings, train accidents, automobile accidents, and natural causes, or as commonly referred to in the 19th century, visitation by God. Documents commonly found in coroners' inquests include the inquisition, depositions, and summons. Criminal papers such as recognizance bonds can be found in coroner inquisitions. Information found in the inquisition include the name of the coroner, the names of the jurors, the name and age of the deceased if known, gender and race of the deceased, and when, how, and by what means the deceased came to his or her death. If the deceased was African American, the inquest would identify the deceased as enslaved or free person if known. If the deceased was enslaved, the inquest would include, if known, the name of the slave holder and the slave holder's residence. Information found in the depositions include the name of the deponent and his or her account of the circumstances that led to the death of the deceased. Enslaved people were deponents in coroner investigations.

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Richmond County (Va.) Coroners' Inquisitions, 1850-1857

Richmond County (Va.) Circuit Court

Richmond County (Va) Coroners' Inquisitions, 1850-1857, are investigations into the deaths of individuals who died by a sudden, violent, unnatural or suspicious manner, or died without medical attendance. Causes of death found in coroners' inquisitions include murder, infanticide, suicide, domestic violence, exposure to elements, drownings, train accidents, automobile accidents, and natural causes, or as commonly referred to in the 19th century, visitation by God. Documents commonly found in coroners' inquests include the inquisition, depositions, and summons. Criminal papers such as recognizance bonds can be found in coroner inquisitions. Information found in the inquisition include the name of the coroner, the names of the jurors, the name and age of the deceased if known, gender and race of the deceased, and when, how, and by what means the deceased came to his or her death. If the deceased was African American, the inquest would identify the deceased as enslaved or free person if known. If the deceased was enslaved, the inquest would include, if known, the name of the slave holder and the slave holder's residence. Information found in the depositions include the name of the deponent and his or her account of the circumstances that led to the death of the deceased. Enslaved people were deponents in coroner investigations.

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