Local Government Records: Coroners' Inquisitions

Coroners’ Inquisitions contain 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 these records include murder [including racial violence], 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' inquisitions include the inquisition, depositions, and summons. Some inquisitions contain other documents such as exhibits (drawings, photographs, items found with the body. etc) and autopsies. 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, sex and race of the deceased, and when, how, and by what means the deceased came to his or her death.

Content Warning:

Materials in the Library of Virginia's collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; religion; sex; and sexual orientation and gender identity. Coroners' Inquisitions contain graphic and in some cases violent or otherwise disturbing descriptions of death. This includes instances of racial violence and the use of racial slurs, instances of self-harm, and instances of abuse and violence against domestic partners and children.

Image citation: Photo shows Sheriff Eugene Adrain (left) and Deputy Sheriff Paul Alexander of Loudoun County, VA holding a bootjack, covered with blood, evidence from a murder investigation in 1932. Full details can be found on the Library of Virginia tumblr.