St. Charles Parish Inquest Book #1

ZPage 116--Inquest held on 14 Jul 1885 on the body of an unknown colored man lying dead between John Volman aand Frank Harvey Place. The jurors verdict is that he came to his death by being drowned in the Mississippi River. There were no marks of violence on the body. Jurors were Simmon Mathew, Anthony Labranche, Alfred Anderson, Ussin Eugene and Clement Colly.

Page 117--Inquest was held in the city of New Orleans on 20 Jun 1885 before Dr. J.F. Fenney, coroner, on the body of Henry Williams,lying dead at Charity Hospital and after careful autopsy find death to have resulted from a gun shot wound of the abdommen producing internal hemumorrhage. Henry Williams, male,black, native of LA.,age 23, resident of this city since by occupation a laborer residing at Boutte Station, dead of internal hemumorrhage on 29 Jun 1885 at 12 o'clock from a gun shot wound of abdomen. Jurors were A. C. Seymour, Daul Maloney, M.L. Tinney, and J. T. Tinney, MD Coroner.

Page 118--Inquest held on 18 Aug 1885 on the body of Emma Thomas, lying dead at the Oakland Plantation. The jurors verdict is that she came ro her death by sunstroke and not otherwise, there being no marks of violence on her person. The jurors were Chas Ellis, James Harris, Leon Louis, Jesses Zino, and Clement Colly, Coroner.

St. Charles Parish Inquest Book #1--March 1877-December 1886

RPage 113--Inquest held on 29 May 1885 on the body of Jacob Warnner lying dead at Bealmon Place. Jurrors verdict is that he came to his death by natural visituation of God and not otherwise. There being no marks of violence on his body and no guilt attaches to any person. Jurors were John Alexander, Alex Jupiter, Jh (G?)ailes, Abe Alexander, Stephen Moore and Clement Colly, Coroner.

Page 114--Inquest held on 23 June 1885 on the body of Jh. James, colored, lying dead in front of Alise Plantation. The verdict of the jurors is he came to his death by some unknown disease. Being a stranger about here, but gave the name as A. Jn. James before he died, a native of Alabama,the deceased was about 5 feet 6 inches of height and about 35 years of age. Jurors were Joseph Williams, Jacko Joseph, Antoine Robberson, Baptiste Johnson, Isaac Brown and Cement Colley, Coroner.

Page 115--Inquest was held on 7 July 1885 on the body of Ben Harriaon lying dead on the Jackson RR at the 25 mile post. The jurors verdict is that he came to his death by being run over by the cars on the Jackson RR and no guilt attaches to any person. Jurors were James McChutchen, R. H. Hull, Joseph Hopkins, Henry Warner, Amoes Williams and Clement Colly, Coroner.

St. Charles Parish Inquest Records Book #1--March 1877-December 1886

Page 110--Inquest on 12 Jun 1885 on the body of an unknown white man lying dead at Boutte Station at a place known as Michle Lockey Store. The jurors verdict is that he came to his death by a gunshot wound by Michele Laque. Jurors were Chas E. Petre, A. Johnson, Jim Barler, A.D. Johnson, Romeo fils, and Clement Colly, coroner.

Page 111-- Inquest held on 14 April 1885 on the body of Celestine Hampton lying dead in the rear of Davis Place about 1 1/2 miles from the river. The jurors verdict is that he came to his death by the natural visitation of God and not otherwise, there being no marks of violence on the deceased Celestin Hampleton and no guilt attaches to any person. Jurors were John Robertson, Claborn Stanly, Simon Sullivan, Chas Haize, James Smith and Clement Colly, coroner.

Page 112--Inquest held on 13 June 1885 on the body of Morgan Carter (at the Denoult Place), a convict in the camp of Captain Hayden. The jurors verdict is that he became sunstruck, there being no marks of violence on his person and no guilt attaches to anyone. Jurors were Chestester Davis, J. M. Dorsey, Joseph Williams, Usnin Paque, Andrew Carter and Clement Colly, Coroner.

St. Charles Parish --Inquest Records Book #1--Mar 1877-Dec 1886

Page 106--Inquest was held on 13 Mar 1885 on the body of Dan White lying dead on the Freletson Place. The jurors' verdict was that he came to his death by the nocturnal visitation of God and no guilt attaches to any person. Jurors were Peter Henry, Alet Mitchell, John Robertson, Joseph Henry and Clement Colly, Coroner.

Page 107--Inquest was held on 3 Apr 1885 on the body of an unknown white man lying dead at the low line of the parish near the Loy Lanoue PLace. The jurors' verdict is that he came to his death by accidental drowning in the Mississippi River, there being no marks of violence on his body. Jurors were Chester Davis, Jorden Thorp, Jule Isacc, Septine Johnson, Henry Matheu and Clement Colly, Coroner.

Page 108--Inquest was held on 29 Nov 1884 at Des Allemands, before Joseph B. Freeman, JP, acting as coroner, upon the body of an unknown white man there lying dead. Juror' verdict was that he came to his death from pneumonia caused by unneccessary exposure. Jurors' were Achille Garner, Lorence Dash, Cezar, John Brown and Joseph B. Freeman, acting coroner.

Page 109--Inquest was held on 3 May 1885 on the body of an unknown colored man lying dead in front of the Freedlander PLace. The jurors' verdict is that he came to his death from a blow from some unknown persons, afterwards was thrown in the Mississippi River. The said blow having fractured the skull bone of the deceased and therefore was murdered by some unknown person or persons. Jurors were Jacko, fils, Sam Joseph, Peter Muny, Victor Robertson and Clement Colly, Coroner. 

Inquest Record Book #1 March 1877-Dec 1886

Page 103--Inquest was held on 22 Feb 1885 on the body of an unknown white man found drowned in the Mississippi River in front of Lone Star Plantation. The jurors verdict was that the deceased was about 35 years of age and having no identification came to his death by being drowned in the Mississippi River, cause unknown. Jurors were Henry Fry, Jacko,fils, Sam Joseph, Jos,fils, G. Williams and Clement Colly, Coroner.

Page 104--Inquest was held on 25 March 1885 on the body of Marie Lavergne, lying dead at the residence of Mr. Leopold Lavergne. The verdict of the jurors is that she came to her death by committing suicide by hanging herself by the neck with a rope and that guilt attaches to no person. Jurors were J. C. Triche, Abe Strauss, Claiborne Strawily, Ed LeBoeuf, Robert Pierre, and Clement Colly, Coroner.

Page 105--Inquest was held on 31 Mar 1885 on the body of Frank Johnson lying dead between the 30th and 31st mile posts on the Morgan LA and TX RR. The jurors verdict is that he came to his death by accidentally falling from a tree while gathering moss and that no guilt attaches to any person. Jurors were Achille James, John Williams, Adolph Scott, Christophe Weniplay, Jonna Ward, and Clement Colly, Coroner.

Inquest Records, Book #1----March 1877-December 1886

Page 100   Inquest was held on 10 June 1885 on the body of John Baptiste lying dead at the (S)illmore)? Place. The jurors' verdict is that he came to his death by the Visitation of God, there being no marks of violence on his person and no guilt attaches to any person. Jurors were John Harris, Leon Wiseman, David Hymel, Jack Hanna, A. Russet, and Clement Colly, Coroner.


Page 101   Inquest was held on 24 Jan 1885 on the body of Marclous Williams, lying dead at the Morris Web Place. The jurors' verdict is that he came to his death by being sick and destitute, that he was sick for more than a month, having no food, clothes or medicines and was also without the aid of a doctor, the jurors agree that no guilt attaches to any person. Jurors were George Alesc, Joe Robinson, John Smith, Hippole Williams, R. D. Jhanis, and Clement Colly, Coroner.                                                                         


Page 102   Inquest was held on 24 Jan 1885 on the body of an unknown colored boy found drowned in the Mississippi River in front of Davis Plantation. The jurors' verdict is that he came to his death by some unknown cause , there being no marks of violence on his person and therefore no guilt attaches to any person. Jurors were Daniel Perce, Thomas Edward, Eugene Edward, Cas Fleming, Joseph Thomas, and Clement Colly, Coroner.

Inquest Records Book #1, March 1877-December 1886

Page 97.  Inquest was held on 22 Dec 1884 on the body of an unknown colored man found drowned in the Mississippi River in front of Price's Place. The juror's verdict is that he came to his death by some unknown cause drowning in the Mississippi River and no guilt attaches to any person, there being no marks of violence on the body. Jurors were Alfre Simmons, George Jackson, Frank Williams, Paul Jones, Alfred Carter and Clement Colly, Coroner. J. B. Martin, Clerk and J. C. Triche, Dy. Clerk.


Page 98.  Inquest was held on 13 Dec 1884 on the body of Isham Buchanan lying dead at Boutte Station, before J. B. Friedman, 4th Ward Justice of the Peace. The juror's verdict was that Isham Buchanan, colored, was found dead by being run over by a train of the Morgan Railroad, going east. The train was in charge of Mr. Casln?, Engineer, who is not blamed. Jurors were Achille Garner, Geo. Alick, James Taylor, Edmond Roberts, J. B. Butler, and J. B. Friedman, acting coroner. Approved by Clement Colly, Coroner, J. C. Triche, Dy. Clerk


Page 99.  Inquest was held on 24 Sept 1885 on the body of Isaac Williams, lying dead in the Tenny or Hills Place. The juror's verdict is that he came to his death by the visitation of God and not otherwise, there being no marks of violence upon his person. Therefore, no guilt attaches to any other person. Jurors were George Washington, Stephen Johnson, Thom Oscar, Charles Adam, Wm. Johnson, Clement Colly, Coroner.

Inquest Records Book #1--March 1877 to December 1886

Page 94.  Inquest was held on the body of Warren Wright on 29 Sep 1884, lying dead on the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad, before CCA Stephens, deputy coroner. The jurors' verdict is that due to information received under oath of Alexander Meek, Isea Davis, and George Alick that Warren Wright  came to his death by congestive chills while at work on the ML&T RR. Jurors were John Lyle, Andrew Hawkins, Geo. Atkins, and CCA Stephens, Dy coroner, authorized by Clement Colly, Coroner. J. B. Martin, Clerk.

Page 95.  Inquest was held on 31 Oct 1884 on the body of Eliza Hawkins at the Louisa Plantation. The jurors' verdict is that she came to her death suddenly by the visitation of God and not otherwise and that no guilt attaches to any other person. Jurors were Alex Johnson, Zeno Joseph, Pierre Christoulph, Wm Johnson, Parker Murray and Clement Colly, Coronor, J. B. Martin, Clerk.

Page 96.  Inquest was held on 18 Nov 1884 over the body of Bono Jimmio lying dead on the Morgan LA and Texas RR. The Jurors' verdict is that he came to his death by some unknown violence committed on the RR by some unknown person as there was a wound in his left side inflicted by a knife or other sharp instrument. The Name Bono Jimmio being found on a shirt that was on the person of the deceased. Jurors were Joshua Ward, Davis Pierce, John Robinson, Stephen Johnson, Alfred Dennis, and Clement Colly, Coroner. J. B. Martin, Clerk and J.C. Triche, Dy Clerk.

Inquest Records Book #1-March 1877-Dec 1886 St. Charles Parish, LA

26.  Inquest was held on 15 Oct 1878 on the body of Charles Bouvier lying dead. The jurors verdict was that he came to his death by yellow fever and no person is responsible. Jurors were Sam Thomas, St. Martin Francis, ? Lacour, Lee Grant, John Irvin and F. Massey, deputy coroner.

27.  Inquest was held on 25 Oct 1878 on the body of Francois Eyraud lying dead on the Freelanders Plantation. The jurors verdict was that he came to his death by yellow fever and that no person is responsible. Jurors were Adam Taylor, F. Murray, John Alexander, Lee Grant, Joseph Martin and coroner Clement Colly.

28.  Inquest was held on 3 Feb 1879 on the body of Liza Goods, about 8 years old, lying dead near Boutte Station, before the 4th  Ward Justice of the Peace, Domingo Pitre, acting as coroner. The jurors verdict was that she came to her death by accident of her own carelessly. Jurors were Benjamin Thompson, Joseph Peterson, ? Peterson, Edmond Roberts, W? Johnson and Domingo Pitre, acting coroner.

29. Inquest was held on 18 Mar 1879 on the body of Jerry Perry, lying dead on Speranza Plantation before the 2nd Ward Justice of the Peace, Alexander A. Jacobs, acting as coroner. The jurors verdict was that he came to his death by cerebral apoplexy. Jurors were J.B. Martin, Jerry Thorton, Cain Grant, Michael Labranche, David Taylor and Alexander A. Jacobs, acting coroner.

St. Charles Parish Courthouse Inquest Records Book #1---continued

Page 21.   Inquest was held on 17 Jun 1878 on the body of John Skiner, found in the rear of the B. Dargenar Plantation. The verdict was that he came to his death by accidently cutting down a tree upon himself. Jurors were L. Aclama Katen, Francois Jupitor,Jr, Paul Belle, Samuel Whitehead, Honore Bourgois and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 22.  Inquest was held on 19 Aug 1878 on the body of an unknown white man. The verdict was that he came to his death by yellow fever and not otherwise, no other person is responsible for his death. Jurors were F. Murray, Marshall Benoit, Jerry Thorton, Joseph Smith, Coy Clinton and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 23.  Inquest was held on 7 Sep 1878 on the body of an unknown white man lying dead on the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad. The verdict was that he came to his death by some unknown illness and not otherwise. He appears to be about 30 years of age and having no identification. No person is responsible for his death. Jurors were Steward Johnson, Christ Kimskey, Moses Moore, John Snaurden, Franklin Thomas and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 24.  Inquest was held on 14 Sep 1878 upon the body of Charles Baptiste lying dead. The verdict was that he came to his death by two wounds inflicted in the left side with a sharp instrument in the hands of one Valcour St. Martin, one above the left nipple and one below. Doctor's certificate annexed. Jurors were Prudent DeBoutte, ? Garten, Chas J. Garllard, John Fox, Joseph Alexandre and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 25.  Inquest was held on 15 Sep 1878 on the body of Valcour St. Martin lying dead. The verdict was that he came to his death by wounds inflicted by deadly weapons, namely guns, knives, pistols and clubs in the hands of unknown parties on the 14 Sep 1878. Jurors were Prudent DeBoutte, Chas J Garllard, Joseph Alexandre, John Fox, ? Garten, and coroner Clement Colly.  note--This was considered a lynching witch will be covered in a future post.

Inquest Record Book #1----March 1877-Dec 1886

Page 17--Inquest was held on 26 Jun 1878 on the body of Joseph Bourgeois found between Boutte Station and Luling Station. The jurors verdict was that he came to his death from heart disease and they are satisfied that no guilt is attached to anyone. Jurors were Achille Garner, Peter Smith, Benjamin Thompson, Jenkins Fields, James Walton and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 18--A hearing was held on 4 Jan 1878 on the body of Harry Mitchell, age 60 years, more or less, found dead at Ory Plantation. The verdict was that he came to his death by sickness and old age and no guilt attaches to any person. No inquest is necessary. Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 18--A hearing was held on 6 Jun 1878 on the body of Charles Taylor found dead on Speranza Plantation, age 2 months. Having made inquiry the verdict is he came to his death by the visitation of God. No guilt attaches to any person. Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 19--Inquest was held (no date) on the body of an unknown white man found on the E. Rost Plantation. The verdict was that the deceased, about 45 years old, a native of Pennsylvania, name unknown, came to his death from general disability and no person is responsible for his death. Jurors were F. Morrerl, Henry McCall, Wm. McNarmaro, Emile Samat, James Henry and Clement Colly.

Page 20--Inquest was held on 17 Jun 1878 on the body of Max Ferth found in the Mississippi River in front of the E. Davis Plantation. The verdict was that he came to his death by accidental drowning while bathing in the river on 14 Jun 1878. Jurors were F. Murray, Feliz Zeringue, Wilson Thompson, James Turner, Jefferson Delaware, and coroner Clement Colly.

Inquest Records--Book # 1--March 1877-Dec 1886

Page 13--Inquest was held (no date) on the body of an unknown white man lying on the right bank of the Mississippi River in front of Ashton Plantation. The verdict was that he died from accidental drowning. Jurors were G.W. Wilson, Cobert Booker, Joseph Larmchay, Edward Fils, Joe Williams, and Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 14--Inquest was held on 13 Feb 1878 on the body of Charles Henry at Boutte Station before Domingo Pitre, acting coroner. The verdict was that he came to his death by no guilt being attached to any person and that the family may take charge of the body for burial. The jurors were E.H. Youngs, Stewart Johnson, Edmond Roberts, George Williams and Frank Roberts.

Page 15--Inquest was held on 19 Jan 1878 in the Parish of Orleans before Jno. G. Roche, coroner of the First, Fourth, Fifth and Seventh Districts, Parish of Orleans in view of the dead body of Ely Yarsent, male, colored, native of Louisiana, age 20 years, lying dead in Charity Hospital dead house. The jurors say that Ely Yarsent's body was found dead at the above place and after viewing the body and an autopsy by Dr. J.C. Beard, city physician, and on the evidence, we find that death resulted from a gun shot wound of the abdomen causing death. The wound was inflicted with a pistol in the hands of John Coleman between the hours of 3 and 5 o'clock, Wednesday, 16 Jan 1878 on the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad, a half mile from Bayou Des Allemands Station, Parish of St. Charles. Jurors were J.E. Armstrong, E.H. Casselon, Robert Perrets, I. Martin, M.M. Haydon and Coroner John G. Roche.

Page 16--Inquest was held 16 Apr 1878 on the body of Laura Parker, at the 28 mile marker of the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad. The verdict was that she came to her death by one Willie Cook of this parish between the hours of 3 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon. He willfully shot her with a double-barrel shot gun loaded with buck shot, causing death. The shot entered her forehead reaching backward through her brain by a certificate by a surgeon named J. Jemmason. Jurors were Achille Garner, Isem Kemper, Stewart Johnson, James Taylor and Coroner Clement Colly.

Inquest Record Book #1, March 1877-Dec 1886

Page 7--Inquest was held on the body of John Irvin on 26 Jun 1877 at Luling Plantation. The verdict was that he came to his death by being shot with a double-barrel shot gun, with small bird-shot, held in the hands of Thomas Neal and Charles Mitchell. This was an accidental shot caused by said John Irvin, Charles Mitchell, and Thomas Neal playing with said gun. The shot having taken effect about one inch below the left breast causing immediate death. The certificate of death of the doctor herewith appended. Jurors were Charles J. Gaillard. J. Bellichot, Vilson Turner, Howard Bank, Calvin Booker, and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 8--Inquest was held on an unknown colored man on 29 Jul 1877. He was found dead on the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad. The verdict was that he came to his death by some violence unknown to them and that the right side of scull bone of the head was crushed and broken on the right temple. We have therefore caused him to be buried. Jurors were Jacques ? Giles, Prosper Williams, Alex Johanson, Louis Claiborne, George Williams and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 9--Inquest was held on 12 Aug 1877 on the body of an unknown man at P.A. Rost Plantation, before Achille Hawkins, Justice of the Peace. The verdict was that he accidentally died by misfortune and not by any blow or wound. He was about the age of 40 years and seems to look like a laborer. Jurors were John Brown, Toby Bouvey, Fleming Richard, Moses Prophet, Abraham Brown, and Achill Hawkins, 3rd Ward Justice of the Peace.

Inquest Records Book #1 March 1877--Dec1886

Page 4--Inquest was held on the body of an unknown white man on 27 Apr 1877. His body was found floating in the Mississippi River in front of the Ezra Davis Plantation. The verdict was that he came to his death by some violence inflicted by unknown means and afterwards thrown into the river. No papers being found or other means of identifying him the jurors ordered him buried. Jurors were E. Mann?as, William Richardson, William ? Trasly, Louis Clairborne, Jacques ? Giles, Jr. and Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 5--Inquest was held on the body of Samuel Field on 22 May 1877 at Bayou Des Allemands, before justice of the peace, acting as coroner. The verdict was that he came to his death accidentally by drowning when he fell from a steamboat in Bayou Des Allemands. Jurors were E. Fassier, Jr., Timothy Aikens, John Brown, James Taylor, Felix ? Roux, and Domingo Pitre, 4th Ward Justice of the Peace.

Page 6--Inquest was held on the body of Francois George on 2 Jun 1877 at about 100 yards from the 20 mile post on the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad, by the justice of the peace acting as coroner. The verdict was that he came to his death by a long standing sickness and old age. He was lying dead about 11 yards from his house which burned down the same night. He was 75 or 80 years old. Jurors were Timothy Aikens, Domingo Pitre, Jr., Peter Robinson, Cuezer McCoy, ? Branch, and Domingo Pitre, 4th Ward Justice of the Peace.

Civil War in St. Charles Parish

There was a letter from a Civil War soldier on the blog Blind Pig and the Acorn today and this made me wonder how many of us stop to think of the small skirmishes that happened in Des Allemands, Boutte and Hahnville.


ST. CHARLES INQUEST RECORDS: BOOK #1 MARCH 1877-DEC 1886

PAGE 1: Inquest on the body of Charley Maze, held on 25 Feb 1877. The verdict was that he came to his death by accidentally drowning on the 25 Feb 1877, near Boutte Station, in a ditch on the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad. Jurors were Joseph B. Friedman, J. B. Barter, Edmond Roberts, Steward Johnson, and J. E. Jho?anson. Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 2: Inquest on the body of Joseph Johnson, alias Joe Vick, held on 30 Mar 1877. Inquisition made at Boutte Station. The verdict was that he was killed this morning between 8 and 9 o'clock by means of a discharge of shot and slugs from a double-barrell shot gun in the hands of John Williams, of this parish, at the store of J. P. Friedman. He was shot in the back of the head from which he instantly died. Jurors were Michael Johnson, Edmond Roberts, James Taylor, Charles Pejurkam, Joseph ? Ellis, and Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 3: Inquest on the body of an unknown white man, held on 14 Apr 1877. The verdict was that he came to his death while lying upon the tracks of the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad, on the morning of 6 Apr 1877, when he was run over by a freight train. Jurors were Joseph B. Friedman, Edmond Roberts, Edward Broward, James Taylor, Washington A. Johnson and Coroner Clement Colly.