Rockingham County (Va.) Coroners' reports and inquests, 1915-1936

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Rockingham County (Va.) Coroners' reports and inquests, 1915-1936. Local government records collection, Rockingham County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Summary

Creator:
Rockingham County (Va.) Circuit Court.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Rockingham County (Va.) Coroners' reports and inquests, 1915-1936. Local government records collection, Rockingham County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Background

Scope and content:

Rockingham County (Va.) Coroners' reports and inquests, 1915-1936, are the records of the county coroner's investigation into questionable deaths, for example in the case of violence or of an unknown person. The inquests and reports often contain testimony from witnesses or persons who may have information regarding the death or the deceased. The verdict of the coroner and the jury is included.

Biographical / historical:

Rockingham County was named for Charles Watson-Wentworth, a second marquis of Rockingham, who supported the colonists in their disputes with Great Britain. It was formed from Augusta County in 1778.

The separate office of coroner appeared in Virginia about 1660. The judicial duty of the office is to hold inquisitions in cases when persons meet violent or unnatural deaths, to establish the cause of death, to deliver the guilty person to the sheriff, and to act as administrator of the deceased's estate. The coroner also performs the sheriff's duties when there is a vacancy in that office. The office of coroner is appointive.

Acquisition information:
These items came to the Library of Virginia in a transfer of court papers from Rockingham County under the accession number 45089.
Physical location:
Library of Virginia
Physical description:
1 cu. ft. (1 box)