Oregon Historical County Records Guide
Josephine County Records Inventory
Coroner and Inquest Records
1857-1966
Series records the results of the examination of a corpse by the county coroner at the request of the county sheriff. It also documents the proceedings and results of inquests ordered by the district attorney. Reports include date filed; name, age, sex, race, parentage, and birthplace of deceased; date, place, and time of death; names of undertaker and coroner; testimony; and costs. Early reports were narrative accounts detailing the cause of death. After 1900, a standardized form was used for reporting results. Inquest transcripts include coroner and juror names, signatures, and actions; witness names; testimony; and verdict. Coroner and inquest records have been inventoried through 1965.
Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:
Coroner's Examinations [Records], 1911-1966 (1 reel of microfilm).
Records at the Josephine County Historical Society Library:
Josephine County Documents [Testimony of Coroner's
Inquest], 1857, 1862, 1884 (.05 cu.ft.).