Oregon Historical County Records Guide
Marion County Records Inventory
Coroner and Inquest Records
1888-1961
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 Marion County Archives:
Coroner's [Inquests and Reports-accession no. 90.001.001], 1888-ca.1961
(4 cu.ft.).
Records at the Marion County Courthouse, County Clerk's Recording Office
Vault:
Commissioners Court Petitions, Reports, Orders, Etc.
[Proceedings-includes resolutions, county officials reports,
road petitions, a small number of coroner's inquest records, and
other records], 1897-1944 (14 cu.ft.).