Coroner’s Inquest Reports from 1855-1935 Listed by Last Name

A Coroner’s Inquest is a formal, public legal inquiry. It often includes a jury as a panel of 6-12 local citizens. This panel hears the evidence to reach a verdict for the cause of death. The Coroner is the official who presides over the matter. They conduct the inquest to help identify a deceased person. They determine the circumstances, cause, and manner of the person’s death. This is especially true when the death is sudden, violent, or unexplained. The Coroner gathers evidence from witnesses like law enforcement, physicians, and family. Evidence can also be found on the deceased person or at the scene. They do this to find answers for the public and family members. The inquest doesn’t assign guilt but can lead to criminal charges if warranted.

This Coroner’s index is a collection of records held at the Porter County Clerk Archives. Its earliest record dates back to 1855. The records are listed by last name of the “decedent,” meaning the person who is deceased. The location is the last known place of origin for the decedent.

To obtain a copy of a record, you can make a request with our online Record Requests Form.

Transcribed by: Victoria Vasquez, Porter County Clerk Archives; October 22, 2024