Coroners Inquisitions

Washington Co, Maryland

Book 17 - 1924-1929


Coroners Inquisitions are investigations into the deaths of individuals who died by a sudden, violent, unnatural, or suspicious manner, or who died without medical attendance. The coroner would summon a jury of twelve white men, usually prominent citizens of that locality, to assist him in determining cause of death.

Additional information may be found in Judgment records [Book 23 & 24].


  • UNKNOWN, child - at Williamsport - 25 Feb 1925 - by G.W. McCARDELL, J.P., acting coroner - Found the body of an unknown mutilated child, sex unknown, on dump in Riverview Cemetery in Williamsport on Sunday, 22 Feb 1925. - Death - nothing could be determined as to cause, name of child or person/persons responsible. - Dr. W.H. RICHARDSON, Dr. Z.L. WEAVER. - Witnesses: Mrs. Annie KREPS, Mrs. Beula MILLER, Albert LEAF, Albert HAWKEN, Minerva MYERS, Howard CUTCHALL, Hunter TURNER, William GUESFORD, Edward RICKARD, John MYERS, Adam HAWBAKER. [Book 17, 30-32] (Filed 28 Feb 1925, Judgment Liber 23, 565)
  • UNKNOWN, female child - at Hagerstown - 21 Apr 1925 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Found dead with throat cut at Marsh Run Bridge on 21 Apr 1925; located near Grossnickle Mill, now property of Hagerstown Electric Light Plant; person/persons causing her death were unknown. - Dr. W.B. MORRISON, Dr. KRITZER. - Witnesses: Lucy FOX, Marie KAY, Richard DUFFEY (sheriff), Abe DEEDS, Thomas H. BARBER. [Book 17, 36-38] (Filed 23 Apr 1925, Judgment Liber 23, 569)
  • UNKNOWN, man - at Williamsport - 2 Jun 1929 - by J.M. NAVE, J.P., acting coroner - Died of injuries from being struck by an automobile while walking on the public highway near Williamsport, on 1 Jun 1929. The driver was unknown. - Dr. Theodore BOOSE [Book 17, 131-132] (Filed 24 Jun 1929, Judgment Liber 24, 48)
  • ANGLE, Lawrence M. - at Hagerstown - 8 Jul 1929 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Died of injuries from an automobile accident at Hammond & McDowell Aves on 7 Jul 1929. The driver of the truck was Rodger O. CHARLTON; accident deemed unavoidable. - Witnesses: Virgil BAUHN, Elizabeth EVERHART, J.B. BROWN, Roger O. CHARLTON. [Book 17, 133-135] (Filed 9 Jul 1929, Judgment Liber 24, 48)
  • BOWARD, Florence - at Hagerstown - 3 Oct 1927 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Died from being hit by an automobile at the corner of Franklin and Locust Streets in Hagerstown at 6:25 pm on Monday, 3 Oct 1927. Car was driven by Morris HAINES; deemed unavoidable accident. - Witnesses: R.W. POLT, Maurice H. HAINES. [Book 17, 97-99] (Filed 4 Oct 1927, Judgment Liber 24, 20)
  • BRANCHMAN, Mrs. C.C. - at Hagerstown - 6 Jul 1924 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Death - Killed by a Western Maryland Rail Road train, colliding with an automobile in which Mr & Mrs C.C. BRANCHMAN were riding at Funkstown (Beard's) Crossing, east of Cavetown, at 10:55 am on July 6, 1924. Ruled the driver of the car failed to observe precautions, exonerating the railroad company from blame. - Dr. W.B. MORRISON - Witnesses: Miss Vera BEARD, E.W. FUNK, George E. HOLLENSHADE, Ralph FITZGERALD, Ernest McCARDELL, David M. TRAGER, Howard T. NORRIS. [Book 17, 14-16] (Filed 9 Jul 1924, Judgment Liber 23, 544)
  • BRIDENDOLPH, Rollin Edward - at Clear Spring - 21 Apr 1927 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Died from injuries when struck by an autombile, driven by Dr. TABLER on the National Highway, 1/2 mile west of Clear Spring on 21 Apr 1927; deemed unavoidable accident. - Witnesses: Pauline BRIDENDOLPH, C.V. TAYLOR, A.D. MYERS, Elwood ROCKWELL. [Book 17, 75-77] (Filed 28 Apr 1927, Judgment Liber 23, 602)
  • BYRD, Jerry Thomas - at Boonsboro - 28 Nov 1925 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Shot and killed by Lillian BYRD; in self defense. - Dr. J.H. WADE. - Witnesses: John EUTLER, Lester JONES, Mr & Mrs SWAIN. [Book 17, 48-50] (Filed 14 Jan 1926, Judgment Liber 23, 578)
  • CHURCHEY, John - in Keedysville - 4 Feb 1929 - by Richard DUFFEY, J.P., acting coroner - Died from gunshot wound on 3 Feb 1929 at Flickersville; inflicted by Linwood JOHNSON; case being sent to Grand Jury. - Dr. SHEELEY - Witnesses: C.E. CUSHWA, Ed SUMAN, Raymond CHURCHEY, Mrs. John CHURCHEY, John CHURCHEY, Mrs. Walter MARSHALL, Mrs. Sarah LAPOLE, Charles KEETS, Sarah KEETS, Carrie THOMAS, Walker THOMAS. [Book 17, 118-122] (Filed 9 Feb 1929, Judgment Liber 24, 41)
  • COLES, Steve - at Hagerstown - 31 Oct 1928 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Died from gunshot wounds on 31 Oct 1928 in Hagerstown; inflicted by Samuel PINKNEY. - Dr. Peregrine WROTH, Dr. J.H. BEACHLEY - Witnesses: C.W. CUBBAGE, Bertha COLES, Thomas WILLIAMS, Robert PINKNEY. [Book 17, 112-114] (Filed 1 Nov 1928, Judgment Liber 24, 35)
  • DEWBERRY, Charles - at Hagerstown - 3 Mar 1925 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Death - Shot to death on 1 Mar 1925 at 339 North Jonathan St in Hagerstown, by pistol in hands of Walter WILSON. - Dr. W.B. MORRISON - Witnesses: Mary STANLEY, Robert BURNS, Sigmund DeBROWNIE. [Book 17, 33-35] (Filed 4 Mar 1925, Judgment Liber 23, 566)
  • EYLER, Elvin R. and Nelson STEVENSON - at Hagerstown - 11 Oct 1926 - by Otho V. MIDDLEKAUFF, J.P., acting coroner - Killed by Wilbur Roscoe MILLER. - Witnesses: not legible. [Book 17, 64-67] (Filed 12 Oct 1926, Judgment Liber 23, 595)
  • GARRISH, Sprigg D. - at Williamsport - 29 Apr 1928 - by J.M. NAVE, J.P., acting coroner - Died from natural causes on board a boat on which he was living; boat was at a wharf along the C & O Canal in Williamsport. - Dr. D.T. LESHER - Witnesses: William KIMBLE, John LIGHTNER, William BOWERS, J.E. Buford ARDINGER. [Book 17, 107-108] (Filed 30 Jun 1928, Judgment Liber 24, 32)
  • GORDON, Clarence A. - alias Clarence A. PARSONS - at Hagerstown - 31 Jul 1924 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Death - from gun shot wound about 11:30 pm on 30 Jul 1924 at West Church St, inflicted by a revolver in hands of John DEAN. - Dr. MORRISON, Dr. BRUMBACK. - Witnesses: Max RICKARD, William HAMILL, Samuel KAYLOR. [Book 17, 24-26] (Filed 4 Aug 1924, Judgment Liber 23, 554)
  • GRUBER, Charles Emmertt - near Williamsport - 27 Feb 1929 - by J.M. NAVE, J.P., acting coroner - Died from self-inflicted gunshot wound to the brain by a revolver. - Dr. J.M. ZIMMERMAN - Witnesses: Stella GRUBER, Jarett HAFFVER, Myrle HAFFVER. [Book 17, 126-127] (Filed 20 Mar 1929, Judgment Liber 24, 45)
  • HENSON, Glendora - at Hagerstown - 26 Dec 1928 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Died from intra-ventricular & subdural hemorrhages on 26 Dec 1928. - Dr. Ralph STOUFFER, Dr. F.F. LUSBY - Witnesses: Ira ROSS, Edgar EASTERDAY, Sadie RENNECKER. [Book 17, 115-117] (Filed 28 Dec 1928, Judgment Liber 24, 37)
  • HINE, Joshua C. - at Hagerstown - 10 Jun 1924 - by Otis V. MIDDLEKAUFF, J.P., acting coroner - Death - struck by an automobile driven by Merrill AULMAN; ruled as accidental. - Witnesses: Theodore YEAKLE, C.E. FRIDINGER, George WESLEY, Harvey WILLS, Ike DEIBERT (motorman), Edgar MILLER (conductor), Merrill H. ALMOND (driver of car), John H. ALMOND, Officer M.E. KATZ. [Book 17, 9-13] (Filed 11 Jun 1924, Judgment Liber 23, 542)
  • HOUFF, Jack Vincent - at Hagerstown - 11 Jan 1926 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Cause of Death unknown, but recommended an investigation because it was believed to be partly due to neglect. - Dr. J.B. MORRISON, Dr. J.V. WERTZ. - Witnesses: O.C. AMBROSE, Thomas H. BARBER, Frank WILLIAMS, John KNODE, Mrs. Samuel DeLAUDER. [Book 17, 51-53] (Filed 14 Jan 1926, Judgment Liber 23, 579)
  • KENDALL, Abraham M. - at Smithsburg - 16 Apr 1926 - by J.F. FERGUSON, J.P., acting coroner - Found lying within 30 yards from 8 lbs of mash; appeared to be a still being operated. Died of burns from unknown causes, near Mount Zion on 15 Apr 1926. - Dr. J.H. BESORE [Book 17, 59-60] (Filed 19 Apr 1926, Judgment Liber 23, 585)
  • KENDALL, Edward - at Hagerstown - 3 to 5 Oct 1926 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - He was found on West Franklin St; he had been stabbed on the morning of 3 Oct 1926, about 2 am, by George THOMPSON; the victim died 1/2 hour later at the hospital. - Dr. L.H. BRUMBACK - Witnesses: Worthy DERR & wife, Rhoda LUM, Newton YOUNG, Roy DAVIS, Jess HASTY. [Book 17, 61-63] (Filed 11 Oct 1926, Judgment Liber 23, 594)
  • KOONTZ, Clarence E. - at Hagerstown - 25 Mar 1926 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Cause of Death - Shot by Ed SMITH on 21 Mar 1926 in Bagtown; he later died from the wounds. [Book 17, 56-58] (Filed 1 Apr 1926, Judgment Liber 23, 583)
  • LAPOLE, Winton - at Hagerstown - 12 Jan 1928 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Died from being hit by an automobile in Hagerstown on Monday, 9 Jan 1928. Car was driven by Brinton STEWART; deemed unavoidable accident. - Dr. W.B. MORRISON - Witnesses: William F. ROGERS, Brinton STEWART. [Book 17, 100-102] (Filed 14 Jan 1928, Judgment Liber 24, 23)
  • LEWIS, Vada C., Mrs. - at Hagerstown - 30 Apr 1929 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Died from injuries from an automobile accident on 29 Apr 1929. Accident occurred on Funkstown Hill on the National Highway on the evening of 28 Apr 1929. She was riding in a car driven by her husband, John C. LEWIS; other driver was Clyde STOUFFER. - Dr. Peregrine WROTH - Witnesses: John C. LEWIS, C.W. CUBBAGE, C.E. CUSHWA. [Book 17, 128-130] (Filed 1 May 1929, Judgment Liber 24, 46)
  • LICHLEYER, James, colored - at Hagerstown - 10 Dec 1926 - by Otho V. MIDDLEKAUFF, J.P., acting coroner - Died from gunshot wound at hands of Jesse HASTY; victim was resisting arrest and revolver accidentally discharged during the struggle. - Dr. L.H. BRUMBACK. - Witnesses: Roy DAVIS, Roy STOUFFER, Whitie KRIDER, Clayton FAHRNEY, Richard MILLER. [Book 17, 68-71] (Filed 10 Dec 1926, Judgment Liber 23, 599)
  • LONG, Samuel - at Hagerstown - 11 Oct 1925 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Killed on 10 Oct 1925 at Carrollton Ave by gunshot wound from revolver by hands of Archie BEAN in Hagerstown. - Dr. L.H. BRUMBACK. - Witnesses: Harry C. MILLER, Jacob SALES, O.C. AMBROSE, Thomas H. BARBER, John LONG. [Book 17, 45-47] (Filed 9 Nov 1925, Judgment Liber 23, 574)
  • LOWE, Edgar J. - at Hagerstown - 28 Feb 1927 - by Otho V. MIDDLEKAUFF, J.P., acting coroner - Died from injuries received by an autombile, driven by John N. RIFFLE, on night of 18 Feb 1927; accident deemed unavoidable. - Dr. C.H.W. RAGAN - Witnesses: R.D. EICHELBERGER, Herman SMITH, J.C. SUTHERLAND, George CAPPAS, F.D. ROUZER, L. FULLER, A.G. NORMAN. [Book 17, 72-74] (Filed 1 Mar 1927, Judgment Liber 23, 600)
  • MARSHAL, Lloyd - at Hagerstown - 7 May 1927 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Died from injuries when crushed under a trolley car owned by Potomac Edison Company; deemed unavoidable accident. - Witnesses: L.E. LIGGAN, C. MYERS, Robert WARNER, T.H. HARSHMAN, C.W. CREESY, George HUBER, George W. AUSHERMAN, C.E. DARNER, Lyman REAMER, John H. MIDDLEKAUFF, Charles HUTZEL, Paul GROSS, H.C. FLOOK. [Book 17, 78-80] (Filed 9 May 1927, Judgment Liber 24, 7)
  • MARTIN, Amos M. - at Hagerstown - 19 May 1924 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Death - killed by a Western Maryland Rail Road train at crossing of Mulberry Ave & WMRR, on 19 May 1924; deemed accidental. - Dr. MORRISON - Witnesses: M.M. McCOY, engineer; Lester RIDENOUR, fireman; W.T. MASON, conductor, Mr SOWERS, brakeman; R.D. KNODE, Henry PRYOR, F.E. RUDISILL, A.A. SCHEULER, P.H. KNERSLEY. [Book 17, 6-8] (Filed 22 May 1924, Judgment Liber 23, 539)
  • MOORE, Charles William - at Sandy Hook - 24 Mar 1926 - by James R. KELLER, J.P., acting coroner - Cause of Death - Murdered by an unknown person, aided and abetted by James CHEWNING and Harry CUMMINS on 9 Dec 1924. [Book 17, 54-55] (Filed 30 Mar 1926, Judgment Liber 23, 582)
  • MULLENIX, Hattie A., Mrs. - at Hagerstown - 6 Feb 1928 - by Richard DUFFEY, J.P., acting coroner - Died from automobile accident which occurred on 4 Feb 1928; she was riding in a Chevrolet; the other car was driven by Forney DELAUTER at an excessive rate of speed. - Dr. William B. BENDER - Witnesses: Harry HARTMAN, E.M. TROUP, Harry VEENEER, Thomas L. RICKARD, H.W. HAMMOND, Preston CARL, D.E. BLACK, William A. MULLENIX. [Book 17, 103-106] (Filed 7 Feb 1928, Judgment Liber 24, 25)
  • O'BIERNE, Leo - at Sandy Hook - 7 Aug 1928 - by James R. KELLER, J.P., acting coroner - Died from accidental drowning on 6 Aug 1928 at Lock #34 in the C & O Canal. - Dr. C.C. JOHNSON - Witnesses: Gordon GOODHEART, Madeline GOODHEART, Nettie GOODHEART, Millard GOODHEART, Mayberry SMITH, Carlton RODERICK, Clias REYNOLDS, Alvoy WEAVER, Katie O'BIERNE. [Book 17, 123-125] (Filed 12 Mar 1929, Judgment Liber 24, 44)
  • OTZELBERGER, Charles - at Hagerstown - 4 Aug 1924 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Death - from pistol shot wound on 3 Aug 1924 at Frog Hollow, known as Dargon, inflicted by James WILSON. - Dr. D.W. INGRAM, Dr. W.B. MORRISON. - Witnesses: G.W. EWING, C.S. ZIMMERMAN, John W. ZIMMERMAN, Millard McCOY, Edward SCHLEIGH, Oliver SMALL, William McLAUGHLIN, Eva THOMAS. [Book 17, 27-29] (Filed 7 Aug 1924, Judgment Liber 23, 555)
  • REED, Amelia - at Hagerstown - 13 Feb 1924 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Death - from natural cause - pulmonary hemorrhage. - Dr. A.C. WILSON, Dr. W.M. HOFFLER - Witnesses: Sadie DIXON, Clara PIERCE, Sam PETERSON. [Book 17, 1-3] (Filed 14 Feb 1924, Judgment Liber 23, 525)
  • REEDER, Samuel - near Boonsboro - 5 Sep 1925 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Killed by gun shot wound at his farm on 5 Sep 1925 by Joseph SOWERS, his farm hand; ruled as self defense. - Dr. J. Hubert WADE. - Witnesses: Della May REEDER, Melvin REEDER & wife. [Book 17, 42-44] (Filed 9 Oct 1925, Judgment Liber 23, 572)
  • REEL, Leonard - at Hagerstown - 3 Jun 1927 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Died from injuries as a result of being struck by an automobile at Conococheague; driven by Clarence A. SHAMEL of Washington, DC; deemed unavoidable accident. - Dr. Peregrine WROTH - Witnesses: Clarence LAMAR, Mrs. Helen GEARHART, Clarence A. SHAMEL. [Book 17, 81-83] (Filed 4 Jun 1927, Judgment Liber 24, 10)
  • REITTINGER, H.R. - at Hagerstown - 18 Jun 1927 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Died from injuries when struck by a truck, about 1 mile west of Huyett's Cross Roads, about 5 pm on 18 Jun 1927; truck skidded on wet road bed; deemed unavoidable accident. - Witnesses: David HAGER, W.A. ARMSTRONG, M.E. FLEMING, E.P. DAUGHERTY. [Book 17, 87-89] (Filed 21 Jun 1927, Judgment Liber 24, 17)
  • SEMLER, Samuel S. - at Hagerstown - 23 Jul 1924 - by Otis V. MIDDLEKAUFF, J.P., acting coroner - Death - from a blow on his head while in an argument with Harry T. LUSHBAUGH. - Dr. GORDON, Dr. FLEMMING, Dr. BROWN. - Witnesses: Harry STROCK. [Book 17, 20-23] (Filed 23 Jul 1924, Judgment Liber 23, 547)
  • SHEMICK, John - at Hagerstown - 26 Jul 1928 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Died from gunshot wounds on 26 Jul 1928 in Cavetown; inflicted by an unknown person. [Book 17, 109-111] (Filed 2 Aug 1928, Judgment Liber 24, 32)
  • SHIPLEY, Wynkoop Semen - at Downsville - 5 Jul 1927 - by Richard DUFFEY, J.P., acting coroner - Died from injuries in an automobile accident on the public highway on 3 Jul 1927; car driven by Dewey ROWLAND, who was intoxicated. - Dr. RICHARDSON - Witnesses: Lewis SHIPLEY Sr, Lewis SHIPLEY Jr, Mrs Lewis SHIPLEY, Adrian BAKER, Mrs. A. L. BLUM(?), J.T. JACOBS & wife, Mrs. David POOLE. [Book 17, 90-93] (Filed 29 Jul 1927, Judgment Liber 24, 19)
  • SHIRK, Frank - at Hagerstown - 19 Jun 1927 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Died from injuries when struck by a Ford Coupe, MD Tag #236009, near Indian Springs. Driver was unknown and in an intoxicated condition. - Witnesses: Bender WILEY, Robert ZELLER, Robert TAYLOR, Frank WILLIAMS. [Book 17, 84-86] (Filed 21 Jun 1927, Judgment Liber 24, 16)
  • SIGAFOOSE, John H. - at Hagerstown - 15 Jul 1924 - by J. Scott BOWER, J.P., acting coroner - Death - Killed by a pistol wound at Balls Station on the Baltimore & Ohio Rail Road, about 3 1/2 miles south of Hagerstown, on Sunday evening on 13 July 1924; inflicted by Cora Ricketts WILKINSON. - Dr. W.B. MORRISON - Witnesses: Richard DUFFEY, Thomas L. BOWER, Henry ORCUTT, M.E. KATZ, Mrs. Frank BURGER, Samuel KAYLOR. [Book 17, 17-19] (Filed 17 Jul 1924, Judgment Liber 23, 545)
  • SMITH, Calvin Guy, Jr - at Hagerstown - 26 Oct 1929 - by Richard DUFFEY, J.P., acting coroner - Died of injuries from being struck by an automobile on 23 Oct 1929. The driver was Homer SNECKENBERGER who was driving reckless and was speeding; at intersection of North Locust St and East Ave. - Witnesses: Forrest STOTTLEMYER Jr, E.W. DITTO, William CLOPPER, Clarence FEIGLEY. [Book 17, 136-140] (Filed 30 Oct 1929, Judgment Liber 24, 57)
  • SMITH, Chester - at Sandy Hook - 25 Dec 1923 - by James R. KELLER, J.P., acting coroner - Death - killed by shot gun wound in hands of Millard GOODHART, on 24 Dec 1923. [Book 17, 4-5] (Filed 17 Apr 1924, Judgment Liber 23, 531)
  • SMITH, Grover C. - at Smithsburg - 20 Feb 1925 - by J.W. FERGUSON, J.P., acting coroner - Died from acute alcoholism on 19 Feb 1925. [Book 17, 39-41] (Filed 18 Jun 1925, Judgment Liber 23, 571)
  • STEVENSON, Nelson and Elvin R. EYLER - at Hagerstown - 11 Oct 1926 - by Otho V. MIDDLEKAUFF, J.P., acting coroner - Killed by Wilbur Roscoe MILLER. - Witnesses: not legible. [Book 17, 64-67] (Filed 12 Oct 1926, Judgment Liber 23, 595)
  • STOTLER, H.R. - at Hagerstown - 26 Jul 1927 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner - Murdered by Reginald WALTERS on 26 Jul 1927, about 2 1/2 miles from Boonsboro. - Dr. Peregrine WROTH, Dr. P.F. PRATHER - Witnesses: Capt. Bruce MURRAY, Joe DAVIS, Edward CHAPMAN, John GAUFF, Frank WILLIAMS, John D. PENNINGTON, J.E. BOND, Benjamin BEARD. [Book 17, 94-96] (Filed 29 Jul 1927, Judgment Liber 24, 20)
    The End of Book 17 of Washington Co, Maryland Inquisitions - 1924-1929


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