Coroners Inquisitions

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 24].

ASHBY, Lucy - at Hagerstown
- 16 Dec 1937 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died as a result of an auto accident on 12 Dec 1937, 
  caused by an auto driven by Rodger M. DORSEY.
- Witnesses:  Thomas JACKSON, Howard ILGENFRITZ, Jesse 
  FULTON Jr, M.A. DORSEY, Rodger M. DORSEY, Sgt Jesse BROWN, 
  Ofc J.A. WHITE.
[Book 18, 106-108] (Filed 17 Dec 1937, Judgment Liber 24, 247)


BARNHART, Charles - at Hagerstown
- 12 Nov 1936 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from injuries in an auto collision at corner of 
  Antietam and South Locust Sts at 10:30 am on 6 Nov 1936.  
  The car driven by Francis SHOEMAKER crashed into the car 
  driven by Frances BAST in which BARNHART was a passenger. 
- Dr. R.V. HAUVER
- Witnesses:  Clyde BRENNER, Frances BAST.
[Book 18, 76-78] (Filed 17 Nov 1936, Judgment Liber 24, 212)


BENCHOFF, James Jr. of Leitersburg - at Hagerstown
- 30 Jun 1936 - by C. Edward HEARD, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from injuries by being struck by a car in 
  Leitersburg about 9:50 pm on 29 Jun 1936; car driven by 
  Jack MILLER Jr.; ruled unavoidable.
- Witnesses:  Richard HOLLINGSWORTH, Harold LEHMAN, Arthur 
  NEWCOMER, William MINER, Mrs. Charlotte WHITE, J.A. WHITE, 
  Harry HUFF, Richard EVANS, Max MALOTT, Edgar BRANDT, Jack 
  MILLER.
[Book 18, 67-69] (Filed 2 Jul 1936, Judgment Liber 24, 202)


BERKOVITZ, Arvo - at Clear Spring
- 6 Sep 1937 - by Charles E. HENSON of M., J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died as a result of an auto accident between drivers, 
  Awo BERKOVITZ and Samuel TROUPE, about 5:15 pm on Route #40 
  on Labor Day 1937, near Indian Springs in the vicinity of 
  J.M. GORDON's.
  Also dying was Martha RUUTI.
- Dr. D.R. BREWER
- Witnesses:  Aimo BERKOVITZ, Lester ISANOGLE, Charles STARLIPER, 
  Samuel C. TROUPE.
[Book 18, 103-105] (Filed 18 Oct 1937, Judgment Liber 24, 247)


BROWN, Mary - at Hagerstown
- 21 Jul 1930 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from stab wound by a paring knife at hands of 
  Nannie WALKER, about midnight on July 20, 1930 at 5 Braxtons 
  Alley in Hagerstown.
- Dr. A.B. WILSON
- Witnesses:   Garfield TIMBERS, Ruth AUSTIN, Lula HALL, Jack 
  CARTER, W.F. HAMILL, James DOMER/DORNER, Nioma BROWN, 
  Dannie AUSTIN.
[Book 18, 109-111] (Filed 22 Jul 1930, Judgment Liber 24, 69)


BUCHANAN, D. Luther - at Hagerstown
- 2 Jun 1935 - by C. Edward HEARD, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from wounds inflicted at the base of the skull by an 
  unknown person or persons.
- Witnesses:  Arthur A. TABB, Charles H. KYLE, Thomas E. RIGGS, 
  John BURKE.
[Book 18, 39-41] (Filed 6 Jun 1935, Judgment Liber 24, 182)


BUTTS, J. Alfred - at Sharpsburg
- 9 Jun 1937 - by J. Fred MOSE, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - While driving on Main St in Sharpsburg, he was struck 
  by a car, driven by Victor SWEENEY, at 7:30 pm on Monday, 
  May 31, 1937; he suffered a fractured skull and later died.  
  SWEENEY was exonerated from blame.
[Book 18, 101-102] (Filed 24 Jun 1937, Judgment Liber 24, 243)


CALLIN, James H. - at Hagerstown
- 26 Dec 1935 - by C. Edward HEARD, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from unavoidable accident from being struck by 
  an automobile driven by Robert M. ROSSMAN, on 24 Dec 1935 
  at 6:40 pm on Pennsylvania Ave.
- Witnesses:  John G. MOORE, Otho F. HORST, Guy ROSSMAN, 
  Robert M. ROSSMAN.
[Book 18, 55-57] (Filed 26 Dec 1935, Judgment Liber 24, 194)


CLINE, George H. - at Hagerstown
- 6 Dec 1936 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from cerebral hemorrhage. 
- Dr. S. Robert WELLS
- Witnesses: Lester PALMER.
[Book 18, 79-80] (Filed 11 Dec 1936, Judgment Liber 24, 219)


CRESSMAN, Nelson - at Hagerstown
- 25 Nov 1930 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from auto collision with automobile owned by 
  Hurley SWEENEY and driven by Harvey BEAN; caused by 
  BEAN driving on wrong side of road.
- Dr. Warren MILLER
- Witnesses:  Amos CRESSMAN & wife, Mrs Nelson CRESMAN, 
  Benjamin EDMUNDS, Hurley SWEENEY, Harvey BEANE, Edward 
  W. WARNER, C.E. CUSHWA, John GAUFF.
[Book 18, 7-9] (Filed 26 Nov 1930, Judgment Liber 24, 84)


DOMER, LeRoy of Funkstown - at Hagerstown
- 8 Jun 1936 - by C. Edward HEARD, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from injuries by being struck by an automobile 
  on Route #40 near Funkstown on 6 Jun 1936.  Car was driven 
  by Richard BONEBRAKE and was an unavoidable accident.
- Witnesses:  Loyd HAGERMAN, R.L. HENRY, L.R. ISANOGLE, 
  J.A. WHITE, Robert DOMER.
[Book 18, 64-66] (Filed 9 Jun 1936, Judgment Liber 24, 198)


ETTER, Armatha B. - at Hagerstown
- 9 Jul 1936 - by C. Edward HEARD, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Armatha, age 19, of Mason & Dixon, PA, died about 
  4:25 pm, Saturday, 4 Jul 1936 from an automobile accident 
  on Route 11, near Fountain Head Heights; ruled unavoidable.  
- Dr. E.F. POOLE
- Witnesses:  Richard CROUSE, Ellsworth ETTER.
[Book 18, 70-72] (Filed 10 Jul 1936, Judgment Liber 24, 203)


FINZ, Aloysius - at Hagerstown
- 8 Mar 1937 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - (Statement lacking any details, but probably a car 
  accident as it states Albert C. LOWRY is exonerated.)
- Dr. H.L. PORTERFIELD
- Witnesses:  T.J. CLINGAN, Albert C. LOWRY, Mrs. Hazel LOWRY, 
  Fred KRAISS.
[Book 18, 89-90] (Filed 11 Mar 1937, Judgment Liber 24, 231)


FOLTZ, Albert C. - at Hagerstown
- 18 Feb 1930 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died 17 Feb 1930 from injuries of auto accident at 
  intersection of East Ave and Mulberry Sts; driver of car was 
  Ellsworth HENSON who was exonerated from blame.
- Dr. L.H. BRUMBACK
- Witnesses:   E.H. HENSON, Ralph L. HENSON, O.C. AMBROSE, 
  Earl W. YOUNG, Earl HILL, Fred RISLING, Russell EARHART, 
  William CAMPBELL, Favor KNEPPER, Robert A. HINES.
[Book 18, 115-117] (Filed 19 Feb 1930, Judgment Liber 24, 60)


GEARHART, Leonard - at Hagerstown
- 10 Feb 1937 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from an unavoidable accident at corner of West 
  Washington St and Avalon Ave by car driven by Ralph 
  SCHLOTTERBECK.
- Dr. S. Robert WELLS
- Witnesses:  Samuel H. STAUBS, Walter SWEENEY, Mrs. Henry 
  FORSYTHE, Harry HOLBRUNER, Mr. WHIPP.
[Book 18, 87-88] (Filed 13 Feb 1937, Judgment Liber 24, 231)


GEHR, Irene, Mrs. - at Hagerstown
- 2 May 1936 - by C. Edward HEARD, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from a fractured skull received in an auto 
  accident on Maugansville Road about 10:15 pm on 1 May 1936; 
  vehicle was being driven towards Hagertown by Jacob R. TURNER; 
  ruled unavoidable.
- Dr. J.W. LAYMAN
- Witnesses:  Mrs. Mary E. HAMMOND, James RAY, William H. 
  PETERS, Martin VAUGHN, Catherine DAVIS, Clarence BAKER, 
  Keely LONG & wife.
[Book 18, 61-63] (Filed 4 May 1936, Judgment Liber 24, 196)


GODAR, Austin Carl - at Hagerstown
- 25 May 1935 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from gunshot wound by his wife, at 1210 W. Washington 
  St.  Ruled as justifiable homicide.
- Witnesses:  22, but not named.
[Book 18, 36-38] (Filed 1 Jun 1935, Judgment Liber 24, 181)


HILL, Howard - at Hancock
- 16 Aug 1933 - by Ross FITE, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from natural causes or causes unknown.
[Book 18, 31-32] (Filed 1 Nov 1933, Judgment Liber 24, 161)


HOPEWELL, Thomas - at Hagerstown
- 9 Dec 1936 - by C. Edward HEARD, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from natural causes. 
- Dr. J.W. LAYMAN
- Witnesses:  Grover STONEBERGER, C.H. McCLEARY, Martin 
  GREEN, Chester BURNETTE, Norris CLARKE, Thomas REDMAN, 
  Fred CASPER, Wilson BARNUM.
[Book 18, 81-83] (Filed 12 Dec 1936, Judgment Liber 24, 220)


HUNTINGTON, Zach R. - at Boonsboro
- 20 May 1933 - by Walter E. SHIFLER, Magistrate, acting coroner
- Death - found dead on 19 May 1933 from an unavoidable accident 
  between an automobile and a truck on Route 40, near Boonsboro.
- Witnesses:  Corp. KNIGHT, State Officer C.F. SCHLUETER, Russell 
  HUTZELL, Olin SNYDER, Clifton SNOWDEN.
[Book 18, 22-24] (Filed 24 May 1933, Judgment Liber 24, 145)


HUNTZBERRY, Frank - at Hagerstown
- 27 Mar 1932 - by L.S. HERSHBERGER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from gunshot wound inflicted by an unknown person; 
  died in the hospital.
- Witnesses:  Mrs. Frank HUNTZBERRY, Miss Effie HUNTZBERRY, 
  Howrd RUDY, Jack RUDY, Capt. CASSIDY, Joe HARP.
[Book 18, 15-19] (Filed 19 Apr 1932, Judgment Liber 24, 129)


JOHNS, George L. - at Hagerstown
- 16 Aug 1935 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from accidental drowning.
- Witnesses:  5, not named.
[Book 18, 48-50] (Filed 29 Aug 1935, Judgment Liber 24, 187)


LEWIS, John Jr. - at Hagerstown
- 29 Aug 1935 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from their car colliding with a freight train at 
  St James Rail Road crossing; caused by an inexperienced driver.  
  There were no flash signals at the crossing.
- Those dying in the accident were:  John LEWIS, Jr, James WELLER, 
  Merle LEWIS and Martin MOATS.  (John & Merle LEWIS were taken 
  to undertaker Clarence SUMAN in Keedysville.)
- Witnesses:  Benton HEMPHILL, Myron L. BLOOM, Clarence BAKER, 
  Mrs. Goldie BLOOM, Eugene HENNINGER, G.B. MENEFEE, J.C. GILES, 
  V.M. NAUMAN, A.E. RONE, W.R. MILLER.
[Book 18, 51-54] (Filed 4 Sep 1935, Judgment Liber 24, 188)


LEWIS, Merle - at Hagerstown
- 29 Aug 1935 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from their car colliding with a freight train at 
  St James Rail Road crossing; caused by an inexperienced driver.  
  There were no flash signals at the crossing.
- Those dying in the accident were:  John LEWIS, Jr, James WELLER, 
  Merle LEWIS and Martin MOATS.  (John & Merle LEWIS were taken 
  to undertaker Clarence SUMAN in Keedysville.)
- Witnesses:  Benton HEMPHILL, Myron L. BLOOM, Clarence BAKER, 
  Mrs. Goldie BLOOM, Eugene HENNINGER, G.B. MENEFEE, J.C. GILES, 
  V.M. NAUMAN, A.E. RONE, W.R. MILLER.
[Book 18, 51-54] (Filed 4 Sep 1935, Judgment Liber 24, 188)


LEWIS, Roscoe - at Hagerstown
- 14 Aug 1930 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Stabbed to death by Luther CHURCHEY in Flickersville 
  on 13 Aug 1930.
- Dr. W. H. SHEBY, Dr. D.A. WATKINS, Dr. Ernest F. POOLE.
- Witnesses:  Frisby GRIFFITH, W.T. THURSTON, Anna Marie 
  LEWIS, Benjamin STULL & wife.
[Book 18, 1-3] (Filed 16 Aug 1930, Judgment Liber 24, 70)


MILLS, Oscar T.W. - at Clear Spring
- 21 Feb 1933 - by Charles T. KREIGH, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from unavoidable accident on state highway, three miles 
  west of Clear Spring on 12 Feb 1933; he died in the hospital on 
  16 Feb 1933.
[Book 18, 20-21] (Filed 13 Mar 1933, Judgment Liber 24, 139)


MOATS, Martin - at Hagerstown
- 29 Aug 1935 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from their car colliding with a freight train at 
  St James Rail Road crossing; caused by an inexperienced driver.  
  There were no flash signals at the crossing.
- Those dying in the accident were:  John LEWIS, Jr, James WELLER, 
  Merle LEWIS and Martin MOATS.  (John & Merle LEWIS were taken 
  to undertaker Clarence SUMAN in Keedysville.)
- Witnesses:  Benton HEMPHILL, Myron L. BLOOM, Clarence BAKER, 
  Mrs. Goldie BLOOM, Eugene HENNINGER, G.B. MENEFEE, J.C. GILES, 
  V.M. NAUMAN, A.E. RONE, W.R. MILLER.
[Book 18, 51-54] (Filed 4 Sep 1935, Judgment Liber 24, 188)


MORRISON, Max - at Hagerstown
- 26 Oct 1936 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Max MORRISON of Cumberland, Allegany Co, MD, 
  died from an unavoidable auto collision at the intersection 
  of Broadfording and Greencastle Roads on 22 Oct 1936.  
  Deemed unavoidable; however, jurors Ben SAXTON and 
  Charles ROUZER disagreed.
[Book 18, 73-75] (Filed 29 Oct 1936, Judgment Liber 24, 209)


MULLINEAUX, Myrtle R. - at Half Way
- 29 Aug 1933 - by Richard H. SWEENEY, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from inhalation of chloroform, self-administered.
- Dr. J.H. BEACHLEY
[Book 18, 28-30] (Filed 12 Sep 1933, Judgment Liber 24, 160)


MYERS, Jacob - at Hagerstown
- 24 Feb 1936 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from being struck by a motor vehicle on 
  Route #40, near Long Camp; driver and vehicle unknown.
[Book 18, 58-60] (Filed 3 Mar 1936, Judgment Liber 24, 195)


NEGLEY, William P. - at Hagerstown
- 18 Sep 1930 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from being struck by a Ford Roadster at corner 
  of Potomac and Franklin Sts; driven by Earl A. KOLB.
- Dr. L.H. BRUMBACK.
- Witnesses:  Charles SHAFFER, Clarence RIDGELY, John 
  SMITH, Max HOOVER, George NUSEAR, Samuel C. KAYLOR, 
  Mildred POFFENBERGER, R.L. STONER, C.G. AHALT.
[Book 18, 4-6] (Filed 24 Sep 1930, Judgment Liber 24, 76)


NICODEMUS, James R. - at Hagerstown
- 21 Jun 1935 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died by accident while performing his duties at J.W. 
  MYERS & Co.
- Witnesses:  8, not named.
[Book 18, 42-44] (Filed 26 Jun 1935, Judgment Liber 24, 183) 


O'NEILL, John - at Hagerstown
- 13 Apr 1937 - by C. Edward HEARD, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - John O'NEILL of Frederick County died of injuries 
  for an automobile accident at Funkstown; driver George BIKEL 
  is exonerated.
- Dr. Robert CONRAD
- Witnesses:  Don BECKLEY.
[Book 18, 91-93] (Filed 14 Apr 1937, Judgment Liber 24, 233)


ROWE, George W. - at Clear Spring
- 30 May 1933 - by Charles T. KREIGH, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from unknown causes during a fight with Elsie ROWE 
  at Dry Run, near Clear Spring.
- Witnesses:  Blaine IRVIN, John IRVIN.
[Book 18, 25-27] (Filed 2 Jun 1933, Judgment Liber 24, 145)


RUUTI, Martha - at Clear Spring
- 6 Sep 1937 - by Charles E. HENSON of M., J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died as a result of an auto accident between drivers, 
  Awo BERKOVITZ and Samuel TROUPE, about 5:15 pm on Route #40 
  on Labor Day 1937, near Indian Springs in the vicinity of 
  J.M. GORDON's.
  Also dying was Arvo BERKOVITZ.
- Dr. D.R. BREWER
- Witnesses:  Aimo BERKOVITZ, Lester ISANOGLE, Charles STARLIPER, 
  Samuel C. TROUPE.
[Book 18, 103-105] (Filed 18 Oct 1937, Judgment Liber 24, 247)


SCHMIDT, William - at Hagerstown
- 18 Apr 1930 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from heart failure; he was a prisoner in the 
  city jail.
- Dr. E.W. DITTO
- Witnesses:   B.F. HAUVER, John BELL, T.H. BARBER, C.E. ROW.
[Book 18, 112-114] (Filed 19 Apr 1930, Judgment Liber 24, 64)


SHEPLEY, Clarence H. - at Smithsburg
- 21 Jan 1937 - by W.D. SLEASMAN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Clarence H. SHEPLEY  of Myersville, Frederick County, 
  died when the auto, in which he was riding, struck the side 
  of the westbound Western Maryland Engine Train #5, on the 
  South Main St crossing in Smithsburg on 20 Jan 1937.
- Dr. KEFAUVER
- Witnesses:  C.I. WOLFINGER, Raymond HERSHBERGER, Irvin 
  KENDALL, Glenn BUHRMAN, Jedson MURRAY, George GERNAND, 
  George HOOVER, Jay FOGLE, D.C. THOMPSON, George FERGUSON, 
  W.E. TURKE, M.A. LOVE, C.T. HAUN, C.A. SPESSARD.
[Book 18, 84-86] (Filed 8 Feb 1937, Judgment Liber 24, 230)


SHILLING, Lester - at Smithsburg
- 31 May 1931 - by Richard DUFFEY, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Stabbed in the chest in Millersburg between 10-11 pm,  
  30 May 1931, by Teddy BROWN and Maurice/Morris BOWMAN.
- Dr. KAHLER
- Witnesses:  Maynard SHILLING & wife, Mrs. Stella PRYOR, 
  Mrs Maurice BOWMAN, George ROBINSON, Clyde SMITH.
[Book 18, 10-12] (Filed 5 Jun 1931, Judgment Liber 24, 102)


WARD, Walter C. of Clear Spring - at Hagerstown
- 13 Apr 1937 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - unavoidable accident.
- Witnesses:  Charles ROUZER, Mildred VAUGHN, Harry VAUGHN, 
  Lloyd SPICKLER, Howard SHELBY.
[Book 18, 94-95] (Filed 13 May 1937, Judgment Liber 24, 237)


WARD, Walter C. - at Hagerstown
- 6 May 1937 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - unavoidable accident.  
  (second entry, but still no details)
[Book 18, 99-100] (Filed 24 May 1937, Judgment Liber 24, 238)


WARNER, John Berkley - at Pleasant Valley, near Smithsburg
- 26 Dec 1931 - by L.S. HERSHBERGER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - John, age 3, was accidentally shot by his brother, George 
  Calvin WARNER, age 6.  The gun was in the corner of the room and 
  was supposed to be empty; statement from their mother.
[Book 18, 13-14] (Filed 28 Dec 1931, Judgment Liber 24, 122)


WASSON, Theodore W. - at Hagerstown
- 29 Jul 1935 - by C. Edward HEARD, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from intra-cranial hemorrhage from unknown causes 
  on 28 July 1935 at 7 pm, in the hospital.
- Dr. J.W. LAYMAN, Dr. William A. BROWN, Dr. Philip HIRSHMAN.
- Witnesses:  Mrs. Flora WASSON, Louis SHANHOLD, Walter MINOR, 
  Cleve GOSSARD.
[Book 18, 45-47] (Filed 30 Jul 1935, Judgment Liber 24, 186)


WATTS, Louis N. - at Hagerstown
- 18 Feb 1935 - by Richard H. SWEENEY, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from gunshot wound on 16 Feb 1935 about 8 pm. 
  The gun was fired by Sarah LEVI at her home, 195 Berkson Ave; 
  she fired one shot as a warning and the second in self defense, 
  hitting him in the left cheek, causing his death.  
  Ruled as self defense.
- Witnesses:  13, but not named.
[Book 18, 33-35] (Filed 8 Mar 1935, Judgment Liber 24, 177)


WELLER, James - at Hagerstown
- 29 Aug 1935 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died from their car colliding with a freight train at 
  St James Rail Road crossing; caused by an inexperienced driver.  
  There were no flash signals at the crossing.
- Those dying in the accident were:  John LEWIS, Jr, James WELLER, 
  Merle LEWIS and Martin MOATS.  (John & Merle LEWIS were taken 
  to undertaker Clarence SUMAN in Keedysville.)
- Witnesses:  Benton HEMPHILL, Myron L. BLOOM, Clarence BAKER, 
  Mrs. Goldie BLOOM, Eugene HENNINGER, G.B. MENEFEE, J.C. GILES, 
  V.M. NAUMAN, A.E. RONE, W.R. MILLER.
[Book 18, 51-54] (Filed 4 Sep 1935, Judgment Liber 24, 188)


WILLIAMS, Andrew Grant - at Hagerstown
- 26 Apr 1937 - by John D. DUNN, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - unavoidable accident by being stuck by a Potomac 
  Edison bus, driven by Isaac DIEBERT, on North Potomac St 
  on 24 Apr 1937 at 5:50 pm.
- Witnesses: Mrs. HURLEY, Mrs. Merrill HAYS, Mrs. MUIR, 
  Roy PHILLIPPY, Charles ROUZER.
[Book 18, 96-98] (Filed 29 Apr 1937, Judgment Liber 24, 237)

 

The End of Book 18 of Washington Co, Maryland Inquisitions - 1930-1937