The judge of probate has authority to appoint a special coroner:

1. (1) When the coroner has not qualified or the office is vacant and the emergency requires such officer;
2. (2) When the coroner is absent from the county, having no deputy therein;
3. (3) When the coroner is imprisoned; or,
4. (4) When the sheriff and coroner are both parties or both interested.

(Code 1852, §807; Code 1867, §942; Code 1876, §858; Code 1886, §929; Code 1896, §1083; Code 1907, §111; Code 1923, §166; Code 1940, T. 12, §64.)