Ho Siak Kuan (Ho Sek Kuan ) (1865-1946) , M.B.E., C.H., was born in Canton and though of Teochew parentage, was educated in Cantonese. This was partly due to the fact his mother was Cantonese. (In in his retirement celebration, he spoke both in Cantonese and English). When arriving in Singapore, he studied in St. Andrew's Mission School and later Raffles Institution. His ability and skill in English in Chinese, impressed Mr William A. Pickering (the first Chinese Protector) so much that after Ho Siak Kuan left school, he was offered employment to enter Government service as a student interpreter. He eventually rose the ranks to become the Chief Chinese Translator. Ho Siak Kuan was not only the Chief Chinese Translator for the Straits Settlement Government, as a reward for his years of service he was given the title, Assistant Secretary for Chinese Affairs (also called as Assistant Protector of Chinese) during the time where the Secretary was Mr. D. Beatty. When Ho Siak Kuan retired eventually in 1926-1927 period, he was in the government service for 42 years.
Ho Siak Kuan was awarded the M.B.E. (1925) - Membership of the British Empire for being the Chinese Secretary, Straits Settlement and later a Certificate of Honour (1927) from the Governor of the Straits Settlements. He was also a shareholder in Lee Wah Bank, Limited in which the chairman at that time was Mr.Eu Tong Seng and a shareholder in the Oversea Chinese Bank, Ltd. He donated various amounts to various funds such as the Prince of Wales's War Relief Fund (1915), British Red Cross Fund(1916), Malaya Patriotic Fund (1939), Chinese Girls School (1908) Rangoon Road Fire Relief Fund (1924) Child Welfare Society (1925) among others.
There is a road named after Ho Siak Kuan, but it has already been expunged (probably now part of Changi Airport). It was located off Somapah Road near Upper Changi Road. See the picture below of a beautiful outhouse with a bridge that leads to it. The picture is also interesting as it shows a Japanese visitor (in suit and armband) posing with Ho Siak Kuan.
The photo below is Siak Kuan Villa. This beautiful villa is located somewhere in Changi.
Ho Siak Kuan passed away at the age of 81 on 21st August,1946 in his residence at No. 156 Neil Road. He left behind 3 sons, Dr. Ho Siu Khan, Ho Siu Peng and Ho Siu Fan and 2 daughters.
All of tombs have been identified for exhumation as they are affected by the 8 lane highway. Their stake numbers are 1061 -1064. The tombs no longer exist today.
Family
During my research I discovered another son, Ho Siew Choon, then stated as the 3rd son who married Miss San Oi Leng. But there was no mention of this son in his burial notice. It is likely he passed away before his father but further research drew blank. Ho Siak Kuan is buried with his two wives (who died in 1962 and 1967 respectively) and his son Dr Ho Siu Khan. His tombstone is the easiest to find as it is located near the roundabout and it is unique, has it is a triple tomb with roofing.
Son: Dr. Ho Siu Khan
Dr. Ho Siu Kan died at the age of 76 on 13 April 1958 at No 43 Bournemouth Road.
(information added on 26th May 2020)
Son: Ho Siew Lim
Mr Ho Siew Lim, the second qualified Chartered Accountant to come out of Europe was another find mentioned in the Newspapers dated July 6, 1926 (The Singapore Free Press) that was also listed as a son of Mr Ho Siak Quan,M.B.E.
Son: Ho Siew Choon /Ho Siu Choon
Ho Siu Choon / Ho Siew Choon is a merchant and the third son of Mr. Ho Siak Kuan. Ho Siew Choon / Ho Siu Choon (third son of Mr. Ho Siak Kuan, of the Chinese Protectorate) got married to Miss. San Oi Leng (daughter of Mr. San A. Weng of Kuala Lumpur)on 16 January 1916 at No. 34 Neil Road. Ho Su Choon passed away on 21 December 1927 at No. 2 Blair Road. He leaves behind a widow and 5 children. He is buried in Peck San Teng Cemetery, Thomson Road. Mrs. Ho Siew Choon nee San Oi Ling) passed away on 15th September 1935 at 47 Tras Street. She is the daughter of Mr. San Ah Weng of Kuala Lumpur. The deceased is survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters. The burial is at Peck Shan Teng (Cantonese) Cemetery, Thomson Road.
(information added on 26th May 2020)
Son: Ho Siu Fan / S.F. Ho
S.F. Ho became a member of Municipal Commissioner in 1941, taking over the place of Tan Chin Tuan.
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| Ho Siak Kuan (mid 1930's - early 1940's) (Photo courtesy of Alan Ho) |
A Civil Servant and Member of the British Empire
In honor of Ho Siak Kuan receiving the M.B.E., from the the Governor at that time (Sir Laurence Guilemard), a tea party was thrown for him at Yat Lum Club at which Mr. Eu Tong Sen, O.B.E., presided among many well-wishers for being the first Chinese to climb the ranks of the Civil Service. Among the work he has done included providing expert evidence for the Opium Commission and also for the Committee for Chinese Marriages. On his retirement , the Chinese community leaders such as Mr See Teong Wah, J.P., and Mr Boey Kok Leong, J.P., representing the Chinese Chamber, Commission of the Peace, Chinese Advisory Board and the Po Leung Kuk gave their addresses in English and Chinese to thank him on behalf of the Chinese community for his 42 years of service forging close links between the colonial government and the Chinese community and the philanthropic work in supporting the various relief funds.Awards and Philanthropic work
Ho Siak Kuan was awarded the M.B.E. (1925) - Membership of the British Empire for being the Chinese Secretary, Straits Settlement and later a Certificate of Honour (1927) from the Governor of the Straits Settlements. He was also a shareholder in Lee Wah Bank, Limited in which the chairman at that time was Mr.Eu Tong Seng and a shareholder in the Oversea Chinese Bank, Ltd. He donated various amounts to various funds such as the Prince of Wales's War Relief Fund (1915), British Red Cross Fund(1916), Malaya Patriotic Fund (1939), Chinese Girls School (1908) Rangoon Road Fire Relief Fund (1924) Child Welfare Society (1925) among others.
Siak Kuan Road and family home
There is a road named after Ho Siak Kuan, but it has already been expunged (probably now part of Changi Airport). It was located off Somapah Road near Upper Changi Road. See the picture below of a beautiful outhouse with a bridge that leads to it. The picture is also interesting as it shows a Japanese visitor (in suit and armband) posing with Ho Siak Kuan.
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| Ho Siak Kuan's "outhouse" at Siak Kuan Avenue. (Photo courtesy of Alan Ho) |
The photo below is Siak Kuan Villa. This beautiful villa is located somewhere in Changi.
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| Siak Kuan Villa (Photo courtesy of Alan Ho) |
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| From various papers (source: NewspaperSG) |
Death and Uncertain future for his tomb
Ho Siak Kuan passed away at the age of 81 on 21st August,1946 in his residence at No. 156 Neil Road. He left behind 3 sons, Dr. Ho Siu Khan, Ho Siu Peng and Ho Siu Fan and 2 daughters.
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| Burial and funeral wreaths for Ho Siak Kuan at Bukit Brown (Photo courtesy of Alan Ho) |
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| Ho Siak Kuan's unique triple tomb |
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| Dr Ho Siu Khan (tomb furthest away and not connected to the triple tomb of his parents) |
Family
During my research I discovered another son, Ho Siew Choon, then stated as the 3rd son who married Miss San Oi Leng. But there was no mention of this son in his burial notice. It is likely he passed away before his father but further research drew blank. Ho Siak Kuan is buried with his two wives (who died in 1962 and 1967 respectively) and his son Dr Ho Siu Khan. His tombstone is the easiest to find as it is located near the roundabout and it is unique, has it is a triple tomb with roofing.
Son: Dr. Ho Siu Khan
Dr. Ho Siu Kan died at the age of 76 on 13 April 1958 at No 43 Bournemouth Road.
(information added on 26th May 2020)
Son: Ho Siew Lim
Mr Ho Siew Lim, the second qualified Chartered Accountant to come out of Europe was another find mentioned in the Newspapers dated July 6, 1926 (The Singapore Free Press) that was also listed as a son of Mr Ho Siak Quan,M.B.E.
Son: Ho Siew Choon /Ho Siu Choon
Ho Siu Choon / Ho Siew Choon is a merchant and the third son of Mr. Ho Siak Kuan. Ho Siew Choon / Ho Siu Choon (third son of Mr. Ho Siak Kuan, of the Chinese Protectorate) got married to Miss. San Oi Leng (daughter of Mr. San A. Weng of Kuala Lumpur)on 16 January 1916 at No. 34 Neil Road. Ho Su Choon passed away on 21 December 1927 at No. 2 Blair Road. He leaves behind a widow and 5 children. He is buried in Peck San Teng Cemetery, Thomson Road. Mrs. Ho Siew Choon nee San Oi Ling) passed away on 15th September 1935 at 47 Tras Street. She is the daughter of Mr. San Ah Weng of Kuala Lumpur. The deceased is survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters. The burial is at Peck Shan Teng (Cantonese) Cemetery, Thomson Road.
(information added on 26th May 2020)
Son: Ho Siu Fan / S.F. Ho
S.F. Ho became a member of Municipal Commissioner in 1941, taking over the place of Tan Chin Tuan.
Daughter: Ho Sau Yeng
The engagement was announced of Mr. Choo Hong Thiam (youngest son of the late Mr. Choo Chwee Hock and youngest brother of Mr. Choo Lye Yew) to Miss Ho Sau Yeng (youngest daughter of Mr. Ho Siak Khuan and youngest sister of Dr. Ho Siu Khan, of the Colonial Dispensary, Singapore. The announcement was made in July 1920.
Another thing to note is that behind the triple tomb used to be a Tua Pek Kong Temple which was demolish sometime after the cemetery closed for burials.
Variant names" Ho Siak Kuan / Ho Sek Kuan
[Update : On March 12, 2012 - Mr Alan Ho emailed me and with his help and photo contributions, I am able to share rare photos of his great grandfather, his home and finally his burial. Look how bare Bukit Brown looked back then in 1946 compared to now. ]
References
Social and Personal. (1916, January 17). The Straits Times, page 8
Lee Wah Bank. Limited (1923, October 5). The Straits Times, page 10
Birthday Honours. (1925, June 3). The Straits Times, page 9
Matters Chinese. (1926, January, 14). The Singapore Free Press and Merchantile Advertiser, page 16
Mr Ho.Siak Kuan. (1926, October 30). The Straits Times, page 9
Matters Chinese. (1926, November 22). The Singapore Free Press and Merchantile Advertiser
Chinese Protectorate. (1927, March 11). The Straits Times, page 12
Certificates of Honour. (1927, June 6). The Straits Times, page 8
Death. (1946, August 23). The Straits Times, page 4
The engagement was announced of Mr. Choo Hong Thiam (youngest son of the late Mr. Choo Chwee Hock and youngest brother of Mr. Choo Lye Yew) to Miss Ho Sau Yeng (youngest daughter of Mr. Ho Siak Khuan and youngest sister of Dr. Ho Siu Khan, of the Colonial Dispensary, Singapore. The announcement was made in July 1920.
Tua Pek Kong Temple
Another thing to note is that behind the triple tomb used to be a Tua Pek Kong Temple which was demolish sometime after the cemetery closed for burials.
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| Ho Siak Kuan's cluster of tomb and the temple of Bukit Brown as shown on map, using main gate as reference. |
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| Ho Siak Kuan cluster with Bukit Brown temple (photo snapshot from Ring of Fury 1973) |
Variant names" Ho Siak Kuan / Ho Sek Kuan
[Update : On March 12, 2012 - Mr Alan Ho emailed me and with his help and photo contributions, I am able to share rare photos of his great grandfather, his home and finally his burial. Look how bare Bukit Brown looked back then in 1946 compared to now. ]
References
Social and Personal. (1916, January 17). The Straits Times, page 8
Lee Wah Bank. Limited (1923, October 5). The Straits Times, page 10
Birthday Honours. (1925, June 3). The Straits Times, page 9
Matters Chinese. (1926, January, 14). The Singapore Free Press and Merchantile Advertiser, page 16
Mr Ho.Siak Kuan. (1926, October 30). The Straits Times, page 9
Matters Chinese. (1926, November 22). The Singapore Free Press and Merchantile Advertiser
Chinese Protectorate. (1927, March 11). The Straits Times, page 12
Certificates of Honour. (1927, June 6). The Straits Times, page 8
Death. (1946, August 23). The Straits Times, page 4
Hi Peter -- Ho Siak Kuan's unique roofed tomb appears to bear more than a passing resemblance to the Tua Pek Kong Temple that used to stand behind it.
ReplyDeleteDid Mr Alan Ho share with you the stylistic inspirations behind HSK's tomb ? Was the tomb fashioned after the above temple by virtue of their close proximity ? (I'm assuming that the temple already existed there, before HSK's tomb was built.) If so, might this have been a deliberately-unconventional decision arising from his mixed dialect/ ancestral/ regional background (ie. Cantonese speaking, born in Canton to Teochew father & Cantonese mother) ? For one thing, his tomb is definitely neither Teochew nor Cantonese in style.
On a related note, since Bukit Brown is a multi-dialect/ regional Chinese cemetery, I'm curious if you'd ever encountered any Cantonese, Hainanese, Shanghainese & Heng Hwa graves there, & whether they sport distinctive tomb-styles of their own ?
Based on the ancestral origin indicated on the tombstones, I've seen a few Foochow/ Hockchew (Fuzhou) tombs at Bukit Brown, as well as 1 Foochow tomb & quite a number of Hockchia (Fuqing) tombs at the adjoining Seh Ong Cemetery. I'm somewhat puzzled by the latter examples though ... isn't Seh Ong an exclusively-Hokkien & Hokkien-Peranakan clan cemetery ? Or might these people have Hokkien parentage, but were for some reason born in Fuqing county ?
In any case, the said Foochow & Hockchia tombs are all stylistically Hokkien, albeit more economical in fashion -- ie. all of them are composed of exposed brickwork, as opposed to more expensive materials & methods like the carved stone &/or Shanghai-plastered brickwork used for more elaborate Hokkien tombs.
I wonder if the above might be due to minority dialect-groups having difficulty in sourcing for relevant skilled tomb-makers in colonial S'pore (& therefore settling for the most commonly-available tomb-style), as well as the lesser economic power of minority dialect-groups.
Another example would be the tomb of Lee Hoon Leong (Hakka, ancestral village: Dapu, Canton). It is distinctively traditional Hokkien in style, & appears to be made of stone & Shanghai-plastered brickwork (no Majolica/Peranakan tiles anywhere). At face value, it seems rather odd, although I've have come across a Nanyang University source claiming that Lee Hoon Leong was not Hakka, but actually a Hokkien-speaking Hokkien ... while peculiarly enough, his son & grandson (former MM Lee) are self-described as Hakka-Peranakan.
Hi Pat, i do see in burial records of Kheks, Cantonese, Shanghainese but honestly i can differentiate them in Bkt Brown (i can't read chinese). I do see some structures which are different from hokkien and teochew, but i am no expert but learning and sharing as i go along.
ReplyDeleteBtw, thanks Pat for your insights and sharing !
ReplyDeleteThe temple and the graves appear in the 1973 film Ring of Fury, see at 40:15
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8QOPmIk8tQ&t=40m15s
Ho Siak Kuan's daughter HO Sau Yeng:
ReplyDeletehttps://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsechomail19200707-1.2.44?qt=dr,%20ho,%20siu,%20khan&q=Dr.%20HO%20Siu%20Khan
Thank you so much !
Delete