One of the most iconic tomb in Bukit Brown and the most photograph, is the tomb of Mr. Chew Geok Leong. The tomb is iconic as it has painted sikh guards guarding it. Another reason for its popularity, is its location -which is just beside the tar road and easily visible to walkers, joggers and drivers.
Chew Geok Leong was a former Qing official who came to Singapore at the turn of the century. He fled China as he did not want to align himself with the warlord Yuan Shih Kai who was at that time consolidating his power in an attempt to overthrow the Emperor. In Singapore, Chew Geok Leong became a Chinese physician who operated his business from Geylang. Once he established himself here, he brought with him his wife, his seven children, a slave girl and a servant.
Chew Geok Leong had a house in Kampong Batak, now know as Jalan Eunos, while he operated his traditional chinese medicine shop in at 925 Geylang Road (phone number was 5606). From a 1939 newspaper article, his house was No 498-18 Jalan Eunos and his medicine shop was at No. 985 Geylang Road.
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Chew Geok Leong (with latest Ceramic Picture)
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The iconic tomb of Bukit Brown
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| Chew Geok Leong |
A living tomb and the responsibility of the sikh guards
His youngest daughter, Madam Chew Chwee Eng (she was 70 years when the article was written in 1993) recounted that his father came from a family with 4 generations of chinese physicians. She also recalled that when her father was alive, he already bought the coffin and the sikh guards. The coffin was placed at one of the servant quarters. I have also heard oral accounts that Chew Geok Leong's tomb was commissioned when he was alive.
Chew Geok Leong passed away in 1932.
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| The sikh guard that is stationary and guards the mansion (守府) |
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| The sikh guard that patrols the grounds (巡城) |
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Iconic sikh guards of Chew Geok Leong
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| The iconic tomb of Bukit Brown |
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Chew Geok Leong (1993)
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Family
Son: Chan Siew Hai
Chan Siew Hai passed away at the age of 72 on 13 April 1983. He is survived by his wife, Teo Kah Eng and children;
Sons: Chew Sim Li, James, Chew Hong Lim, Chew Soon Beng @ Teo Soon Beng, Chew Eng Guan, Chew Eng Chuan, Bobby, Chew Eng Lam
Daughters: Chew Peng Nan, Rosy Chew, Chew Choo Heng, Catherine
Daughters-in-law: Stella Chim, Rosalind Goh, Ng Poh Tin, Ho Seok Geok
Sons-in-law: Tan Ang Tiak, Yahya Mohamed
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Mr. and Mrs. Chan Siew Hai wedding in Shanghai
(photo courtesy of James Chew)
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Mr. Chan Siew Hai obituary
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Variant Name
Chew Geok Leong is also spelt as Chew Giok Liong
References
Grave guarded by statutes of two Sikhs belongs to Chinese Physician. ( 1993, January 5). The Straits Times
Sikh guards watch over grave. (1993, January 2). The Straits Times
Sikh guards at Bukit Brown. Rojak Librarian, posted on December 11, 2011
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