Mrs. Wee Leong Tan (Bukit Brown)

Madam Chua Seok Neo, one of the wife of Kapitan Cina, Wee Leong Tan of Bengkalis passed away at the age of 90 on April 12, 1927 at No. 28 Stanley Road. The tomb was cleared this year by the volunteer community who call themselves "Brownies", making it accessible to visitors. 

Mrs Wee Leong Tan nee Madam Chua Seok Neo 

Kapitan Cina of Bengkalis

Wee Leong Tan alias Wee Tan (1833- April 20, 1913) came down from Amoy region at a young age and became an opium farmer under his company called chop Kim Hock Hoe. In his 29 years of service to the Dutch government, he was given the title Kapitan ( Capitan ) and later Major China. In 1900 he received an Imperial Order and Gold medal from Queen Wihelmina.

His business expanded to shipping and also commissioning agents. He handed over his company officially to his sons to manage on 27th January 1911. His sons, Wee Kim Cheng and Wee Ann Kee made it a limited company and the shipping business was acquired and incorporated in 1908 under the name of Wee Brothers Steamship Co. Ltd.

Wee Leong Tan was buried at the family vault in Bengkalis when he died in April 20, 1913 at the age of 78 (His wife died in 1909). He is survived by 3 sons and 3 daughters. The steamship of Wee Brothers provided free transport for mourners and free loaders from Singapore to Bengkalis to attend the funeral. In the evening after the elaborate and grand burial ceremonies, the fleet provided firework displays and then set sail back to Singapore with "Will o the Wisp" taking lead.

Wee Ann Kee and Wee Kim Cheng, executors of their father will
(source: NewspaperSG) 

Wife:  name unknown
Passed away in July 1909, Wee Tan's wife was shipped back to the family vault in Benkalis ( Bengkalis) for burial. There was a detailed report that all ships (with exception to one) of Wee Brothers' Steamship were sent to Benkalis on the day of the funeral. The captains, officer and crew marched to the Wee family cemetery 2 miles away. Wee Tan (Wee Leong Tan ) who served as the Capitan China for 35 years, expressed thanks to all present and it was estimated that no less than 8,000 people followed or witness the procession

Wife: Chua Seok Neo
Passed away at the age of 90 on April 12, 1927 and buried in Bukit Brown.

Mrs Wee Leong Tan tomb with title "Kapitan"

Son: Wee Koom Poy
When Wee Leong Tan retired in 1908, it was reported that his son Wee Koom Poy succeeded him. However i found no further record about him.

Son: Wee Kim Cheng 
Wee Kim Cheng was a Senior partner of Messrs. Kim Hock Hoe and founder of Wee Brothers Steamship Co Ltd in 1908. Kim Cheng Street in Tiong Bahru area is named after him.

Son: Wee Ann Kee 
Wee Ann Kee passed away on July 26, 1914 at his residence, No 28 Stanley Street at the age of 40. Wee Ann Kee passed away roughly a year after his father's death. He is survived by a widow and 4 sons. He was a Senior Partner for Messrs. Kim Hock Hoe and of Wee Brothers Steamship Co Ltd

Son: Wee Chim Yean 
Mr Wee Chim Yean, Kapitan China of Benkalis passed away at the age of 41 due to pneumonia on August 12, 1926 at No 28 Stanley Road. Mr Wee Chim Yean was the youngest son of Mr Wee Leong Tan. He is survived by 4 sons and 4 daughters. Wee Chim Yean is buried in Bukit Brown.

Daughter: Wee Kim Lian 
Wee Kim Lian married Gwee Khiok Soo.

Location of tomb 

Block 2 Division B, plot 142

References

Benkalis Notes. (1909, August 2). The Straits Times
The late Wee Leong Tan. (1913, May 19). The Straits Times
Death. (1914, July 28). The Straits Times
Advertisement. (1915, February 3). The Singapore Free Press
Deaths. (1926, August 17). The Straits Times
Social and Personal. (1926, August 14). The Straits Times
Death. (1927, April 14). The Straits Times