Mrs. Choa Giang Thye (Bukit Brown)

At Hill 3 Division D is the tomb of Mrs. Choa Giang Thye who passed away at 4:30 pm on February 28, 1934 at the age of 70 at her residence in No. 37 Killiney Road. On her tomb list her only son, Mr. Choa Eng Wan and 2 grandchildren, Choa York Neo and Choa Siew Jin.

Mrs Choa Giang Thye

Her husband, Mr Choa Giang Thye was born in Malacca in 1865 and at age of 12 came to Singapore. He was educated privately in English and spoke fluently in it. He and his brother, Choa Giang Whee were commissioning agents for "Giang Bros". Mr Choa Giang Thye also ran a sawmill company called the Singapore Steam Saw Mill. He was a farmer with the Singapore Opium and Spirits Farm. He served as a Municipal Commissioner for eight years and was elected to be the successor of Mr Seah Liang Seah in the Municipal Board in 1897, introducing a new generation of Chinese men proficient in the English language and was in the Chinese Advisory Board and also the Po Leung Kuk (Society of Protection of Women and Girls). He was awarded the Justice of Peace in 1910.

Choa Giang Thye

Choa Giang Thye passed away in March 3, 1911 leaving behind his only son, Choa Eng Wan. His cortege left his house, the "York" at Scott's Road on March 12, 1911 for Alexandra Road Cemetery and was reported to be one of the longest procession seen headed by a large banner from the Weekly Entertainment Club.

Son: Choa Eng Wan
Choa Eng Wan married Lee Poh Lian (daughter of  Mr Lee Choon Guan) when he was 17 years old in 1907. The marriage took place at the "York House" at Scotts Road, the home of Mr Choa Giang Tye which was reported lighted with electricity. Choa Eng Wan served in the ranks of the Chinese Company, S.V.I (Singapore Volunteer Infantry) during the Great War. He was also an avid tennis player.

Choa Eng Wan and Lee Poh Lian

Choa Eng Wan passed away on October 18, 1941 at the age of 54. Madam Lee Poh Lian passed away on May 31, 1961 at the age of 72. The tomb of Mr Choa Eng Wan and Madam Lee Poh Lian are located in Hill 5 Division B and are affected by the 8 lane highway and have already being exhumed. Their peg number were 1209 and 1210.

Grand daughter: Choa York Neo (Mrs Lim Choon Tee)
Choa York Neo (Mrs Lim Choon Tee) passed away in 1938.

Grandson: Choa Siew Jin 
Choa Siew Jin passed away in 1940 at his residence in No 37 Kiliney Road leaving behind a wife and son. He is buried in Bukit Brown. They were survived by one daughter and 2 grandchildren

References

China's Transition. (1907, September 25). The Straits Times, page 7
Malaka Pinda Rubber Estate. (1914, December 14). The Singapore Free Press, page 10
Central Engine Works. (1917, May 15). The Singapore Free Press, page 3
Tiang Guan Brick and Tile Company. (1920, May 29). The Straits Times, page 9
Sungai Gau Tin Mine.(1921, March 21). The Singapore Free Press, page 16
Death. (1934, March 2). The Straits Times, page 10
Advertisement. (1938, September 26).The Singapore Free Press, page 4
Deaths. (1940, March 7). The Straits Times, page 2
Song, O.S. (1984). One hundred years history of the Chinese in Singapore. Singapore: Oxford University Press