Low Kiok Chiang was the founder of the firm Kiam Hoa Heng and Co. Born in China, he left there as a poor man in a junk headed for Singapore, and through sheer hard work managed to be successful. At about the age of 20 years old, he converted to the Roman Catholic faith. He also set up business in Penang and later came to Bangkok to do business. He was one of the benefactors for the building of the Church of the Holy Rosary and Cheong Quee Theam, Low Kok Chiang and Chan Teck Hee were named principal benefactors for the building of The Church of Sacred Heart at Tank Road. Low Kiok Chiang passed away on 12th March 1911 at Bangkok at the age of 69. He is survived by a large family of relatives including 3 brothers in China, 3 sons, 4 daughters, 18 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. The remains were brought back to Singapore for interment. Today his tomb resides in Choa Chu Kang Christian Cemetery at the former Bidadari exhumed section.
From Jacobe Low Khiok Chiang's beautiful marble tomb it is engraved that he was born in China in 1843 and died in Siam (Thailand) on 12th March 1911. He is survived by his children;
Low Gek Seng, Low Meng Seng, Low Kwang Seng, Low Gek Luan, Low Kim Luan, Low Siew Luan, Low Pek Luan and grandchildren; Low Choon Hong, Low Hoa Mong, Low Song Mong, Low Soo Noi, Low Soo Mui, Loo Soo Choo, Low Soo Kio.
Philip Julian Low Gek Seng passed away on 7th February 1945 at Valreas, France at the age of 75. His body was sealed in oaken lead-lined coffin in a French mausoleum until 1948 when he shipped back via a passenger ship from Marseilles to Singapore. His coffin was placed at his residence at No. 54 Waterloo Street before burial at Bidadari Cemetery following Roman Catholic rites.
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| Jacobe Low Kiok Chiang |
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| Tombstone of Jacobe Low Kiok Chiang |
Low Gek Seng, Low Meng Seng, Low Kwang Seng, Low Gek Luan, Low Kim Luan, Low Siew Luan, Low Pek Luan and grandchildren; Low Choon Hong, Low Hoa Mong, Low Song Mong, Low Soo Noi, Low Soo Mui, Loo Soo Choo, Low Soo Kio.
Family
Son: Philip Julian Low Gek Seng (1870-1945)Philip Julian Low Gek Seng passed away on 7th February 1945 at Valreas, France at the age of 75. His body was sealed in oaken lead-lined coffin in a French mausoleum until 1948 when he shipped back via a passenger ship from Marseilles to Singapore. His coffin was placed at his residence at No. 54 Waterloo Street before burial at Bidadari Cemetery following Roman Catholic rites.
Mounumental Mason / Memorial Mason
While inspecting the tomb of Jacobe Low Kiok Chiang, i came across the tomb mason who commissioned the tombstone. It reads; A.Canessa Scultore Genova. Italia. Researching further, the tomb is likely imported from Italy and is from the mason company of Achille Canessa (1856-1905) who was a prominent sculptor whose work features prominently at Staglieno Cemetery,Genova. His work can be found also around the world. After Canessa's death, his wife and son kept the business open, producing works in his name for at least another 15 years.
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Variant Name
Jacobe Low also refers to Jacob Low
References
Jacob Low Kiok Chiang. History of the Catholic Church in Singapore. The virtual exhibition.(website). Last accessed 5 Feb 2020
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/19th-and-20th-century-sculpture/achille-canessa-torchbearer
References
Jacob Low Kiok Chiang. History of the Catholic Church in Singapore. The virtual exhibition.(website). Last accessed 5 Feb 2020
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/19th-and-20th-century-sculpture/achille-canessa-torchbearer
Mr Jacobe Low Kiok Chiang is my great x2 grand father. His 2nd daughter Veronica Goh (Low) Kim Luan was my great grand mother. I knew her quite well. She died in 1976.
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