Teow Keong Hee (Bukit Brown)

Teow Keong Hee was born in 1872 and was educated at Raffles Institution. He entered the service of Messrs. Behr & Co in 1889 and rose the ranks to be the chief storekeeper there. Teow Keong Hee was one of the original members of the Chinese Co SVI, and rose to the ranks eventually becoming Sergeant-Major in 1916. In August 1917 (after the resignation of Lieut. Seah Cheng Joo) was granted his commission as 2nd Lieutenant. 

During the mutiny on 15 February 1915, Indian soldiers of the 5th Madras Light Infantry (Indian Army or sepoys) revolted, killing more than 40 British officers, residents and locals. The mutiny came to be known as the "Singapore Mutiny". An estimated 800 mutineers were involved, killing more than 40 British officers, residents and locals. Sergeant Teow Keong Hee was in charge of the Chinese Guard at Government House and was detailed together with Sergeant Chan Ngo Choo for special duty in a house-to-house search in certain districts for the mutineers.

Mr. Teow Kong Hee was an excellent rifle shot, and on several occasions got into the final stage of the Governor's Cup competition at the SRA anunal meetings beside winning a number of prizes in various shooting events. He was a member of the Singapore team in the Interport Rile Match in 1913 when Singapore won.

The Governor awarded the Colonial Auxillary Forces long service medals to Capt. E.A. Brown, S.V.C. Capt. Song Ong Siang, 2nd Lieut. Teow Keong Hee, Co. 2M. Sgt Tan Piah Eng and  Lieut. Tan Chow Kim of the Chinese Co. S.V.C.

In the competition in the Balestier Range in August 10th 1907, the Chinese company of the S.V.I won the Warren Shield for the first time with a narrow margin of 2 points. Among the team members were a number of people which i have written about. The Chinese Company members who won included; Col-Sergt. Tan Soo Bin, L.Cpl. Tan Piah Eng, 2nd Lt. Song Ong Siang, L.Cpl. Chua Lip Kee, 2nd Lieut. E.A. Brown, Sergt. Tan Chow Kim, Pte. Seow Cheng Liew and Cpl. Teow Keong Hee.

Tan Piah Eng - A Warren Shield Winning Team of 1907

Death

Mr. Teow Keong Hee passed away on 17 March 1942. 

Wife: Madam Goh Kim Neo

Mrs. Teow Keong Hee nee Goh Kim Neo passed away at the age of 51 at her residence, No. 116 Emerald Hill Road on 13 November 1931 leaving her husband, several children and grandchildren to mourn her loss. She was buried in Bukit Brown 

Wife: Madam Chan Ah Yin

Mrs. Teow Keong Hee nee Chan Ah Yin passed away 17 March 1985 leaving behind 7 sons, 6 daughters, 25 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

116 Emerald Hill Road (later No. 140 Emerald Hill Road).

Teow Keong Hee bought 116 Emerald through an auction sale by Messrs. Powell and Co. on 7 March 1911. The European compound house known as 116 Emerald hill Road, area 7,245 square feet, freehold, monthly rent $40. 

In 1932, there was announcement of weekly music practice for the Golden Bell Minstrels at Mr. Robert Teow's residence at 116 Emerald Hill Road. 


The house was eventually auction by Cheong Koon Seng & Limited on 12 May 1954.

Variant Name
Teow Keong Hee also refers to Teow Kung Hee

Location of tomb 

I was told that the tomb was already exhumed by his descendants.

Block 5 Division C, plot 86 

8RPC+RG3 Singapore