Archibald Maclean (former Bidadari Cemetery)

Archibald Maclean passed away on 10 January 1919. His wife, Talap Maclean passed away on 23 August 1957 at the age  of 89. Both were said to be born in Bangkok. 

Bankrupt in 2 countries

In the court of foreign causes at Bangkok on 10 June 1909, the application for Mr. Archibald Macleau to be declared bankrupt in Thailand. The article went on to mention that he was in the business of import and general business in Singapore and was recently declared a bankrupt in the Straits Settlement. Archibald Macleau is said to owe the Hongkong Bank (50,000 tes), Siam Commercial Bank and other creditors (200,000 tes). Before leaving Bangkok, he met his creditors but nothing came out that. His remaining mortgaged property in Thailand was sold by the Siam Commercial Bank whom he owed 230,000 tes. Even after the sale, bank debts still amounted to 150,000 tes.

In March 1911, Archibald Maclean applied for his discharged (The court has taken note that he continued to trade after even knowing he was insolvent). I am unsure of the outcome. Mr. Archibald Maclean continued to work in Singapore. There was a report in March 1916 of him been fine $50 as the Director, Tanjong Gemok Estate for failing to file a membership list and summary of the balance sheet under the Companies Ordinance. 

Inventor 

In 1917, Mr. A Mclean of Campong Java road Singapore was granted 14 years' exclusive rights of making, selling an invention for preparing or refining and preserving raw Jelutong rubber. Archibald Maclean, merchant of 6 Kampong Java Road was reported in the Gazette in February 1918 to be the inventor of the all weather proof rubber tapping covers. He also file a patent for the invention for a combined machine for trimming joints and cutting ends of rattans and canes. 

Ceramic Portrait of Archibald Maclean (source: NLB)

Elephant as guardian

What is interesting is that a statue of a elephant can be seen clearly from his tombstone. In Thailand, elephants are revered and maybe that was the reason. 

Tombs i encountered that have elephant statues as guardian includes the one of Madam Song Chit Neo which are beautiful and exist till today. From the old photos of Tan Kim Ching tomb, it used to have elephants as well before it was relocated to Bukit Brown. 

Elephant on the plot of Archibald Maclean

Unique elephant statute belonging to Madam Song Chit Neo 

Tan Kim Ching's tomb at a private burial ground in Changi
before relocation to Bukit Brown (source: a20)

[research on-going]

Location

Former Bidadari Christian Cemetery 

Tomb of Archibald Maclean at the former Bidadari Cemetery (source: NLB)