Chen Quin Jack

A possible mention of Chen Quin Jack from his period on the Ballarat goldfields 1850s-1865, comes from records from Melbourne’s See Yup Temple – This discovery was also made by Ely Finch (translator) and Paul McGregor (Our Chinese Past) while documenting the records.

From a pair of 1866 stelae which recorded the names of Chinese people who donated to the Temple’s construction, Ely Finch identified one of the names as “Chen Ah Jack”. We know from mining reports in Tingha “Ah Jack” was a name frequently used by Quin Jack. Ely also pointed out a second name appearing to the left, which included not only the same surname, but the first character of the given name also corresponds to 觀 “Quin” –  Chen Quin Sia. This is a possible brother or close relative of the same generation. This record also provides a clue as to his place of origin as the names appear in a list with other people from the district of Sinning (now Taishan/toisan).  And you can read more on Our Chinese Past website

I can recall meeting another descendant Deidre Shaw, whom related a family anecdote that Chen Quin Jack travelled to Australia with an elder brother or uncle, so this may well be record of another missing relative.

I’m still waiting to hear more about the recent tragic fire at the heritage listed Melbourne’s See Yup Temple – Feb 2024 read more