Chin Ah Quan store, Cossack

Chin Ah Quan store, Cossack.

Chin Ah Quan store inventory

Image Courtesy of: WA State Archives

Ah Quan ran a small store at Cossack and when he died in May 1885 without relatives or will his estate was assesed by the Government Resident at Roebourne. Legal documents referring to him as “Ah Quan a Chinaman", though his real name was Chin Quan or Chin Ah Quan. When itemised and sold the goods ranged from 1 bed, 2 blankets and three pillows, to 130 lbs for rice, 9 cups and saucers, as well as 2 tins of opium, 3 red silk sashes, 1 kettle, and 16 combs, These appear to be a mixture of personal items and shop stock. The whole amounting to less than £15.

In all Ah Quan's estate totaled a little over £30, from which over £18 were paid for his coffin, debts owing, and various others, including 12 Chinese men who were paid over 4 shillings each to "assit" in the burial.

Letters written in Chinese and shipping documents show that Ah Quan kept up a correspondence with both Singapore and Hong Kong from where he ordered his goods, often by via a Choon Fatt for shippping on the coastal steamer Natal. Jars of salt turnips, bags of rice, vermicili and potatoes were common imports.

Source: Ah Quan - AU WA S2323- cons5795 1885/15 (WA State Archives)

Chin Ah Quan stock

Image Courtesy of: WA State Archives