Genealogists are interested in a wide variety of court records from adoption to wills. I don't know about you, but I learn best by doing. In this series, I'll share what I learned about researching Supreme Court records at the Royal British Columbia Museum and Archives, Victoria, in April, 2025. For the record - haha… Continue reading Researching Supreme Court records at the BC Archives
Tag: Alexander Won Cumyow
Was Won Alexander Cumyow framed? Researching a 140 yr old mystery, the conclusion
In examining the events surrounding Won Alexander Cumyow's rapid downfall from aspiring Chinese Interpreter to convicted felon in 1885, key questions arise regarding potential bias, the role of prominent figures like E.M. Johnson, and the peculiarities of a seemingly swift and prejudiced trial. Cumyow's eventual imprisonment highlights systemic challenges faced by the Chinese community in British Columbia.
Was Won Alexander Cumyow framed? Researching a 140 yr old mystery, part one
Won Alexander Cumyow, the first-known Chinese Canadian (1861-1955), was a prominent figure and an activist. Despite his contributions, he faced challenges, notably in 1885 when he was arrested for fraud. His trials involved questions of forgery, partnerships, and trust within his business, ultimately leading to a conviction for embezzlement. Cumyow's story highlights the systemic racism prevalent in BC, late 19th century, and his struggle against discrimination during a pivotal time in Canadian history.
Rev. Chan (陳) Sing Kai’s entry to Canada – a rare head tax refund tale using OIC records
The paying of head taxes was front page news but the refunding of head taxes was shrouded in murk. Even today, finding the supporting documentation at the national archives with the friendly assistance of reference archivists and librarians was barely doable.
When Canada excluded us: remembering 1 Jul 1923
The Senate has created a website of events. Sign up to get notice of events and / or register your event. Let's make this a year to remember. I wish my father and uncle could see this. I think they'd be proud to see their struggles honoured this way - not a single speech, not with a single day, but a year's worth of events from bottom to top. There are archivists, authors, curators, historians, societies, and speakers all lined up. The aim is to connect this whole wide country together in recognizing the rights and freedoms given to us by our forebears.