tracing my grandfathers hometown

[kevinlow]

Hi everyone!


Like many I am trying to trace my grandfathers hometown.


His name is 刘九 （low gow)

He settled in Liverpool uk in the early 1930's and came from Guangdong province.

He was a laundryman.

When I went to Liverpool Chinatown last week, an older member of the seiyip association told me that he was from a place called gwong hoi.
I'm not a 100% sure if that is true, so I thought I would ask for any help.
He practiced kungfu and was a farmer originally.

He had a relative in Liverpool China town who part owned the 7 up takeaway.

On his official papers he wrote 'Do' in Canton, as his place of origin.

Do you have any tips?

[lachinatown]

Any Chinese characters?

[kevinlow]

Sorry no characters! It was written in English except for his own handwritten name.


Maybe some sort of official wrote what they thought they heard,

[chansomvia]

Do keep on trying as it is an interesting journey, we all nearly gave up but with the help of the dedicated and expert forum people you will be surprised what will be found. The Seiyip Association will have some older folks who can remember the older members so keep on prying their brains. Post any old letters or envelopes, photos, need not be ponderous or academic. Also try to get as much in written Chinese as possible as verbal sounds are quite different in Toisan, Cantonese and Mandarin. Good Luck.

[kevinlow]

Hi, thanks for the encouragement, I will find some photographs to share with them.


Will let you all know how I get on!