Khoo Beng San 邱明山

Khoo Beng San or known as Che Beng was born in 1787, a second son of Khoo Hong Keow 邱煌乾 and Lim Hee Neo 林喜娘. He and his youngest brother, Khoo Beng Guan 邱明管 were among the early settlers in Penang during its establishment by the East India Company. Khoo Beng San was a 16th generation descendant of Khoo clan and belong to the Soo Pang branch.

He joined the opium farm (1819 – 1820 & 1827 – 1828) and commenced general trading under the chop Beng & Co. occupied at a corner lot of China Street Ghaut, Penang.  His firm at China Street Ghaut in Penang is an extension of the China Street, the place was also known by the local population as Beng San’s Junction 明山路头. Beng & Co. owned a 350-ton brig named Angelica which was used to ply the ports at Penang, Malacca and Singapore.  Khoo Beng San was a founder of the Kong Hock Keong 广福宫 (now known as Kuanyin Temple) in 1824  and the Tong Kheng Seah 同慶社 (United Celebratory Society) in 1843. 

He died in 1843 and was buried at Batu Lanchang.  Through his principal wife in China, Chee Gek Neo 许玉娘 he had two sons, Khoo Sim Toh 邱心地 and Khoo Sim Kang 邱心降. Whereas, by his principal wife in Penang, Chew Han Neo 周汉娘, he had two sons, Khoo Sim Peng 邱心榜 and Khoo Sim Kui 邱心魁. And with his secondary wife in Penang, Cheah Yin Neo 谢荫娘, he had two sons, Khoo Sim Ai 邱心爱 and Khoo Sim Bee 邱心美.

References:

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