Sammy King Koi - Chinese Herbalist

Sammy King Koi. Original photograph Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society.

In 1918 Sammy King Koi of Brisbane bought a shop off of Jimmy Yow, who use to run a fruit and confectionery business. Although Sammy continued to sell top quality fruit and sweets, he also dispensed herbs. Sammy was a proficient herbalist and ran his business from the Kent Street location in Maryborough until he returned to China in 1934. Information about this shop can be found here It had a narrow front and stood opposite the Butter Factory. Sammy also lived at this location.

A Maryborough Chronicle article found here  documents his donation to the Christmas Cheer fund in 1932.

Chinese indentured labourers made a big contribution to Australia's pastoral industry. Slocomb (2014, p.21) claims there is consensus that “around one hundred thousand labourers entered the Australian colonies". Those labourers who remained after they paid off their debt had the choice of staying in the district and becoming naturalised, moving elsewhere in Australia or returning to China. The majority between 1858 to 1880 stayed in this district (Slocomb, 2014). These men were still young and had pastoral industry, carting/carrying skills and a passion for horses. They were well respected for their hard work and known for their market gardening skills (Slocomb, 2014). Slocomb (2014. 265) states “In Maryborough’s main streets, there were grocery and fruit businesses, cabinet-makers, carpenters and upholsterers, all with Cantonese names on their doors.” They contributed to the Maryborough we know today.

A display dedicated to Australian Chinese men and women can be found at Hervey Bay and Maryborough branches of Fraser Coast Libraries. If you have anything you wish to donate to these displays please let your local branch know.

Tags #australianchinese #maryborough #localhistory #chinese #indentured

References

Slocomb, M. (2014). Among Australia's pioneers. Bloomingdale: Balboa Press

Trove.nla.gov.au. (2016).