Wu Zhang'a

Overview

Wu Zhang'a was a member of the Tongjia clan, belonging to the Bordered Yellow Banner. His family had lived in Jiaha for generations and submitted to the Qing dynasty at the beginning of the dynasty. Volume 19 of the official *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners* records that his descendants held positions such as Xiaoqixiao (Military Cavalry Commander), Xinpao Zhangjing (Messenger Officer), Hujunxiao (Military Guard Commander), Bitieshi (Brush Secretary), and Yuanwailang (Assistant Gentleman), noting that this branch later became a bondservant of their banner.

His sixth-generation descendant, Fu Shou, served as a Hujunxiao in the campaign against the Dzungars and died in battle at Hetong Hurhanaor. He was posthumously awarded the title of Yunqiwei (Cloud Cavalry Captain), which was inherited by his son, Mulan. Hujunxiao was an actual military post, while Yunqiwei was a posthumously awarded hereditary title of merit; their succession did not directly equate to inheriting their father's Hujunxiao position. Xinpao Zhangjing was a specialized title recorded in the original genealogy; its responsibilities needed to be verified according to the specific military or ceremonial organization, and it cannot be assumed that the title included "cannon" to indicate command of artillery. Bitieshi handled Manchu-Chinese documents, translations, and archives, while Yuanwailang handled the affairs of their respective government offices. The transfer from a regular banner unit to a bondservant (baoyi) is information regarding their organizational affiliation. Bondservants could also hold official positions, and this was not exclusive to clerks or military posts. This entry does not specify Wu Zhang'a's official rank or the year of his transfer.