Fukatu

Overview

Fukatu is a member of the Niuyan clan recorded in Volume 51 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*. He belonged to the Bordered Blue Banner, and his family had lived in the Yehe region for generations. The genealogy records that he surrendered at the beginning of the dynasty and was granted "half a zuoling" (a military rank). This record pertains to the personnel management and zuoling system within the banners at that time and should not be interpreted literally as someone receiving "half a rank." The genealogy does not provide Fukatu's exact birth and death dates, and it is inappropriate to supplement his other official records based on the deeds of his descendants.

His eldest son, Wu Dana, served as a Protector-General and participated in battles in Shandong. After the siege of Baodi County, he died in battle at Jizhou and was posthumously awarded the title of Qiduwei. His meritorious hereditary titles were subsequently inherited by relatives such as Hushitun, Yuese, and Zhashi, with records of additional titles being granted by imperial decree and later revoked. Wu Dana's death and the related hereditary titles are not attributed to Fukatu's own military achievements.

The genealogical record also lists other positions held by Fukatu's sons and descendants, including Third-Class Guard, Imperial Guard, Reader-in-Waiting, Censor, and Secretary, indicating that the official positions held by the same branch of the family were not limited to the military. Niuyan clan refers to clan affiliation, Bordered Blue Banner to banner registration, and Yehe to the family's ancestral home; these three pieces of information are distinct. The Fukatu entry is suitable for observing the early Qing dynasty's banner registration system and the methods used to preserve the military and political careers of several generations of descendants.