Niu Clan

Overview

The Niu family is recorded in Volume 74 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, listed under the Nikan surname within the Manchu Banners. Niu Liangxun was a bondservant under the Bordered White Banner, residing in Liaoyang; the year of his submission is unknown. His great-grandson, Niu Chengxian, served as a zuoling (military officer), died in battle during the campaign against Datong, and was posthumously awarded the title of Qiduwei and concurrently a Yunqiwei (a military rank). His sons, Niu Weishi and Niu Weibang, successively inherited this title.

Other members of the same family include great-grandson Niu Ba, who served as a zuoling; great-great-grandsons Niu Weizheng, Niu Weiguo, and Niu Weibin, who served as Tongpan (assistant prefect); Qige, a fourth-rank official; and Sangge, a shepherd. Later, Niu Tingcai served as the Circuit Intendant of Suzhou, Shaanxi, and at the age of eighty-five, he served as the Treasurer. These records include military positions, local civil service positions, positions in the ceremonial departments of the prefecture, and positions in the inner court.

The zuoling managed the basic organization of the Eight Banners; the Assistant General was a military commander; the Tongpan was a second-rank civil official at the prefectural level; and the Circuit Intendant was responsible for specific areas or affairs in local administration. The ceremonial officer was in charge of the rituals of the prefecture, while the treasurer was responsible for the management of supplies. The hereditary title bestowed upon Niu Chengxian and his original position as a zuoling (military officer) must be described separately, and "Niu" should not be expanded into another Manchu compound surname without evidence. The details of the subordinate officials, their names and styles, and the succession of their titles across generations are pending verification; the original materials have been preserved intact.