Zhou Clan

Overview

The Zhou family is listed as a Nikan surname within the Manchu banner system in Volume 76 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, with numerous branches recorded. Zhou Yiqiang was a bondservant under the Bordered Yellow Banner, residing in Jitun. His son, Gabula, served as a military officer; Laoge as a clerk; his grandson, Guanbao, as a second-class bodyguard; his great-grandson, Ping'an, as a secretary; and his great-great-grandson, Aixing'a, as a military officer. The genealogy does not record the year this branch submitted to the Manchus.

Another branch, Zhou Yongming, was a bondservant under the Bordered Yellow Banner, residing in Shenyang. He submitted to the Manchus at the beginning of the dynasty. His son, Zhou Yiyuan, and grandson, Duojin, both served as military officers. His great-grandsons, Zhou Hongsheng, served as an assistant secretary, and Zhou Wensheng as a scribe. Zhou Hong belonged to the Plain Yellow Banner, residing in Shenyang. His descendants held positions such as military officer, deputy commander, guerrilla, and treasurer.

These branches share a common surname but different administrative categories. The positions of Military Commander and Military School Commander were involved in the organization and management of the military; the positions of Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and Chief Clerk handled the administration of the government offices; the Inner Palace Commander system managed the supplies and resources of the inner palace. The scribe (bihesi) in Manchu was responsible for document processing and translation. This section only outlines the verified branches and does not connect the various Zhou families into an unproven common lineage; the specific appointments and responsibilities in places like Jitun await verification.