Du Clan

Overview

The Du family is listed as a Nikan surname within the Manchu banner system in Volume 77 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, and includes several branches of bondservants. Du Tiancheng, a bondservant of the Plain White Banner, resided in Shenyang. He himself served as a county magistrate; his son, Du Chenhan, was a military officer; and his grandson, Du Deyu, was a scribe. Du Jiaotong, also a bondservant of the Plain White Banner, resided in Shenyang; his great-grandson, Du Hengrong, served as a cavalry officer.

The branch of Du Kerang belonged to the Bordered White Banner, residing in Shenyang. His great-grandson, Erjin, served as a second-class guard when the genealogy was compiled. Du Yanze belonged to the Bordered Blue Banner, residing in Shenyang. He surrendered during the Tiancong reign; his son, Longgui, served as a lieutenant; and his grandson, Bayan'a, was an eighth-rank official.

County magistrates were local civil officials; military officers were responsible for leading troops and patrolling; cavalry officers served within the cavalry system; second-class guards were a rank of guard for princes and nobles and could not be directly replaced by second-class imperial guards. The title "zuoling" encompassed both organizational and administrative functions. "Bitieshi" (BiTieShi) corresponds to the Manchu word "bithesi" and was responsible for document drafting, copying, and translation. Du Yan's Tiancong branch submitted to the Manchu before the conquest of China; the submission dates of other branches are unclear. Details regarding kinship and specific appointments of each branch await verification.