Qiao Clan

Overview

The Qiao family is listed under the Nikan surnames within the Manchu banner system in Volume 78 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*. The electronic text under this heading records their ancestor as "Shang Aha." He was a bondservant under the Bordered Yellow Banner, residing in Liaoyang, with the year of his submission unknown. His grandson, Yatu, served as a deputy head of the inner banner system; his great-grandson, Changshou, served as a scribe; and his great-great-grandson, Chaerqi, served as treasurer when the genealogy was being compiled. This text retains the original spelling of the heading and names.

The Bordered Yellow Banner indicates the banner system, and the bondservant leadership further clarifies their assigned status. The original book placed this section of surnames within the Manchu banner system; it cannot be changed to Han Chinese surnames alone. Bondservants were not a single occupational title; members could hold management, clerical, and treasury positions.

The deputy head of the inner banner system was the deputy head of the inner banner system, involved in the affairs of service personnel and supplies; the treasurer managed the treasury, disbursement, and related materials. The term "BiTieShi" corresponds to the Manchu word "bithesi," meaning a person who handles written affairs. In Qing Dynasty government offices, this person was responsible for tasks such as copying and translation. Therefore, the positions of the three descendants provide clues about administrative management, document management, and material management, respectively. The glyphic relationship between "ShangAHa" and "QiaoShi" in the title needs to be verified against the original printed edition; it will not be changed to "QiaoAHa," nor will the descendants' official positions be attributed to their ancestors.