Written by Tan Ban Huat
In an article entitled ‘My Grandfathers’ Roads’ in the last issue (Issue 2/2022), the following was stated, with reference to Baba Cheong Koon Seng:
Generous to a fault, Baba Cheong bought a house at 291 River Valley Road for his sister when she was widowed. It was a few doors away from his house at 299. When her house was sold after her death, it served as a clubhouse and chapel for the Missions to Seamen.
It has since been found based on a lawyer’s search of the legal records held by the Singapore Land Authority (e.g. Index of Lands), 291 River Valley Road was never owned by anyone with the surname ‘Cheong’ i.e. neither Cheong Koon Seng nor his widowed sister, Cheong Chin Neo, was listed as an owner.
The records also show that in August 1949, 291 River Valley Road was purchased by Cheong Chin Neo’s son, Ang Beng Guan, from Ng Siew Chua. This entry in the Index of Lands is supported by the sale and purchase document between Ng (the seller) and Ang (the purchaser), which was registered with the Registry of Deeds.
Thus, 291 River Valley Road was initially rented by the family, before the purchase in 1949. When Ang Beng Guan passed away in 1981, the property was willed to his son, Ang Eng Ann, who then sold it to the Synod of the Diocese of Singapore (representing The Missions to Seamen).
