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Hundred Families Surname Poem
| FeedbackSurname Cen2 (岑) orginated during the Zhou Dynasty.
Variations include Sam, Sum, Shum, Sham, Shen, Tsen and Gim. It is sometimes misspelled as Chen and Qin.
The Zhou people were considered the first semi-nomadic war-like barbarians to invade China. Their confederation of tribes roamed between Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces of North China Proper. They were considered a mixed group of pre-Han (Xia), Mongol (Di), Manchu (Yi), Tibetan (Rong), and Turks (Rongdi). The Xia people were the major ethnic component of the Zhou people. China already had approximately 1,000 years of history before they swooped down and conquered the Shang Dynasty. As the Zhou people expanded south and eastward they intermarried and absorbed the pre-Zhuang (Man) people. The first king of the Zhou Dynasty was Ji Fa (King Zhou Wu Wang). His father was Ji Chang (King Zhou Wen Wang). Ji Chang laid the foundation for the Zhou people to conquer the Shang Dynasty. He was considered a co-founder of the Zhou Dynasty.
King Zhou Wen Wang's second wife had a brother named Zhou Yao. Zhou Yao's son was named Zhou Qu. Zhou Qu was a feudal prince. He was conferred the title of "Zi Jue" and given an area known as "Cen Ting" (currently known as city of Han District in southern Shanxi province) by King Zhou Wen Wang. Cen Ting was considered a third-class state at that time. Zhou Qu was addressed as Cen Zi. His descendents adopted Cen as their surname in his honor. Later Cen Zi was either a Text or Martial King of his territory.
The Cen clan is considered part of the royal "Ji" (aka: Zhou Dynasty) family. The Cen clan later moved from Cen Ting, Shanxi to Hancheng, Shaanxi. Subsequently, they settled in Nanyang, Henan. In Nanyang, the Cen became the most prominent clan and become known as the Nanyang Clan. In the past it was common practice for clan members to remain in their hereditary villages and/or migrate as a clan. However, other clan members would later venture to Shandong and Zhejiang. Also some Cen migrated to Sichuan, Hubei and Southern China before, during, and after the Tang Dynasty in search of better opportunities. This migration was due to limited hereditary positions available for their clan. Later others were stationed in Southwest and Southern China as part of the State's military operations.
The Cen clan became and was an influential family during the Han, Northern and Southern, Sui and Tang Dynasties. During the Tang Dynasty they produced three Chancellors of China (highest-ranking official in the imperial government in ancient China). They were Cen Wenben, Cen Changqian and Cen Xi.
During the early part of the Tang Dynasty, the Cen clan became more politically involved with government affairs than in previous dynasties. They were not only considered a wealthy aristocratic military family, but also a political threat to some factions of the royal Li (Tang Dynasty) and Wu families (Zhou Dynasty temporarily replaced the Tang Dynasty). This was during the reign of Emperor Gaozong (aka: Li Zhi, b. 628 A.D.) and Empress Wu Zetian (aka: Wu Zhao or Empress Wu of Tang, b. 625 A.D.) of the Tang Dyanasty; Wu Zetian (Zhou Dynasty - an interruption of the Tang Dynasty), and later Emperor Xuanzong (aka: Li Longji) of Tang Dynasty.
Cen Wenben, Chancellor of China served Emperor Taizong (aka: Li Shimin) of the Tang Dynasty before the Cen clan became a political threat to some of the Li royal family members.
Cen Changqian, Chancellor of China was executed by Empress Wu Zetian in 691 A.D due to political differences. Also all five of his sons were forced to commit suicide. His ancestral burial sites were destroyed. Many Cen clan members were given the choice of being exiled or committing suicide (a choice given to individuals and their relatives in high positions). Dozens upon dozens of Cen clan individuals were exiled to Guangxi and Southern China. The far south in the Tang Dynasty period was known as the Southern Siberia of China for political exiles. During this period other Cen clan members were demoted in governmental positions held.
Cen Xi restored the Cen family name in approximately 704 A.D due to his outstanding public official service to Empress Wu Zetian of Zhou Dynasty. The Cen clan was once again allowed to be promoted and/or serve in high level government positions. By this time period, it appears the majority of the Cen clan were in Southern China. The Cen surname was becoming uncommon in Central China. In Southern and Southwest China, the government positions were described as Chieftains or Native Officials. The holders of these positions were both Han and non-Han individuals. Cen Changqian titles and ancestral burial sites were restored by Emperor Ruizong (aka: Li Dan) in approximately 710 A.D. Cen Changqian was reburied with honors and given back his titles. Cen Xi, Chancellor of China was executed by Emperor Xuanzong (aka: Li Longji) in 713 A.D due to political reasons. This situation posed a problem for the clan, as the Cens had many relatives in public official positions during this time period. The Cens were also regrouping in Guangxi and Southern China.
Cen Shen, Tang Dynasty Poet born in 715 A.D. His father was Cen Zhi, Uncle was Cen Xi, Chancelor of China, Grandfather was Cen Manqian, Secretary General of the in Shaanxi, Grand Uncle was Cen Changqian, Chancellor of China, and his Great-Grandfather was Cen Wenben, Chancellor of China. He was born in a time period when his aristocratic family was already in decline. The Cen clan was considered a political rival of some members of the Royal Li and Wu families. Before his birth, many Cen clan relatives were given the choice of committing suicide or being exiled.
By the end of the 7th century (600 A.D. - 699 A.D.) and the beginning of the 8th century (700 A.D. - 725 A.D.), the majority of the Cen clan either already migrated or were relocated to Southwest and Southern China. Just as before in Northwest China proper and Central China, the Cen clan spent generations building their power base by intermarrying and absorbing influential political miltary families whether from recent Northern China migrants or indigenous Southern China inhabitants. Cen clan vs. Huang clan in 1481 A.D over expansion of Guangxi territories and control of populations. Cen clan wins.
The emperor offered and maintained hereditary positions for frontier clans much longer than for other areas in China. This was due in part to advance China's expansion plans. Therefore, the Cen clan maintained hereditary rights much longer than other clans. With a growing Cen clan family along with a limited number of hereditary positions, this caused internal family struggles and centuries of disagreements. In 1494, a major Cen clan quarrel began. They fought each other, the government, and other clans. Inter- and intra- territories experienced intense fighting by the different branches of the Cen clan. The quarrels continued until hereditary positions were abolished by the Emperor. The Cen clan territories were slowly converted to regular adminsitrarive regions over the next 300 years. Over time, the Cen clan family diminished in size and their surname became uncommon again. However, this time their surname became uncommon in Southern China.
By the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, the Cen clan had been public officials (prefects) for approximately 25 generations in Guangxi. They also held other governmental positions in other areas.
The Cen clan after settling in Guangxi traveled and frequented other areas such as: Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangdong. (aka: the southern Silk Road). This was primary due to their ambition to expand their territory along with the leading of mercenary soldiers to other areas of China at the Emperor's request. Their home base was considered Guangxi. Years later some Cen clan members were stationed as public officials in Shanxi, Beijing, Gansu, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi and Fujian. They were known as far as Xinjiang, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. As time passed, the Cen families and men moved at various times and directions. They later settled in areas such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, United States and other countries. As the Cen families and men migrated their decendents intermarried with various different groups. Today, the Cen clan (a Zhou Dynasty people) like other groups make up the Han Chinese people.
Cen Ethnic Composition:
Northern China (Before migration/relocation to Guanxi and Southern
China): Qiang, Xia, Shang, Zhou, Huaxia, Xirong, Rongdi, Han (Northern
Han Chinese), Xianbei (Surnames: Tuoba and Yuwen)
Southern China (After migration/relocation to Guangxi and Southern
China): Han (Northern Han Chinese), Tang (Southern Han Chinese), Zhuang
(Tai), Yi (Di/Qiang), Bai (Di/Qiang), Mongol (Shiwei.
Guangxi/Yunnan/Sichuan), Qidan (Xianbei and Xiongnu. Surnames: Yuwen
and Jiang. Guangxi/Yunnan/Sichuan) and Han (Northern and Southern Han
Chinese).
Cen Clan Military Alliances (past and present ethnic groups in China)
Zhou
Xirong
Rongdi
Huaxia
Han
Xianbei
Tang
Zhuang
Viet (Kinh people and the Mac/Mo/Mok/Mao Chinese-Vietnamese clan)
Mongol
Qidan
Note: Historically perceived military alliances among other groups.
Note: The Cen clan intermarried and/or absorbed aritocratic political military families and scattered military men and their families of existing and conquered territories. See groups above.
Cen Clan Military Opponents (past and present ethnic groups in China)
Shang
Xirong
Rongdi
Shu
Ba
Goguryeo
Tujue
Tufan (Tubo)
Arabs
Qarlugs (Karluks)
Miao
Yao
Wa
Viet (Kinh)
Yi
Bai
Zhuang
Hui
French
British
Han
Tang
Note: Historically perceived military opponents among other groups.
Cen Clan Ancestors and Members:
~ 2,700 B.C.
1. Huangdi. Yellow Emperor.
2. Diku. Ancient Overlord. The Benevolent King. A great grandson of
Huangdi.
3. Houji. Father of Argriculture. Son of Diku and Jiang Yuan (a
descendant of the Fiery Lord Yandi). Houji had brothers named Yao and
Xie. The surname Ji was given to him by Lord Yao. Houji's mother (Jiang
Yuan) originated from a group also known as Jiang Yuan. Historians
identified the group as the ancient Qiang group. They were in turn part
of the Xirong people.
4. Buzhou. Son of Houji. Left for Rong and Di lands and abandoned
agriculture.
5. Gongliu. Grandson of Buzhou. Renewed agriculture in Rong and Di
lands.
6. Qingjie. Son of Gongliu. Step-up a statelet called Bin. It was in
Western Shaanxi. The Xirong people inhabited this area.
~ 1,100 B.C.
1. Gugong (aka: Tanfu, Zhou King Tai Wang). Eight generations had past
since Qingjie. Gugong relocates his people to Qishan. He was endeoffed
a territory known as the State of Zhou (present day Wei River Valley of
Shaanxi) by the King of the Shang Dynasty. His spouse was Tai Jiang.
Had three sons (Tai Bo, Zhong Yong and Ji Li). Tai Bo and Zhong Yong
migrated to Zhejiang's Yantze Delta (Meili Village, Wuxi County,
Changzhou, Jiangsu). They formed the Kingdom of Wu.
2. Ji Li (aka: King Ji of Zhou, Zhou Ji Wang. Spouse Lady Ren). His son
is Ji Chang (aka: Count Xibo, King Wen of Zhou, Zhou Wen Wang, Civil
King/Scholar King. Spouse TaiSi) was a co-founder of the Zhou Dynasty.
His grandson is Ji Fa (aka: King Wu of Zhou, Zhou Wu Wang, Martial
King), the founder of the Zhou Dynasty.
3. Zhou Yao. Brother of a second wife of Ji Li.
4. Cen Zi (aka: Cen Yi, Zhou Qu). Cen Zi is the son of Zhou Yao. King
Zhou Wen Wang bestows area known as Cen Ting to Zhou Qu. Zhou Qu is the
first individual surnamed Cen. Zhou Qu is considered the cousin of Zhou
Wen Wang.
~ 50 A.D.
1. Cen Peng. d. 35 A.D. Time period ~ 30 A.D. Great General of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Duke Wuyang and Marquis of Yin. Major contributor to building of Eastern Han Dynasty under Emperor Guangwu (aka: Liu Xiu, Lew Siu). Cen Peng fought a naval battle (Yangtze River, Sichuan) with Gongsun Shu of Chengjia in 33 A.D.
~ 150 A.D. to 300 A.D.
1. Cen Zhi (aka: Sam Jat - Yale, Sam Zat - Jyutpin, Ts'en Chih, Cen
Gongxiao was his style name). Time period ~ 168 A.D. Grand
Administrator of Henan. Previously served as an Officer of Merit (Office
of Bureau of Merit). One of the Eight Paragons (Wise Ones) of Jiangxi
(Jiangxia). He was from Nanyang, Henan. He served Emperor Huan (aka:
Liu Zhi) of Han Dynasty and Emperor Ling (aka: Liu Hong).
2. Cen Bi (aka: Sam Bik - under Yale and Jyutpin, Ts'en Pi and Cen Pi).
Time period ~ 203 A.D. General under Yuan Tan during Three Kingdom
Period (Yuan Tan Kingdom). Known for slaying Wu Wuan bandit leaders.
Cen Bi was a general in service to Yuan Tan. When Yuan Tan began to plot
against Yuan Shang it wasn¡¦t long before Yuan Shang discovered the
intrigue and attacked his brother with 50,000 troops. The battle turned
against Yuan Tan and he was forced to retreat to Pingyuan. Yuan Shang
retreated to his own city.
Later, Yuan Tan and Guo Tu decided upon a new attack, and this time they
chose General Cen Bi as vanguard. Yuan Shang went to meet him. When both
sides had been arrayed and the banners were flying and the drums beating,
Cen Bi rode out to challenge and railed at his opponent. At first Yuan
Shang was going to answer the challenge himself, but L? Kuang had
advanced. L? Kuang and Cen Bi met but had fought only a few bouts when
Cen Bi fell. Cen Bi was later slain by a famous General named Lu Kuang.
3. Cen Wen (aka: Sam Wai - under Yale and Jyutpin, Gim Wi - Minnan,
Ts'en Wei and Chen Wei). Time period ~ 234 A.D. Han Dynasty and Wei
Kingdom General. General Who Guards the Frontiers during Three Kingdom
Period. Cen Wei was a Han general who participated in the assassination
of Dong Zhuo. When Wang Yun and L? Bu decided to do away with him Wang
Yun ordered Shisun Rui to write an imperial order in his own hand for L?
Bu. L? Bu ordered the Chief Commandant of Cavalry Li Su, a man from his
own commandery, with the swordsmen Qin Yi, Cen Wei, and a dozen others,
to disguise themselves as guards and wait behind the Northern Lateral
Gate for Dong Zhuo. Cen Wei was later slain by Wang Ping of Shu.
4. Cen Hun (aka: Sam Fan - under Yale and Jyutpin, Gim Hun - Minnan,
Ts'en Hun). Time period ~ 280 A.D. Minister under Kingdom of Wu.
Confidant to Sun Hao during Three Kingdom Period. Eunuch and favourite
of Sun Hao, he was killed and eaten by palace officials. Sun Hao is
Younger brother of Sun Quan. The Sun clan are descendants of Sun Tze
(The Art of War military treatise creator). Sun Quan executor Guan Yu
(Guan Yu was a general under Liu Bei (aka: Lew Pei), founding Emperor of
Shu Han).
~ 500 A.D. to 750 A.D.
1. Cen Shangfang. Served under Emperor Xuan of Western Liang (a vassal
state of Northern Zhou). Ancestors spent generations developing
alliances with political and military families during the Han (Han
people), Jin (Han people), and Northern and Southern Dynasties (Han and
Xianbei people).
2. Cen Zhixiang. Magistrate of Handan County, Henan.
3. Cen Wenshu. Son of Cen Zhixaing and older brother of Cen Wenben and
Cen Wenzhao.
4. Cen Wenben. b. 595 A.D. Chancellor of China. Viscount of Xian of
Jiangling. Assitant editor of the official history of Northern Zhou
Dynasty (Book of Zhou). Also compiled a work later to be known as the
Records of Clans, with the intent of dividing the clans into nine classes
based on their past contributions, good deeds, and ill deeds. The
Northern Zhou Dynasty was ruled by the Xianbei people.
5. Cen Wenzhao. Younger brother of Cen Wenben.
6. Cen Changqian. d. 691 A.D. Chancellor of China. Duke of Deng. Son
of Cen Wenshu. After his father passed away, he was raised by Cen
Wenben.
6. Cen Lingyuan. Son of Cen Changqian. One of five sons of Cen
Changqian that were executed by Empress Wu Zetian.
7. Cen Manqian. Secretary General of the in Shaanxi (Yong prefecture of
Xian, Shaanxi). Duke of Xi. Son of Cen Wenben.
8. Cen Xian. Deputy Principal of the Imperial University. He is the
eldest son of Cen Manqian.
9. Cen Xi. d. 713 A.D. Chancellor of China. Duke of Nanyang. During
Cen Xi time period, tens among tens of Cen clan members served in
influential government positions. He was the second son of Cen Manqian.
10. Cen Zhongxiang. Prefect of Henan. He was the third son of Cen
Manqian.
11. Cen Zhongxiu. Prefect of Henan. He was the fourth son of Cen
Manqian.
12. Cen Zhi. Grandson of Cen Wenben. Father of Cen Shen. Cousin of Cen
Xi.
12. Cen Lun. Earned Jinshi degree during Kaiyuan era (727-741) of Tang
Dynasty in Chengdu, Sichuan.
13. Cen Shen. b. 715 A.D. (aka: Cen Jiazhou, Cen Can or Cen Ceng).
Son of Cen Zhi. Tang Dynasty era poet (frontier poet) and Prefect of
Jiazhou, Sichuan. Earned Jinshi Degree. Friend and associates were
poets Li Bai and Du Fu. Another friend and associate was Gao Xianzhi
(高仙芝), Tang General of Goguryo (Koguryo) descent.
Cen Shen was a scholar official who traveled with Gao Xianzhi on his
military campaigns to Central Asia.
Note: Some members of the Cen Clan start migration to Southern China before Tang Dynasty due to limited heretary positions and seeking better opportunities. In addition, many members of the Cen Clan are relocated to Guangxi and Southwest China. Guangxi becomes main base for Cen clan. The Cen surname starts to become uncommon in Central China.
~ 691 A.D. to 1800 A.D.
1. Cen Shun. Time period ~ 750 A.D. Fictional character that was a
native of Yunnan. Cen Shun was invited by the Golden Elephant Kingdom to
be a military advisor in their battle against the Dian Kingdom. The
story was written by the Tang Minster of State Niu Sengru indicating the
Cen Clan's advisory role in political and military affairs in the year
762 A.D. As time passed future generations began to forget the
contributions the Cen clan provided during the Tang and earlier dynasties
in Central China.
2. Cen ____. Nong Quanfu. Founder of State Chang Qi Quo. Spouse is A
Nong. Her brother is Nong Fudao. Nong Quanfu is the Father of Nong
Zhigao (founded a State Dali Guo). Nong Quanfu kills a Cen and takes
their land away.
3. Cen Xiangqiu. Earned Jinshi degree in Sichaun.
4. Cen Congyi. Time period ~ 1280 A.D. Owned large tracks of land that
were passed down to his descendants.
5. Cen Xiong. Lai An Route Tribal Commander.
6. Cen Shixing. Time Period ~ 1326 A.D. Grandson of Cen Xiong. Rasised
a 60,000 man army that threated the southwest.
7. Cen Baiyan. Named after the successful Mongol Warrior Zhang Baiyan.
8. Cen Jie.
9. Cen Zhang. Father of Cen Wa Shi. Family migrated to Guangxi during
Song Dynasty.
10. Cen ____ (aka: Madam Cen). Mother of Cen Bo.
Note: A number of Cens have been known to be in Guangxi, Yunnan and Southwest China since the Tang Dynasty.
Tianzhou Chieftaincy (Date) (Ended 1875 A.D.) (Right River Region):
1. Cen Boyan. Chief of Tianzhou (within present day Guangxi (1368)).
During this time period the term Chieftain is a frontier hereditary
position. This position later was changed to regular government
administrative titles depending upon the extent of control of the public
official over soldiers, populations, territorial size and other
resources. He controlled the horse trade between Yunnan and Liangguang
(Guangxi and Guangdong).
2. Cen Yongtong. Chief of Tianzhou (1394). Eldest son of Cen Boyan.
3. Cen Qiong. Eldest son of Cen Yongtong.
3. Cen Xiang. Chief of Tianzhou (1405). Second son of Cen Yongtong.
4. Cen Hui. Chief of Tianzhou (1419). Eldest son of Cen Xiang.
5. Cen Shao. Chief of Tianzhou (1420). Second son of Cen Xiang.
6. Cen Jian. Chief of Tianzhou (1453). Eldest son of Cen Shao.
7. Cen Yong. Chief of Tianzhou (1460). Second son of Cen Shao.
8. Cen Qin. Fought Cen Pu (aka Cen Bo) for Tianzhou territory. Third
son of Cen Shao
9. Cen Duo. Fourth son of Cen Shao.
10. Cen Pu (aka: Cen Bo). Chief of Tianzhou (1475). Eldest son of Cen
Yong. Murdered by eldest son Cen Xiao in 1493 A.D.
11. Cen Xiao. Eldest son of Cen Pu.
12. Cen Shi. Second Son of Cen Pu.
13. Cen Meng. b. 1496 A.D. Chief of Tianzhou (1498). Raised 100,000 man
army of Han, Tang and Zhuang to defend area against Ming army
colonization of Southern China. Third son of Cen Pu.
14. Cen Wa Shi. b. 1498 A.D. First of four wives of Cen Meng. General
that applied Cen Military code to defend China's Jiangsu and Zhejiang's
southeast shoreline against Japanese and Chinese prirates. A temple was
built in the honor of Cen Wa Shi at Lung Zhou, Guangxi.
15. Cen Bangzuo. He was the eldest son of Cen Meng. His spouse was Cen
Wa Shi (aka: Madam Zhang).
16. Cen Bangyan (aka: Cen Bangchan). He was the second son of Cen Meng.
His spouse was Madam Lin.
17. Cen Bangfu (aka: Cen Bangpu). He was the third son of Cen Meng.
His mother was a concubine.
18. Cen Bangxiang. Chief of Tianzhou (1529). He was the fourth son of
Cen Meng. His spouse was Madam Wei.
19. Cen Zhi. Chief of Tianzhou (1537). Son of Cen Bangyan.
20. Cen Taishou (aka: Cen Dashou). Chief of Tianzhou (1551). Eldest
son of Cen Zhi.
21. Cen Tailu (aka: Cen Dalu). Chief of Tianzhou (1563). Second son of
Cen Zhi.
22. Cen Mouren. Chief of Tianzhou (1592). Son of Cen Tailu.
23. Cen Tingduo. Chief of Tianzhou (1631). Son of Cen Mouren.
24. Cen Yingqi. Chief of Tianzhou. In 1737 A.D. led wolf soldiers
against Miao in Guizhou.
25. Cen Yilian. Chief of Tianzhou. Also a poet. Died in 1789 A.D. in
an expedition in Vietnam.
26. Cen Yongfu.
Note 1: Even though the during different dynasties the government planned to convert Tianzhou into a regular administrative region, it was determined that it would be in the best interest of the centralizing state to leave the Cen clan along. The government felt it was too costly to finance their operation to maintain and expand their disputed territories in Guangxi and Southwest China. The wolf soilders appeared to be indispensable at the costs of many uprisings and disturbances caused by them.
Note 2: The Cens of Tianzhou established military alliances with the
Macs of Cao Bang (i.e., Mac Dynasty of Vietnam).
Note 3: The Cen hereditary titles lasted until 1875 A.D. when Tianzhou
was converted to a regular administrative district.
Sien Chieftaincy (Date) (Right River Region):
1. Cen Boyan. Chief of Tianzhou (within present day Guangxi (1368)).
During this time period the term Chieftain is a frontier hereditary
position. This position later was changed to regular government
administrative titles depending upon the extent of control of the public
official over soldiers, populations, territorial size and other
resources. He controlled the horse trade between Yunnan and Liangguang.
2. Cen Yongtai. Chief of Sien (within present day Guangxi (1368)).
Second son of Cen Boyan.
3. Cen Yongchang. Chief of Sien (1387). Third son of Cen Boyan
4. Cen Huan. Chief of Sien (1419). Eldest son of Cen Yongchang.
5. Cen Ying. Chief of Sien (1420). Assisted Cen Qin in fighting Cen Pu
(aka: Cen Bo). Second son of Cen Yongchang.
6. Cen Bin. Chief of Sien (1450). Eldest son of Cen Ying.
7. Cen Sui. Chief of Sien (1459). Second son of Cen Ying.
8. Cen Jun. Chief of Sien (1494). Eldest son of Cen Sui. Launched a
take-over of Tianzhou in 1498 A.D. Over 5,000 people killed with his
soldiers.
9. Cen Ying. Founded Sien Prefectural Academy in 1517 A.D.
10. Cen Ye. Assistant Administration Commissioner of Shangdong
(Beginning of 16th century).
11. Cen Man. Had over 300 war boats to control You river (1488 A.D. -
1505 A.D.) / Cen Zhun. Time period ~ 1506 A.D. (Of Sien. Controlled
over 300 war boats. It was used to control trade trafic from Yunnan to
Guangzhou.
Zhen'an Chieftaincy (Date) (Right River Region):
1. Cen Jixiang. Had no heirs.
Sicheng Chieftaincy (Date) (Right River Region):
1. Cen Bao.
2. Cen Shaoxun. Chieftaincy (1574 to 1612).
3. Cen Yunhan. Chieftaincy. Regional Vice Commander. Regional Military
Commissioner. Time period (~1640). Son of Cen Shaoxun.
Laian (aka Lai An) Chieftaincy (Date) (Right River Region):
1. Cen Hanzhong. Chief of Laian (1369). Within present day Guangxi).
Cousin of Cen Boyan.
2. Cen Langguang. Chief of Laian. (1372). Nephew of Cen Boyan.
Li (Zhou) Chieftaincy (Date) (Right River Region):
1. Cen Yan.
Other Areas of Cen Chieftaincies (Date):
1. Anlong (Right River Region)
2. Shanglin Si (Right River Region).
3. Guishun (Right River Region). Cens of Guishun established military
alliance with the Macs of Cao Bang.
4. Wujing (Left River Region)
5. Others
Other Cens (Date):
1. Cen Fang. County Magistrate. Juren degree in 1468 A.D.?
2. Cen Dalun. District Official of Guixun County ~ 1625 A.D. Zhen'an?
3. Cen Jigang. Son of Cen Dalun.
4. Cen Jichang. Son of Cen Dalun.
~ 1800 A.D. to ~2000 A.D.
1. Cen Heting. d. 1850. Xiucai status (qualified to take exams).
Candidate for government examination. Father of Cen Yuying
2. Cen Yuying. b. 1829 A.D. (aka: Cen Xuying, Ceng Yuying, Qin Yuying,
Chen Yuying, Ts'en Yu-Ying). Governor-General of Yungui (Yunnan-Guizhou
1883 A.D. - 1889 A.D., Chen Yuying), Governor-General of Yunnan (1868
A.D. or 1872 A.D. - 1876 A.D, Chen Yuying or Ceng Yuying), Minor Governor
of Guizhou (1879 A.D. - 1881 A.D.), and Minor Governor of Fujian (1881
A.D. - 1882 A.D, Ts'en Yu-ying). Hereditary Titles: Duke of Xiangqiu,
Baron (2nd Class), Qingche Duyu and Yunqiyu. Xiucai status (qualified to
take exams). He was a military commander that was recognized by the
people and Emperor for providing stability and prosperity in Yunnan. In
addition, he was the chief commander in the war between China, France and
Vietnam. He had seven sons and at least one daughter. His son's
generation name was Chun (aka: Qun, Shun or Sun depending upon the
dialect used). Cen Yuying is a direct descendant of Cen Peng, Great
General of the Han Dynasty.
3. Cen ____. Daughter of Cen Yuying.
4. Cen Chunrong. b. 1852 A.D. Intendant of Henan. Hereditary Titles:
Inherited his father's titles. He was the eldest son of Cen Yuying.
5. Cen Chunxi. b. 1857 A.D. Henan and Zhili. He was the second son of
Cen Yuying.
6. Cen Chunxuan. b. 1861 A.D. (aka: Cen Qunxuan, Chen Qunxuan, Sum
Shun-Suen, Sam Sun-Suen, Tsen Chun-Xuan). Governor of Shanxi (1901 A.D.
- 1902 A.D), Governor-General of Sichuan (1902-1903), Liangguang
(Guangdong-Guangxi 1903 A.D. - 1906 A.D.), and Yungui (Yunnan-Guangxi
1906 A. D. - 1907 A.D.), Sichuan (1907 A.D. - 1908 A.D.), and Xizhang
(Tibet 1912 A.D). Also served in Gansu and Beijing. He was the third
son of Cen Yuying.
7. Cen Chun____. He was the fourth son of Cen Yuying.
8. Cen Chunming. b. 1865 A.D. (aka: Cen Qunming, Sum Chun-Ming, Sum
Shun-Ming, Sam Sun-Ming, Tsen Chun-Ming). Governor of Guizhou (1905 A.D.
- 1906 A.D.), Hunan (1906 A.D. - 1910 A.D.), Minor Governor of Jiangxi,
and Judicial Commissioner of Hubei. He was the fifth son of Cen Yuying.
He resigned from his government position in 1910 A.D.
9. Cen Chunnoong. b. 1869 A.D.? (aka: Sum Shun-Noong, Sam Sun-Noong).
Minor Government Official. School Teacher and merchant. ~ He was the
sixth son of Cen Yuying. He lost his government position at the end of
the Qing Dynasty.
10. Cen Chunjun. b. 1871 A.D.? (aka: Sum Shun-Jun, Sam Sun-Jum).
Merchant. ~ He was the seventh son of Cen Yuying.
Note: The generation name Chun is aka: Qun, Shun and Sun depending upon
the dialect used.
11. Cen Yu____. b. 1893 A.D. (aka: Sam Yuk ____). He was the eldest
son of Cen Chunnoong.
12. Cen Yushu. b. 1901 A.D. (aka: Sam Yuk Kue, Sum Yuk Kue, Sam Wah
Hing, Sum Wah Hing, Cen Huaqing). Spouse: Quan Jun. b. 1903 A.D. He
was the second son of Cen Chunnoong. He has four sons and one daughter.
His spouse had six sons and three daughters (including his spouse). He
told Cen Ziwei that the Cen clan did not have to work for generations.
They come form a family of public officials. He also stated his father
lost his government position at the end of the Qing Dynasty.
13. Cen ____. Daughter of Cen Yu ____.
14. Cen Zi____. b. 1921/1923 A.D.? (aka: Sam Jue ____). Son of Cen
Yu____ and cousin of Cen Ziwei.
15. Cen Ziwei b. 1926 A.D. (aka: Sam Jue Wei, Sum Jue Wei, Sam Di Wei,
Sum Di Wei). Spouse: Lew (aka: Lau, Liu). He is the eldest son of Cen
Yushu. He has three sons. He said his father said that they are related
to Cen Chunming (aka: Cen Qunming, Sum Shun-Ming, Sam Sun-Ming). Our
relatives were public officials that lost their jobs at the end of the
Qing Dynasty.
16. Cen Zi____. b. 1930 A.D. Daugther of Cen Yushu. Spouse: Quon. She
has one son and two daughters.
17. Cen Zi____. b. 1933 A.D. Second son of Cen Yushu. Spouse: Yee. He
has three sons.
18. Cen Zi____. b. 1938 A.D. Third son of Cen Yushu. No descendants.
19. Cen Zi____. b. 1942 A.D. Fourth son of Cen Yushu. Spouse: Chu. He
has a son and a daughter.
20. Cen Gee. (aka: Sam Gee, Sum Gee, Shum Gee). Uncle and student of
Cen Neng.
21. Cen Neng (aka: Sam Nang, Sum Nung, Shum Lung). Wing Chun Gung Fu
Master. Student of Yuan Kay-Shan, Wing Chun Master.
Cen House - Items associated with the Cen clan:
1. Part of the Royal Ji (Zhou) family that founded the Zhou Dynasty.
2. Bear totem tribe (represents a continuous blood line).
3. Ancestral mountain.
4. Considered frontier (border) defenders.
5. Most prominent clan in Nanyang. Known as the Nanyang clan of Henan.
6. Possesed political and military prowess.
7. Created the Cen military code.
8. Engaged in calvary warfare.
9. Applied river ravine warfare.
10. Sometimes used a three-man assault (fighting) team that was developed
by southerners.
11. Commanders of mercenary soldiers.
12. Their mercenary soliders were known as Wolf Soldiers.
13. Marauding Wolf Pack.
14. Identified with the Blue Wolf.
15. Public Officials.
16. Hereditary Chieftains.
17. War Lords.
18. Known to be accomplished adminstrators and military men.
19. Wrestling as a form of exercise and past time.
20. Use of archery, cross-bows and spears.
21. Cave dwelling.
22. Cen Country, Cen Mountain, Cen House, Cen Nation, Cen State and Cen
Station.
23. In historical China, the original one hundred surnames was a crucial
identity of Han people. The Cen surname is number 67 in a poem that was
written for school children to memorize.
24. Periodically the Cen's spouses were surnamed Jiang throughout
history. In early history, the Jiang surname was associated with
individuals that descended from Yandi (Fiery Emperor). In Yunnan and
Guangxi, there are families with the Jiang surname that are descendants
of Han, Mongolian and Qidan soliders who were stationed there during the
Yuan Dynasty. The Han, Mongol and Qidan descendants of soldiers who
remained in Southwest China after the Yuan Dynasty are located in
Sichuan, Yunnan and Guangxi. There also may be Kumo-Xi descendants with
the Jiang surname that were assigned to Guizhou Prefecture during the
Tang Dynasty.
25. Reign and power similar to Cuan (aka: Guan, Kwan, Quan and Quon)
family that migrated to Southern China family in ~ 300 A.D.(Reign: ~ 300
A.D. to ~ 700 A.D) . However, the Cen clan's extent and control was not
as widespread due to the timing of their arrival in Southern and
Southwest China.
26. There is a river and county known as Cengong, Guangxi (aka:
Cenjiang).
27. There also is an academic institution that was formed at Cenxi Yuan,
Guangxi in ~ 622 A.D.
28. Owned and controlled large tracts of land.
29. Similar to other political aristocratic military families throughout
history, the Cen clan intermarried various ethnic groups. This occured
when they were in Northern, Central and Southern China. After their
migration and relocation to Southern and Southwest China, they also
intermarried and absorbed scattered war-torned soldiers and their
families that wandered into their territory or through areas that they
had conquered.
30. Controlled horse trade between Yunnan and Guangxi.
31. Controlled river trade between borders of Yunnan, Guangxi and
Guangdong.
32. Hot and spicy food.
33. Most well known and organized clan of Southern China at various
points in History.
34. After being relocated to Southern China, the Cen clan operated
primarily between Sichuan, Yunnan - Guangxi (Silk road of Southern
China), Guangdong and Guizhou. At other times, they would frequent
Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang and Jiangsu.
35. Some members possessed a language that had a distinct rolling sound.
Their language or dialect may have been influence by the Mongols and
Qidans that they came in contact or absorbed. Others spoke various
languages and dialects depending upon the time in history and groups they
needed to communicate with.
36. At times their long absence from Central China (as defenders of the
frontier) made some believe they were a foreign tribe. Others considered
them Han frontiersman or defenders of the border. Many believed the Cen
clan would have formed their own ethnic group (a temporary or somewhat
permanent group) such as the Cuans, Mongols, Qidans, or Nong Zhigao given
the right timing in history.
37. Sometimes the Cen clan was known as ardent supporters of the
government (i.e. when the government asked for the Cen clans help to
defend or expand China's disputed borders or manage the indigenous
tribes). Other times the Cen clan were known as usurpers, rebels and
renagades when they resisted the government's further colonization of
Southern China. The Cen clan was sometimes known for their agressive
behavior that caused and excited disturbances (i.e., The indigenous
peoples of the area resisted further colonization of the emperor's of
China. They were sometimes joined or led by the Cen clan and descendants
of earlier waves of settlers.).
38. There are monuments, tombs and temples built in honor of the Cen clan
and members for their role in obtaining and maintaining prosperity in
Southwest and Souteast China.
39. The Cen clan is known for their tradition, power and accomplishments
for over a 1,000 years by historians. .
by Lawrence Sam, < cencountry AT yahoo DOT. com >
Sam Herbert Huey (aka Sam Shu Huey), b. 1913 A.D., an 61st generation descendant of the Great General Cen Peng of the Eastern Han Dynasty and the 24th generation of the Sam (Cen) family that settled in Guangdong Province
Hundred Families Surname Poem
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