Studied in Paris under Professor Jean
Martin Charcot at the Salpêtrière
Studied in Vienna under Professor Albert
Undertook private studies at Cambridge and St. Thomas’s Hospital, London
Was appointed a member of the Royal College of Surgeons
Founded the firm Jordan, Forsyth, Grove and Aubrey, Hong Kong medical practitioners
Undertook private studies at Cambridge and St. Thomas’s Hospital, London
Was appointed a member of the Royal College of Surgeons
Founded the firm Jordan, Forsyth, Grove and Aubrey, Hong Kong medical practitioners
Was Acting Colonial Surgeon in Hong Kong
Was Chief Health Officer in Hong Kong
Was one of the original founders of the
Hongkong College of Medicine and a lecturer
Was the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Hong Kong University
from its foundation
Was a founding original member of the
University of Hong Kong
Was a lecturer, and Pater Professor, of
Tropical Medicine at Hong Kong University
Was the Vice Chancellor of Hong Kong University
Headed a successful and thriving private medical
practice in Hong Kong
In 1915 during the Great War he was a
Surgeon Major of the Hongkong Police Reserve later appointed to Surgeon
Superintendent
Was a Senior Official Justice of the Peace in
Hong Kong
Was a Past Master of the Masonic Perseverance
Lodge Hong Kong
Was a District Grand Master Scottish Freemasonry Hongkong and South China
Was a District Grand Master Scottish Freemasonry Hongkong and South China
A remarkable summary of someone with a most
extraordinary life.
What nationality was this high achieving
man?
Armenian.
Where did he come from?
Calcutta,
India
What was his name?
Doctor
Gregory Paul Jordan M.B., C.M. Ed., M.R.C.S. Eng.
Who was he?
One
of two nephews in Hong Kong of Sir Catchick Paul Chater.
Gregory Paul Jordan was born in Calcutta on
the 6th November 1856 and baptised in the Armenian Holy Church of
Nazareth in the city on the 24th February 1856[1]. The youngest child of eight born to Jordan
Paul Jordan and Anna nee Chater. Anna
was the eldest sibling of Catchick Paul Chater separated by 17 years between
them. Anna married in 1845[2]
before her brother was born in 1846. Their parents both died relatively young,
their father in 1853 and their mother in 1855. Anna, the eldest of 13 siblings
was thrust into the role of mother to the younger one; Hosannah, Catchick,
Sophia and Joseph. By the time their mother died in 1855, Anna also had seven
of her own children to nurture, all where born in Calcutta and baptised at the
Armenian Church.[3]
 |
| Baptism Register entry from the Armenian Church Register of Calcutta Photo: Liz Chater private collection |
Gregory Paul Jordan’s father Jordan Paul Jordan was a stock and share broker in Hong Kong and the Far East[4]. Hailing from the mercantile Jordan clan of Madras and prior to that the family, like so many, came to India from New Julfa. Unlike Catchick Paul Chater who was orphaned at seven[5], Gregory Jordan and his siblings enjoyed family life with both parents who cared and protected them although Anna did the lions share of parenting. Catchick Chater and his brother Joseph were swept up by Anna and became part of her Jordan family. Although Gregory Jordan and Catchick Paul Chater were nephew and uncle there was only 10 years between them and they grew up like brothers.
It would seem that Jordan Paul Jordan was based out in Hong
Kong and Shanghai for some considerable time[6],
travelling regularly back to Calcutta, all eight of his children were born
between 1846 and 1856 in Calcutta where it seems that Anna based herself.
However, by 1863 the Jordan family were in Hong Kong and in 1864 Catchick Paul
Chater sailed on the Armenian ship ‘Lightning’
from Calcutta belonging to the Apcar Shipping Line and went to join them.
Gregory ‘s early kindergarden education was clearly in
Calcutta yet it seems the Jordan family did not stay long in Hong Kong and by
1865 had returned to Calcutta where he continued his education and later enrolling
in a local medical college. Anna died in
1870[7]
when Gregory was 14 years of age, his father Jordan died five years later[8].
Like many others in India seeking an education and better
future, Gregory Jordan later enrolled at Edinburgh University as a medical
student. By the time the 1881 census[9]
was taken Gregory had graduated and is described on the census return as lodging
with George and Agnes Richie “a Bachelor Of Medicine & Master Of Surgery (Edinbro
University) (Now Practising) Extraordinary Member Royal Medical Society
Edinburgh”.
Around 1883, hopping from one end of Great
Britain to the other he was appointed resident surgeon at the Dorset County
Hospital on the South Coast of England. By 1885 Gregory had been admitted as a
member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England having completed further
medical studies at St. Thomas’s hospital in London, privately in Cambridge, and then in Vienna and at La
Salpetriere in Paris under the renown neurologist Charcot.9 below
 |
| The 1881 Scottish census with Gregory Jordan staying with the Richie family |
On the 26th May 1885 Dr. Gregory
Jordan accompanied by his uncle Joseph T. Chater arrived in Hong Kong on the
S.S. Oceanic from San Francisco[10].
Gregory’s other uncle Paul Chater[11] was
by now established and successfully positioned in the colony to be able to call
in a favour or two should Gregory require it.
As it turned out, it wasn’t required and he began a career where he was
clearly able to stand and be recognised on his own merits. By the middle of
1885 the Hong Kong Government Gazette announced that Gregory Paul Jordan of
Caine Road was qualified to practise in Hong Kong and his name had been added
to the Register of Medical and Surgical Practitioners.
By 1886 Gregory Jordan was Hong Kong acting
port Health Officer conducting his duties with professionalism and diligence.
That led on to him being given the post as acting Colonial Surgeon because the
incumbent was returning home for a holiday. Gregory also approached this new
position with great professionalism, and all achieved by the age of 30.
Circumstances dictated that Gregory Jordan eventually took over as permanent
Hong Kong Health Officer of the port in 1888, a post he entered into with great
enthusiasm because he too, just like his uncle had simply been completely
captivated by Hong Kong, it’s people and the allure of the Fragrant Harbour.
Simply put, he held Hong Kong dear to his heart and wanted to do what he could
to help the people be it local Chinese people or foreign settlers, in short he
had great plans.
The Alice Memorial Hospital was one of the
schemes that he was involved with. Throwing his energies into anything medicine
based on the island Gregory took on a punishing routine of round the clock
commitments of the Port Health Officer as well as running a successful private
practice along with various public service roles and much needed education of
up and coming medical professionals. The Alice Memorial Hospital was largely
funded by the London Missionary Society and barrister-doctor Kai Ho Kai in
memory of his English wife Alice.
Gregory Jordan attended the foundation stone laying ceremony and he was
mentioned and thanked in the speeches as one of four civil practitioners who
had volunteered their professional help to get the Alice Memorial hospital
going. It was further announced that a medical school was to be attached to the
hospital where “European medicine and science may be studied”. This was the
beginning of the Hong Kong College of Medicine that Gregory helped to set up
with Dr. Patrick Manson, and Drs. Young and Hartigan.[12]
He worked ceaselessly on the island through
numerous outbreaks of cholera and plague; in fact it is a miracle that he did
not succumb to any serious illness because it was his responsibility to board
the many ships, boats and sampans arriving in and out of Hong Kong harbor on a
daily basis. There could be up to 15 passenger ships a day each containing
several hundred travelers and he was tasked to board each of them and assess their
health as they disembarked. Having
worked and dedicated 15 years of his life without a break to the health of Hong
Kong, Gregory Jordan was urged to take a holiday away from Hong Kong for a
while. As it turned out, a break in his punishing work schedule came with the
untimely death of his brother Paul Jordan at Gregory’s home and practise
‘Forest Lodge, Caine Road’. On the 9th February 1901 Paul Jordan
passed away. The local papers reported that
“His death was preceded by a
complication of physical troubles and he was unconscious for some time before
the end.” The Chater and Jordan
families had had more than their share of bereavements to contend with, it was
after all, only 5 years since the death of Paul Chater’s beloved younger and
equally successful brother Joseph who died suddenly aged only 35 years in 1886
also on the island. Gregory Jordan had attended him during his illness but
could not prevent his passing away. Paul
Jordan was laid to rest at Happy Valley cemetery just a few yards from his
uncle Joseph Chater in an area that seems to have had plots reserved for family
interments.
 |
| Dr. Gregory Jordan's first entry in the Hongkong government Gazette |
 |
| Hongkong Government Gazette notification of Dr. Jordan's appointment to Acting Health Officer |
 |
| The two Jordan brothers listed in the Hongkong Government Gazette in 1889 |
Paul Jordan was a successful broker in his
own right in Hong Kong, he was a partner in the firm Jordan & Joseph but
after his death that partnership was dissolved.
The Jordan’s and the Chater’s had their own
monograms that they used on headed paper, personal family items as well as chinaware
for dinner services and household silverware.
This is an example of the late Paul Jordan’s family monogram on one of
his dinner services which is inlaid with 22ct gold.
After the death of his brother Paul,
Gregory Jordan left Hong Kong for a well earned holiday in England. He departed Hong Kong on the 19 March on
board the Doric travelling via
Shanghai, Nagasaki, Kobe, Yokohama and Honolulu arriving in San Francisco on
the 17th April. From there he
took the overland train where he boarded the Wassau in New York in June for the 5 days crossing to Liverpool.
 |
| The Jordan monogram on the family dinner service. 22ct gold and platinum Photo: Liz Chater private collection |
Basing himself in London, he was able to
reacquaint himself with other members of the Armenian community who had settled
in the Capital and it also allowed him precious time to catch up with the many
cousins the Jordan’s and Chater’s had in England.
How exactly he met Mrs. Marion Daly is
unclear. She was the wife of Charles
Daly who was a qualified dentist who had practised in London, Bristol and
Cardiff. Marion and Charles had married at the Westminster Registry Office,
London in 1889. Marion can be found on the 1901 census at the address of her
mother and brother in London. Her occupation is listed as ‘Medical
Electricienne’ whilst her mother is a retired ‘manageress costumier’ and
Frederick her brother a ‘draper’s clerk’. Marion’s background was Catholic
having been born and baptized in Dublin in 1867. Marion had another brother,
George Henry Ormsby who qualified as a doctor in 1896 in London, a younger
sister Jane cannot be traced therefore it is likely she died at a young age.
Gregory was in England on a long and
extended stay to recuperate and recharge himself after the grueling years and
responsibilities in Hong Kong. A
burgeoning closeness developed between him and Marion during the remainder of
1901 and a surprise was in store for her in early 1902.
Her marriage to Charles had probably broken
down a long time before she had met Gregory, because although she started
divorce proceedings in early 1902 it is quite unlikely that she would have done
so without some sort of help financially as well as emotional
encouragement. It is probably no
coincidence that Paul Chater arrived in London in the spring of 1902 in
readiness for the forthcoming coronation of King Edward VII. Paul Chater was
already aware that he was to be knighted so preparations for his ceremony, as
well as the coronation and other associated social commitments filled his
time. He and Gregory Jordan
were spotted in London by a journalist who reported in
the Daily Mail in May 1902 that “he had seen Sir Catchick Paul Chater the other day with Dr.
Jordan and thought he was not looking so badly, however,
he is going to Marienbad for the waters.”
Meanwhile Marion’s divorce papers were
filed on the 1st May by her solicitors G.C. Topham of London
Bridge. They state that Marion had
indeed married Charles Daly on the 29th August 1889, and that she
had lived with him in various locations as he built up his dentistry practise. During the course of the marriage it came to
light that Charles Daly was in fact already married and had been since 1884 to
Adelaide Caroline Isaacson whom he had married whilst living in British Guiana.
His wife was in a lunatic asylum in Gloucester and Charles was paying for her
maintenance, all without the knowledge of Marion. Marion was distraught by his
deceit and although it was difficult to prove, she did indeed manage to get a
copy of the marriage certificate of Charles and Adelaide with the help of the
Colonial office in London. I cannot help but think that this was probably
assisted in no small way by the contacts that Paul Chater had in that
particular Governmental department. For a woman to commence divorce proceedings
at the turn of the century usually meant you were either (a) well off, or (b)
well connected, the stigma to divorce was enormous and it took nerve and
confidence (as well as money) for a woman to undertake such a process. With her
mother and one of her brothers in the costume and drapery business it is most
unlikely that they were sufficiently financially comfortable to be able to help
Marion with the costs of the divorce. I
do not believe she did it alone. Paul Chater was very close to Gregory and
would have offered to ‘take care of things’, of that I have no doubt.
Under the protective wing of Paul Chater,
Marion was welcomed into the fold. She was a delightful tonic for Gregory and
it was clear that his intentions were long term. The summer of 1902 was socially frantic and
Marion would have been swept up into a world that was, perhaps unfamiliar to
her. Gregory Jordan was presented at Court in July at the Colonial reception at
St. James’s Palace, an occasion that was highly regarded, many tried and failed
for that all important handshake. The blip in proceedings was the planned date
for the coronation of 26th June which was put back to 9th
August due to a decline in the King’s ill health. However, coronation
celebrations in the Capital and up and down the country continued on, and as
part of the frenzy of celebration a Fleet Review took place on the 16th
August at Spithead on the South Coast where Paul Chater was an honoured guest
of the influential Rothschilds family. Levees, dinners, theatre visits all
ensued and Gregory Jordan along with Marion would have accompanied Paul Chater
to as many occasions as possible. The
summer culminated in Chater’s knighthood which took place on the 24th
October 1902 at Buckingham Palace.
 |
| Marion's dirvorce papers again Charles Daly |
Marion’s Decree Nisi came on the 1st
August 1902, and the Decree Absolute[13] 6
months later on the 9th of February 1903. Her marriage to Charles
was deemed null and void and she was free to do as she pleased.
After the coronation events both Sir Paul
and Gregory had to turn their thoughts to returning to their respective
businesses. The newly knighted Sir Paul Chater and his nephew Gregory Jordan
began their journey back to Hong Kong. Joining them on the long trip was
Charles Sassoon Gubbay a friend and business associate of Chater, they all travelled
down through Europe taking the scenic route to Port Said. However, they had unexpected company along
the way.
A few years ago, I found an interesting
book by Belle Livingstone[14],
telling of her exploits. In her eyes Chater was a marked man and it was her
sole intention to set up and capture the attention of Sir Paul Chater. Here is
a short story I put together a couple of years ago, it follows on nicely from
the Knighthood in October 1902.
Belle Livingstone: A [K]night’s
distraction. Sir Paul Chater is Beguiled
After a particularly busy summer in England
culminating in his knighthood award ceremony at Buckingham Palace in
October1902, and whilst the newly knighted Sir Paul Chater was making his way
back to Hong Kong with his companion, Charles Sassoon Gubbay via Paris and
Europe, an enterprising young American socialite, named Belle Livingstone, was
brazenly planning how she could use them and their money to help her win a bet
she had made to travel round the world on her wits and five Pounds.
Having arrived in Paris, she contrived with Louis, the
manager of the Café de Paris to ensure she was placed to dine at a table next
to theirs, and, once recognised by Gubbay and exclaiming it as an amazing
co-incidence, the three of them spent the evening together, the two gentlemen
completely entranced by Belle and her jokes and entertaining stories. The
deceiving ploy continued at the end of the evening when the well briefed Louis
approached and made a short speech congratulating Belle on her birthday.
“This inspired piece of deception was delivered with just the right air of
deference and compliment. Messrs. Chater and Gubbay rose to the bait like
a couple of king salmon to a Royal Coachman”. Chater said: “A Birthday?
You don’t say! This calls for champagne!” And Louis brought out the best
magnum he had. After the Café de Paris, the three of them moved on to
Maxim’s the naughtiest place in Paris. The manager bowed almost double as
he, Belle recalls, “led my merry moneybags to a choice table. Whilst
we were watching the dancers and sipping our champagne Gubbay asked the
question I had been waiting for. “Look Belle, there’s nothing imperative
about you going direct to Monte Carlo, is there? Why don’t you take a
little trip to Port Said with us? Paris-Rome express tomorrow night, boat from
Genoa the next night. Paul and I need a little cheering up on board. We’ll
see that you get a steamer back to Monte Carlo from Port Said.What do you say?”“
And so Belle Livingstone travelled with them and made sure that Sir Paul and
Charles Gubbay had only very pleasant memories of the trip, she was at her most
gracious and entertaining. As they parted they tried to get her to go all
the way to Hong Kong, Gubbay said: “You’re a circus Belle.” She
had mentally marked Hong Kong as one of her ports of call and she “had every
intention of digging into their pockets again in their own home town.”
Extracts from “Belle Out of Order” by Belle
Livingstone
Finally arriving back in Hong Kong on Christmas Eve 1902, the local newspapers happily reported their return from ‘home’.
On Thursday 3rd November 1904 at the consecration, of Scottish District Grand Lodge Sir Paul was supported by 29 officers of District Grand Lodge present and past, as well as by many English masons. Amongst the names of those present were those of two Armenians, A.V. Apcar and M. Seth. It must have given Sir Paul particular pleasure to install his own nephew Dr. Gregory Jordan as District Grand Master of a sister district, witnessed by two of his own widely scattered nation.[15]
 |
| Masonic Installation Certificate for Wor. Bro. Dr. Gregory Paul Jordan Photo: Liz Chater private collection |
The wedding was reported in the Hong Kong
newspapers:
“A quiet wedding took place
today at 3p.m at St. Joseph’s Church, Garden Road. Dr. Gregory Paul Jordan and Mrs. Marion Josephine Ormsby-Daly were
united in the bands of holy matrimony.
The Rev. Father Kelly (who is an uncle of the bride) conducted the
ceremony and was assisted by the Rev. Father Augustine. The church was prettily decorated for the
occasion with flowers, palms and pot plants, the chancel being a perfect garden
of exquisite exotics.
Sir Paul Chater (who is an uncle of the
bridegroom) gave the bride away, while Mr. A.G. Ward acted as best man. Mr. E. Danenberg officiated on the organ and
the service was fully choral. There
being according to custom, no bridesmaids, the bride was supported by Mrs. J.M.
Atkinson. As the happy couple came out of the church the Misses Stella, Phoebe,
Iris and Diane May and Masters Nigel and Bernard Atkinson and Maurice and
Gerald Slade scattered flowers across their path. The bride wore an elaborate frock of delicate
white lace over white silk, and a white hat with plumes and carried a beautiful
bouquet.
The bridal party then went on to the residence of
Sir Paul Chater at Caine Road where the wedding breakfast was held. A most representative gathering was present,
invitations having been sent out to two hundred guests, and the large dining
room of Sir Paul Chater’s home was just not sufficient enough to hold those
attending, and many were gathering around all the doors. Photographs of the bridal party were taken.
The Hon. F.H. May, in proposing the toast to the bride and
bridegroom, asked all present to charge their glasses. He was an Irishman, and all knew that Irish
ladies were renowned for their beauty and goodness of heart and they had
evidence of this before them.
The bridegroom, both professionally and socially,
was a man of the kindest heart, who had endeared himself to those present, and
also to many who were not present. It
said something for the Medical Officer’s professional skill that he (the
speaker), who had a wife and four daughters present in excellent health, had
just dined out on fourteen successive occasions, and still felt fit for more
(laughter). He assured the happy couple
that in this right little tight island, they would receive the heartiest of
welcomes.
The toast was enthusiastically drunk and cheers
for the bride and bridegroom were loud and long.
Dr. Jordan, in responding on behalf of his
wife and himself said:
I cannot find words adequately expressive of the
warmth of my feelings to all who are gathered here today for the flattering
reception given to my wife and myself.
We shall carry away a pleasant and lasting recollection of the kindness
extended to us.
With regard to the proposer of the toast, I shall
not attempt to answer his speech. I can
only say that my relations with him, and with the rest of you, have been one of
the greatest sources of joy and pride, and I have to thank you all for having
so cordially received us here today, and I only ask you now that the same
friendship as you have extended to me in the past, you will still extend to my
wife and myself.
On behalf of my wife and myself I have to thank
you most cordially for the hearty welcome extended to us, for your kind
congratulations and also for your lovely presents.
The happy couple then received the congratulations
of all present, and, taking advantage of a quiet moment, left the house thus
avoiding the showers of rice with which they would have otherwise been greeted.
Varied and handsome were the presents, a large
number being brought out by the bride from friends at home, she having been
lately arrived.
The following is a list.
Sir Paul Chater, a diamond necklace and pendant;
Mr. & Mrs. Chang Kai Ming, pearl bracelet; Mr. & Mrs. Leigh Parker,
gold bracelet; Mr. & Mrs. H.C. Marshall, gold matchbox; Mr. & Mrs. S. Sassoon, gold necklace with
sapphire and pearl pendant; Mr. A.G. Stokes, silver cigarette case; Mr. E. Pabaney, gold chain and “good luck”
bracelet; Mr. Wong Lai Sang, gold coin bracelet; Mr. A.N. Mody, pearl and
diamond earrings; Mr. and Mrs. H.M.H. Nemajee, pearl mounted watch; Mr. and
Mrs. H.D. Gaspar, writing case; Mr. & Mrs. Holdsumes, carved black-wood
table, Mr. Wei On, silver punch bowl; Mr., Mrs., and Miss Brotherton Harker,
ancient panels; Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Slade; silver photo frame; Mr. & Mrs. T.
Jones, cushion; Mr. & Mrs. E. Jones, cushion; Mr. Shigenaga, ancient Chinese vase with
silver dragon; Mr. F.H. Arjanee, silver frame; Mr & Mrs Humphries, silver
card tray; Dr. and Mrs Bell, silver mounted inkstand; Mr and Mrs Beck, silver
spoons; Mr and Mrs Goetz Satsuma card tray; Mr and Mrs Hutton Potts; pair of silver
photo frames; Mr and Mrs Edward Shellim, silver card tray; Mr and Mrs Peters,
silver punch bowl; Mr and Mrs E. Ellis, silver toast rack; Mr and Mrs A.G.
Aitkens, silver dragon; Mr. V.H. Deacon, silver coffee set; Mr and Mrs Arathoon
Seth, silver liqueur set; Mr S.A. Seth, silver writing set; Mr. D. Macdonald,
silver card bowl; Mr. A. Babington, drawing room clock; Hon. Mr and Mrs F.H.
May,
and the Misses May, silver writing set; Mr and Mrs J.A. Jupp, silver ink
stand; Mr. J.R.M. Smith, solid silver salver; Mrs. Vernon, silver cruet set; Mr
and Mrs A Mackenzie, silver photo frame; Mr A.G. Ward, silver photo frame; Mr
and Mrs Volpicelli, carved ivory vase; Mr. Aratoon V. Apcar, silver punch bowl;
Mr and Mrs Grant Smith, silver trinket box,; Dr. Keyt, silver cigarette case;
Mr and Mrs John A Plummer, pair of silver sweet dishes; Dr. and Mrs J.M.
Atkinson, four silver flower vases; Mr. A.F. Forster, silver match holder; Dr.
and Mrs Kew, silver box; Mr. B.L. Botliwalla, silver photo frame; Dr and Mrs
Hunter, silver photo frame; Mr and Mrs H.W. Slade, silver flower vases; Hon. R.
Shewan, silver egg dish; Mr. John Gregory, silver card tray; Mr C.J. Cooke,
silver pin cushion; Mr and Mrs Mowbray Northcote, silver butter dish, and
flower holder; Mr and Mrs Tarrant silver pot pourri, Mr. W. Taylor, silver
mounted claret jug; Capt., and Mrs. Milroy, silver fruit spoons; Mr and Mrs
Bisney, silver tea set; Mr and Mrs Tildon, silver flower vases; Mr and Mrs N.A.
Siebs, gold plated fruit spoons; Mr and Mrs Geo P. Lammert, carved black-wood
chair; Mr. James Rankin, silver lamp; Mr. T.F. Hough, clock; Mr and Mrs Ahmet
Rumjahn, silver box; Mr and Mrs E.M. Hazeland, silver flower vases; Mr and Mrs
J.A. Plummer, flower bowls in silver; Mr and Mrs H. Crombie, fruit dishes in
silver; Mr and Mrs J.T. Douglas, silver bowl; Mr and Mrs A.S. Mihara, ivory fan
and silk doyley; Dr. Forsyth, patent razors; Mr and Mrs McLean Gibson, sweet
dishes; Mr and Mrs Grace, silver flower vases;, Mr H. Percy Smith, silver
specimen vase; Mr and Mrs A.H.M. da Silver, silver spoon, Mr. A.H. Skelton and
Mrs S.A. Skelton, silver fruit dish; Mr and Mrs Adam Gibson, silver photo
frame; Mr. Bruce Shepherd, silver epergne; Mr and
Mrs G.J.B. Sayer, album; Mr and Mrs D.H. Silas, silver card tray; Mr Wei On,
silver bowl; Mr and Mrs A.E. Hodgins, set of lacquered tables; Mr and Mrs
Shelton Hooper, picture; Mr and Mrs J. Hooper, silk embroidered table cloth;
Mr. J. Orange, Chinese puzzle; Miss Ellis, silver card tray; Mr and Mrs
Pinchkney, book; Mr and Miss Swan, bridge box; A. Chuck, tea set; Mr. A.
Howard, silver card trays; Mr and Mrs Alfred Herbert Rennie, carved blackwood
chair; Mr. Fung Wa Chun, Chinese embroidered satin coat; Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, set of silver mounted finger
bowls; Mr and Mrs E.J. Jordan, clock; Mr. and Mrs Herbert Tomkis, vase; Mr and
Mrs Ho Tung, silver flower stands; Mr
Armin Haupt, clo’sonne vases;
District Grand Lodge of Scottish Freemasonry, set of silver flower vases and
silver mounted finger bowls; Mr and Mrs Fred D. Goddard, silver bowl; Mr and
Mrs E. Osbourne, bronze lobster ornament; Mr S.D. Moonshee, silver card tray;
Mr and Mrs T.A. Rose, cushion[16].”
From this moment onwards, Marion embraced
life in Hong Kong with her new dynamic husband and his popular and respected
uncle. Dr. Jordan was as keen on the annual race meetings in Hong Kong as Sir
Paul was. He had his own stable and
racing colours and his ponies were entered as owned by Mr. Medico. In February 1914 his pony ‘Aldwych’ won The Valley
Stakes, The Hong Kong Stakes and The German Cup, whilst Sir Paul won the
blue riband race the Hong Kong Derby
with Jewel Aster. The next month Marion, a keen gardener was a
serious contender in the hotly contested horticultural show, giving Sir Paul a
run for his money in the various plant categories, here is a small extract of
some of those results.
Peak
Gardens
3
pots of Marguerites 2nd Sir Paul, 3rd Mrs. Jordan; 3 pots of nasturtium (tall varieties) 1st Sir
Paul, 3rd Mrs.
Jordan; 3 pots of fan palms 1st Sir Paul, 2nd Mrs. Jordan; 3 pots of palms (other than fan palms) 1st. Sir
Paul; 3 pots of Salvia 1st
Sir Paul; 6 pots of annuals or
plants raised from seeds the same season 2nd Sir Paul,; 3 pots of flowering plans other than annuals 1st
Sir Paul; 3 pots of Arums 1st
Sir Paul, 2nd Mrs.
Jordan; 3 Azaleas 1st Sir Paul; 3 pots of Carnations and/or Picotees 2nd Sir
Paul; 3 pots of Dianthus other
varieties excluding Carnations and Picotees 2nd Sir Paul; 3 pots Cactus Dahlias 2nd Sir Paul; 3 pots of Geraniums 1st Mrs. Jordan, 2nd Sir Paul; 3 pots of Narcissus Tazetta 1st Sir Paul; 3 pots
of Nasturtium (dwarf varieties) 1st Sir Paul; 3 pots of pansies 1t
Mrs. J. Jordan.
In
May 1914, prior to a long awaited voyage back to England, she was honoured with
an address of appreciation by the Catholic Women’s League in Hong Kong for her
work and dedication.
The trip back to England was a bitter-sweet
occasion for Marion because her mother Anne had died in 1913 in Standish,
Lancashire at the home of Marion’s brother doctor George Ormsby. Although
Marion was the sole executrix, because she was living in Hong Kong the estate
was being administered through the Probate Court by Anne’s uncle Rev. Robert
Kelly, the same uncle who had assisted at her wedding in 1904. Also in England
for the summer were Sir Paul and Lady Chater, although they did not all travel
together as Sir Paul had business commitments in Hong Kong, he and Lady Chater
sailed a few weeks later.
Dr. Jordan’s practice continued to grow and
by 1914 he had a total of five doctors in the partnership. Based in the heart
of the new praya reclamation area that had been brought to its completion by
Jordan’s uncle Sir Paul just a few years earlier, the practise was on the 3rd
floor of Alexandra Buildings. Whilst Gregory Jordan and Marion were in England
his Hong Kong University lecturing commitments in tropical medicine were taken
over by an old adversary Dr. Francis Clark.
Whilst in England in 1914 he volunteered
for war service but being a gentleman in his late 50s that offer was
declined. However, upon his return to
Hong Kong in 1915 he joined the police reserve and was appointed
Surgeon-Superintendant a position he maintained until the end of the war in 1918.
A particularly tragic time was the fierce fire at the race course in Happy Valley in 1918. Dr. Jordan was one of many medically trained people trying to help give help to those who had been caught up in the inferno. For others it was simply too difficult to avoid and over 600 people perished in the fire when the matsheds in the Chinese stands caught fire and simply engulfed the spectators on the ground. There was an enquiry into the tragedy and both Dr. Jordan as a senior doctor on the island and his uncle Sir Paul as chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey club were inevitably involved.
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| The Fire at Happy Valley Race Course 1918 Image: Liz Chater private collection |
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| The Memorial to those who lost their lives still exists today near the Hong Kong Stadium Photo: Liz Chater private collection |
“It
is sometimes true of those upon whom honorary degrees are confirmed, that the
distinction is not academic. That is not so in the case of Professor Jordan.
Not only has he studied in his own university but in Paris, London, Vienna and
in my own university, Cambridge. He has
been associated, I believe, with every public work – medical work – in this
colony since his arrival here. It is
quite recently that thrugh his influence we are indebted for additional medical
schools………..and one other title to fame I may mention. When we draw up our list
of pious founders and benefactors, foremost amongst them will figure the
original founders of the Hongkong College of Medicine, Sir Patrick Manson, Sir
James Cantlie and Professor Jordan.”
After the ceremony the students carried Dr.
Jordan from the Great Hall to his car and towed the car from Pokfulam into
town. Jordan had, after all, collected $20,000 from his friends to furnish the
Students’ Union Building, the students were enormously fond and respectful of
him.
In June of 1921 Gregory and Marion Jordan
sailed for a well earned rest in England. Although they arrived safely he had
become unwell due to a recurring heart problem. He and Marion had settled into
their flat at St. James’ Court, Buckingham Gate, London for a few weeks before
taking a trip to Harrogate The English
Spa for the healing properties of the waters that contained sulphur, iron
and minerals.
Gregory and Marion returned to London but once
again he took another turn for the worse, rallying slightly before he finally
succumbed to a heart attack. He passed away on the 4th December.
 |
| All the Hong Kong newspapers reported the passing away of Dr. Jordan in London |
The Hong Kong Telegraph reported the funeral in one of its January editions:
Friday 9th December: A large gathering
of Hongkong, Shanghai and other China friends attended the funeral today of the
late Dr. Gregory Paul Jordan L.L.D who died after a short illness on 4th
December at his residence, 236 St. James’ Court, London, S.W. The burial service was conducted by the Rev.
W.H. Aldia of St. Paul’s Church, Portman Square (formerly of West China), and
the hymns sung by the choir of the London College of Choristers were, “Forever
with the Lord”, and “Abide with me”. The
internment was made at Kensal Green Cemetery.
Included amongst the gathering were Mrs. Marion
Jordan (widow), Mrs. Paul Jordan, Major John P. Jordan R.G.A., and Mr. G.P.
Jordan nephews, the Misses Jordan and Mrs. Bennison (nieces) Messrs G.H.E. and
E.P.D. Gaspar, Rev and Mrs. Scott MacPherson, Rev. Father Kelly, Dr. Ormsby,
M.O.R. (Wigan R.D.C. brother-in-law). Mrs. Paul Chater, Mr. Donald McDonald,
Mr. Shelton Hooper, Mrs. Apcar, Major and Mrs. J. Hope, Miss Balthazar, Mr.
& Mrs. J.F. McGregor, Mr. L.V. Lang, Mr. Killard-Leavy, Mrs. Irlam, Mr.
William Thompson R.N., (Hongkong Water Police and representing the United
Service Lodge of Freemasons, E.C. China), Dr. Koch, Mr. M.F. Murray, Mr. N.F.
Blanch, Mr. A.P. Wood, Mr. & Mrs. Redmond Barrett, Mrs. Walter Norfolk,
Mrs. Harston Barrett, Mr. T.F. Hough (Past District Grand Master of Hongkong
and South China E.C.), Mrs. Scott Harston etc.
 |
| The simple tombstone to Dr. Gregory Jordan, kensal Green Cemetery Photo: Liz Chater private collection |
Among the large number of beautiful wreaths were
beautiful emblems from the widow, relatives, the District Grand Lodge of
Hongkong and South China E.C. (of which Dr. Jordan was a past prominent
officer), the United Service Lodge 1341, E.C., the University of Hongkong (per
Sir James and Lady Cantie), Sir Henry May,
K.C.M.G. (former Governor of Hongkong) and Lady May, Capt. and Mrs. C. Paul Chater,
Mr. & Mrs. J.L. Crockett, Mrs. A.T. Spear, Mr. & Mrs. H.J. Gedge, Sir
Newton and Lady Stabb, Mr. & Mrs. E. Ormiston, Mrs. Scott Harston, Mr.
& Mrs. N.E. Blanch, The Household, Mr. T.F. Hough, Mrs. Shelton Hooper, Mr.
& Mrs. J.F. MacGregor, Mr. & Mrs. G.C. Moxon, Mr. & Mrs. H.
Barrett, Mr. & Mrs. M.W. Slade, Mr. & Mrs. F. Baird, Mr. A. Shelton
Hooper, Dr. & Mrs. Killard-Leavey, Mrs. Edgar, Commander F.M. Hodgson R.N.,
etc.
Prior to his death, one of the schemes that
Gregory Jordan was deeply involved inwas the creation of a library at the Hong
Kong University for the Students Union. He was not able to see it completed but
to ensure that it was, his uncle Sir Paul Chater stepped in to complete the
funding for it. He pledged whatever it took and in September 1922 the library
was indeed completed. An ever-lasting tribute by a loving uncle for his nephew.
The opening ceremony was performed at the request of Sir Paul by Gregory’s
widow Marion on the 16th September 1922. A week later she returned
to England for good and lived out her days there.
Yet another legacy left to the world by a
Calcutta born Armenian.
[2] Allen’s India Mail - 1845
[3] The Armenian Church Baptism register on microfilm can be viewed
when ordered in advance at any family history centre around the world, please
check www.familysearch.org for centre
locations.
[4] See Hong Kong Government Gazettes
[5] www.chater-genealogy.com
for detailed family history and tree
[6] Hong Kong PRO, Carl Smith Cards 114037 + others
[7] British Library N1-133-106 burial record
[8] British Library N1-153-199 burial record
[12] Summaries and extracts from ‘Hong Kong Practice. Drs. Anderson
& Partners the First Hundred Years’ by Katherine Mattock
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