Died: 1880
Biography:
Ng Akew (Chinese: 吳亞嬌; died 1880) was a Chinese opium smuggler and house owner in Hong Kong. Her life was marked by controversy, as she became a central figure in a pirate scandal in 1849 that attracted great attention at the time. Ng Akew was a Tanka slave of the American opium smuggler James Bridges Endicott (1814–1870) in Hong Kong, and she seemed to have been involved in his illicit business.
Born in an era when women’s opportunities were limited, Ng Akew’s life took an unexpected turn when she became intertwined with the dangerous world of opium smuggling. Living under the control of James Bridges Endicott, Ng Akew played a crucial role in his illicit activities. In 1849, Endicott rewarded Ng Akew by giving her a share of his cargo, which she then sold along the coast from her own boats.
However, her newfound success was short-lived. Pirates targeted her boat and stole her valuable cargo, leaving Ng Akew in a desperate situation. Filled with determination, she embarked on a daring journey to negotiate compensation from the pirates herself. This act of bravery and resourcefulness showcased Ng Akew’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
It was not long after this incident that Ng Akew found herself once again connected to pirate activities. An American ship fell victim to a pirate attack, with Ng Akew present during the incident. Later, the stolen cargo was discovered in her own ship. Suspicion grew that Ng Akew had made a deal with the pirates, allowing them to plunder the ship in exchange for a portion of the stolen goods.
This scandal captivated the public, becoming a cause célèbre of its time. Ng Akew was brought to court, where her guilt could not be definitively proven. Therefore, she was ultimately released, sparking debates and discussions amongst the people of Hong Kong. Despite her acquittal, the controversy surrounding Ng Akew’s involvement with piracy remained etched in the collective memory of society.
Following the scandal, James Bridges Endicott retired to Macao and generously provided Ng Akew with land in Hong Kong. With her newfound wealth, she became a prominent house owner in the area. This remarkable transformation from a Tanka slave to a successful property owner highlighted Ng Akew’s resilience and perseverance against all odds.
Ng Akew’s life serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that women faced in the 19th century, particularly in a male-dominated world. Her story sheds light not only on the illegal activities of the opium trade but also on the existence of women who navigated this treacherous landscape.