Gourt > Society > History > By Time Period > Nineteenth Century > People > Bunker, Chang and Eng
Chang Bunker and Eng Bunker (May 11, 1811–January 17, 1874) were the twin brothers whose condition and birthplace became the basis for the term Siamese twins (conjoined twins). They were born in Siam (now Thailand), in the province of Samutsongkram, to a Chinese father (Ti-eye) and a half-Chinese/half-Cham mother (Nok).
The Bunkers were joined at the sternum by a small piece of cartilage. Their livers were fused but independently complete. Although 19th century medicine did not have the means to, modern advances in surgical technology would have easily allowed them to be separated today. In 1829, they were discovered in Siam by British merchant Robert Hunter and exhibited as a curiosity during a world tour. Upon termination of their contract with their discoverer, they successfully went into business for themselves. In 1839, while visiting Wilkesboro, North Carolina with P.T. Barnum, the twins were attracted to the town and settled there, becoming naturalized United States citizens.
The brothers settled on a plantation, bought slaves, and adopted the name "Bunker." They were accepted as respected members of the community. On April 13, 1843, they married two sisters: Chang to Adelaide Yates and Eng to Sarah Anne Yates. Chang and his wife had ten children; Eng and his wife had twelve. In time, the wives squabbled and eventually two separate households were set up just west of Mount Airy, North Carolina – the twins would alternate spending three days at each home. During the American Civil War Chang's son Christopher and Eng's son Stephen both fought for the Confederacy. Many of their descendants still live in the Mount Airy area, which is also the hometown of Andy Griffith. The twins died on the same day in 1874.
More on [ Chang and Eng Bunker ]
Conjoined Twins :: Multiple Births
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Eng - An advertising poster, and the title page of a pamphlet about the brothers.
Siamese Twins - European watercolor of the twins, done in 1835 or 1836, and a brief biography.
Meta Description: [ North Carolina Collection ]
A Hyphenated Life - Illustrated biography of Chang-Eng Bunker, the original Siamese twins.
Meta Description: [ Award winning magazine covering the Mountains of the South and the Blue Ridge Parkway ]
Chang and Eng Bunker Papers - Finding aid for special collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Eng and Chang Bunker Memorial Bridge Dedication Ceremony - Speech delivered at the dedication of two bridges in Surry County, North Carolina. Highlights in the lives of the famous twins.
Eng and Chang Bunker, the Siamese Twins - The story of the most famous pair of conjoined twins, illustrated with photos from their boyhood to old age.
Eng and Chang, the Siamese Twins - Short biography, with particular emphasis on their life after settling in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
Meta Description: [ Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, the clearinghouse for information on local businesses, services, relocation, tourism, history, and much more in Wilkes County, NC. ]
Leading a Double Life - A Christian sermon on Chang and Eng.
Ratt's Freakshow: Chang and Eng Bunker - Short illustrated biography of the famed twins.
Meta Description: [ Welcome to Ratt's Freakshow, a virtual collection of photos and bios of famous and not-so-famous human oddities. This site is always growing, so check in regularly to see updates and new features! ]
The Chang and Eng Archive - Portrait, short biography, and links to four images.
The Official Page of Eng and Chang Bunker - Site assembled by a direct descendant. Includes genealogy, image gallery.
The Siamese Twins - A letter to the editor by Chang and Eng Bunker, defending their good name.
Who2: Chang and Eng Bunker - Very brief biography.
Meta Description: [ Chang and Eng were conjoined twins from Siam (hence the term "Siamese twins"), joined near the breastbone by a five-inch ligament. As children they spent some time in the court of the king ]
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