Biography
Joseph Chang Chu-gi
About Joseph Chang Chu-gi
Joseph Chang Chu-gi came from the Suwon area and became a Catholic with members of his family. Maubant appointed him a catechist. After moving repeatedly during periods of persecution, Joseph settled at Baeron near Jecheon.
When Ambroise Maistre established a seminary there, Joseph provided his house for its use. He taught Chinese writing, managed accounts and helped the surrounding Catholic community. He worked to support his own family while continuing this service.
During the persecution of 1866, Joseph was arrested with the missionaries but released at Pourthié’s insistence. He was arrested again while seeking food and acknowledged that he owned the seminary building.
The bishops’ conference gives his birth year as 1802 and dates his execution at Galmaemot to March 30, 1866.
The Korean encyclopedia instead gives 1803 for his birth and May 14 for the execution. These differences remain unresolved.
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