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), to a Chinese father (Ti-eye) and a half-Chinese/half-Cham mother.

The Bunkers were joined at the sternum by a small piece of cartilage, also their livers were fused, but independently complete. Even with the surgery of the time, they could easily have been separated. 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 Bunkers 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 Sallie Yates. Chang and his wife had ten children; Eng and his wife had 11. In time, the wives squabbled and eventually two separate households were set up. The twins died on the same day in 1874.

Further reading

• The Two: The Story of the Original Siamese Twins, Amy and Irving Wallace, Simon & Schuster, 1978, hardcover, ISBN 0671226274
• Eng & Chang: The Original Siamese Twins, David R. Collins, Silver Burdett Press, 1994, paperback, ISBN 0382247191; hardcover, ISBN 0875186025

External links

• Watercolor of the twins and short biography
• Papers of the twins in the archives of the University of North Carolina
• Biography from Wilkesboro.com
• A Hyphenated Life - detailed story from BlueRidge Country Magazine

References

• Pages 27-28 and 81, The Chinese in America: A Narrative Hisory, Iris Chang, Viking, 2003, hardcover, 496 pages, ISBN 0-670-03123-2
• Adapted from the Internet-Encyclopedia article, "Chang and Eng Bunker" www.internet-encyclopedia.org -- Chang and Eng Bunker July 8, 2003