Biographical informationLums Charles was born in Kwong Tung, China in November 1869. He migrated to Western Australia in March 1880.
He married Emily Antoinette Hoson on 11 February 1903 in Sydney. They moved to Perth in 1907. They had a son, Charles Hoson Stanley Lums who was born in 1911 (BDM WA, 1911/100130).
Charles established a successful grocer shop at 449 Hay Street in about 1909. He later moved the shop to larger premises at 433-435 Hay Street, Subiaco.
In the climate of suspicion of foreigners during WWI, the Police received an anonymous letter declaring that Lums, 'is as dangerous to our cause as the most rampant German'. The matter was investigated quietly and the Detective reported back to his superior that it was the opinion of the Subiaco Police that, 'they look upon him with the greatest of respect as he does not mix with any of his countrymen, his wife is Australian born and he himself has spent the greater part of his life in Australia'. (NAA PP14/1, 16/2/5, Item ID: 751796)
After the War the Lums shop expanded to include 437 Hay street, Subiaco.
Charles died in Subiaco on 9 October 1961.
Information about Charles and Emily from National Archives File relating to Emily's naturalisation in 1965 (NAA: PP402/1, W1965/H/11966, Item ID 10067165, file not yet digitised.) Other nameLums, Charles (differentiated name)Date of birthNovember 1869Date of death9th October 1961