Fong See (also Suie and See-bok)

The author’s great-grandfather, born a peasant boy from Dimtao, China in 1857, arrives in the United States by a stroke of good luck—a relative sees his potential as a clever young man and believes he could prosper there. His ticket purchased for him, he arrives in the United States at the age of 14. Before his voyage, his mother arranges a marriage to a ten-year old girl, Yong, so he will be committed to China. At seventeen and sporting a Western suit and hat, he opened his first business in Sacramento. He begins to manufacture ladies underwear for brothels; his design was lacy and frilly underwear with an opening at the groin. With a population of 80% men and mostly women prostitutes, the business was profitable. Later, with Ticie’s input, he changes the store from the underwear business to selling Chinese goods...