1880-?
Mrs. Willie Hong, was called “the only Chinese woman in the city” in 1909 and “the only woman in Chinatown” in 1911. The Star Eagle wrote, “She is very nice indeed. Mrs. Theresa E. Burnett…visits her every week and teachers her the English language and Christian principles.”
Willie Hong was sometimes called the “mayor” or the richest man in Newark’s Chinatown. In 1900, when Willie was over 40, he married Lem See (another paper named her as “Len Hoe”, age 18. She was the daughter of Lem Wah of 19 (49?) Mott St in New York City. Both Lem and Willie were born in China.
The family was photographed and profiled in the Newark News in 1901, for having “the only Chinese baby in Newark.”
Willie and Len had at least three children Katherine (1901), William (1905) and Nettie (1907). The family lived at Fair St and then at Lafayette St. By 1880, the family had moved to Paterson and there are ads in the Paterson Call for a restaurant at 138 Main. Lem See goes by “Jennie”.
The family can not be traced after 1915, more research is needed.
Bibliography
“As the Chinese Marry” Buffalo News Apr 27, 1900
“Local Mission Workers Defend Chinese Race” Newark Star Eagle Jun 26, 1909
“Chinamen are to Celebrate Newark Year Queueless” Newark Star Eagle Jan 28, 1911
1900-1910 US Census
1905 and 1915 NJ Census
“Were Wedded in Oriental Style” Newark News Apr 21, 1900
“The Only Chinese Baby in Newark Sits for Her Picture” Newark News Nov 10, 1901 [in-post image]
“American Education for Tiny Miss Hong” Newark News Aug 31, 1902 [featured image]