BUTTE COUNTY
OROVILLE TOWNSHIP
CHINESE
The 14th census presents a continuation of the changes seen in the 1910 census.
There are more Chinese families along Broderick Street living alongside single men. There is solid evidence of many children born in California and a number of very recent migrants from China. More cooks were emloyed and men who reported their occupation as laborer-general, many laundry workers, and one teacher in a Chinese school, some Chinese doctors. There were no miners even among the single men. The easy gold had played out along the Feather River and its tributaries. Many older Chinese men, some in their 80s who had been in California for 50 years or more were living along Broderick. The other parts of the Oroville and environs had very few Chinese people living there. Most everyone was renting houses not being financially able to have ownership. The next research into this dataset
would be to discover how long the older people had been in Oroville. Were they long time residents or short sojourners at this place? Did they have relatives near? Had their mothers and fathers or other relatives been in America?
The religious temple was still operating. It may be that the religious building, being so near, kept people close (especially the older Chinese people). Their lives in the United States had been full of drudgery and the atmosphere hateful. Their enduring was meaningful, worshipping their ancient gods and ancestors.
No information about conversions to Christianity seem available from this or other sources. Earlier the Congregational church had a mission home in Oroville. The research into longstanding life in Oroville and its surroundings of the oldest men would be difficult. We would need to match each name enumerated from 1860 to 1910. A tall task. (Remember the 1890 census was destroyed in a fire in Washington, D.C. in 1921 creating a 20 year gap of information).
We chose to include this census (1920) in our study. It seems an important source in furthering the story of these people. It is the first census showing the slow movement towards emptying the streets of Chinatown after the March 1907 flood. Many sources write about this turning point in the life of people in Chinatown. The flood had greatly hampered Oroville ecomically; reducing the need for laborers, cooks, and farm and orchard employment. Many left going south to Sacramento and the increasing number of jobs in rebuilding post-earthquake San Francisco.
Oroville Township – Wyndotte Precinct
Dwelling 55. Three Chinese occupants, all born in China, were listed for this dwelling: 1) Wong Doc (64), head, widower, he came to the U.S. in 1878 so he had been here 42 years, and he could read, write, and speak English; 2) Ah Mow (58), boarder, married, he had been in the U.S. for 38 years, coming in 1882, and he could read and write English but he could not speak it; and 3) Joc Ching (81), boarder, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1880 so he had been here 40 years, and he could read and write English but he could not speak it. All three of the occupants had their occupation listed as laborer-orchard
Oroville Township – Bangor Precinct – none
Oroville Township – Hurlton Precinct – none
Oroville Township – Evansville (Upland) Precinct – none
Oroville Township – Stanwood Precinct – none
Oroville Township – Berry Creek Precinct
No Dwelling # but Family # 74. The census listed one Chinese occupant for this unnumbered dwelling. He was Chun Lee (47), single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. 35 years coming in 1885, his occupation was listed as camp cook, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it.
Oroville Township – Bidwell Bar Precinct – none
Oroville Township – Enterprise Precinct – none
Oroville Township – Mooretown Precinct – none
Oroville Township – Forbestown Precinct
No Dwelling # but Family #76. One Chinese man was listed by the census as occupying this unnumbered dwelling. He was Foo Ah (60), head, single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 42 years coming in 1878, his occupation was listed as common laborer, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it.
Oroville Township – Las Plumus Precinct – none
Oroville Township – Big Bar Precinct
No Dwelling # but Family # 18. The census listed seven occupants for this unnumbered dwelling, two of which were Chinese. Their information was as follows: 1) Pet Nelson (52), head, single, he and his parents were born in Sweden, he had been in the U.S. for 32 years coming in 1888, his occupation was listed as common laborer, and he could read, write, and speak English; 2) John Lanberg (56), single, he and his parents had been born in Sweden, he had come to the U.S. in 1882 so he had been here for 38 years, his occupation was listed as common laborer, and he could read, write, and speak English; 3) Henry H. Kuner (45), single, he and his parents had been born in Germany, he had been in the U.S. for 14 years coming in 1906, his occupation was listed as common laborer, and he could read, write, and speak English; 4) Hing Yee (25), single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had come to the U.S. in 1914 so he had been here six years, his occupation was listed as camp cook, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; 5) Sang Gee (56), single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 40 years coming in 1880, his occupation was listed as camp cook, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; 6) George Phelps (50), single, he and his father had been born in California, his mother had been born in Rhode Island, his occupation was listed as common laborer, and he could read, write, and speak English; and 7) Goow C. Rohrer ? (34), single, he had been born in Kansas, his father had been born in Iowa, his mother had been born in New York, his occupation was listed as laborer, and he could read, write, and speak English.
Oroville Township – Precinct 1 – none
Oroville Township – Precinct 2 – none
Oroville Townshi – Precinct 3 – none
Oroville Township – Precinct 4 – none
Oroville Township – Precinct 5
Oak Street
Dwelling 367. The census listed two Chinese men as the occupants of this dwelling. They were: 1) Tai Sing (63), head, he was renting his dwelling, widower, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 46 years coming in 1874, his occupation was listed as laborer-general; and 1) Gee Wah Poi (11), son, he had been born in California, son’s mother had been born in China, no occupation was listed for him. Both the occupants could read, write, and speak English.
Dwelling 391. A Chinese family of three was listed as the occupants of this dwelling. Information on the family was as follows: 1) Ling Wong (51), head, he was renting his dwelling, married, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 26 years coming in 1894, his occupation was listed as doctor-owned store, and he could read, write, and speak English; 2) Chin (42), wife, married, she and her parents had been born in China, she had been in the U.S. for 26 years coming in 1894, her occupation was listed as housewife, she could not read or write English but she could speak it; and 3) Harry (8), son born in California, and he could read, write, and speak English.
Dwelling 392. The census listed five Chinese men, all born in China, as the occupants of this dwelling. Household information was as follow: 1) Gee Wing (62), head, he was renting this dwelling, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1872 so he had been here for 48 years, his occupation was listed as laundryman-owned laundry, and he could read, write, and speak English; 2) Yong Gong (69), roomer, single, he had been in the U.S. for 53 years coming in 1867, his occupation was listed as laborer-laundry, and he could not read, write, or speak English; 3) Gee Wong (60), roomer, single, he had been in the U.S. for 42 years coming in 1878, his occupation was listed as ironer-laundry, and he could not read, write or speak English; 4) Noy Gun (55), roomer, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1880 so he had been here for 40 years, his occupation was listed as ironer-laundry, and he could not read, write or speak English; and 5) Gee King Quong (46), roomer, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1884 so he had been here for 36 years, his occupation was listed as ironer-laundry, and he could not read, write or speak English. (Laundry household).
Broderick Street
Dwelling 368. Six Chinese occupants were listed for this dwelling. They were: 1) Chin Wing On (22), head, he was renting his dwelling, married, he and his parents had been born in China, he had come to the U.S. in 1898, ( as a baby), his occupation was listed as salesman-general store, and he could read, write, and speak English; 2) Lily (22), wife, married, she had been born in California, her parents had been born in China, her occupation was listed as housewife, and she could read, write, and speak English; 3) William (3 5/12), son born in California; 4) Edward (7/12), son born in California; 5) Albert (7/12), son born in California; and 6) Chin Din Poy (20), roomer, single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for five years coming in 1915, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read, write or speak English.
Dwelling 369. The census listed one Chinese occupant for this dwelling. He was Sing Ywe Jun (64), head, he was renting his dwelling, single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had come to the U.S. in 1880 so he had been here for 40 years, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read, write or speak English.
Dwelling 370. The sole occupant listed for this dwelling was Wong Nang (68). He was listed as head of the house, he was renting his dwelling, single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 48 years coming in 1872, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read, write or speak English.
Dwelling 371. Two Chinese men were occupying this dwelling at the time of the census. Their information was as follows: 1) Ah Ying (71), head, he was renting this dwelling, he was single; and 2) Woo Leong (72), roomer, he also was single. Both men had been born in China, they had occupations listed as laborer-general, and neither man could read, write, or speak English.
Dwelling 372. A Chinese family was listed as the occupants of this dwelling. They were: 1) Wong Ming (29), head, married, he had been born in California, his parents had been born in China, his occupation was listed as merchant-own store, and he could read, write, and speak English; 2) Leung ? (24), wife, married, she and her parents had been born in China, she had been in the U.S. for two years coming in 1918, her occupation was listed as housewife, and she could not read, write or speak English; 3) Mary (1 7/12), daughter born in California; and 4) Habley (7/12), daughter born in California.
Dwelling 373. One Chinese man, born in China, was listed as the occupants of this dwelling. He was Lee Hoy (53), head, he was renting his dwelling, he was single, he had been in the U.S. for 38 years coming in 1882, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read or write, English but he could speak it.
Dwelling 374. The census listed three Chinese men as the occupants of this dwelling. Household information was as follows: 1) Chin Toy (59), head, he was renting this dwelling, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1882 so he had been here for 38 years, and he could not read, write or speak English; 2) Kee Yet (60), roomer, single, he had been in the U.S. for 49 years coming in 1871, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; and 3) Lee Kon (68), roomer, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1876 so he had been here for 44 years, and he could not read and write English but he could speak it. All the men had been born in China and had their occupation listed as laborer-general.
Dwelling 375. A single Chinese resident was listed as occupying this dwelling, and he was Yen Sing (70). He was listed as the head of the house, he was renting his dwelling, he was single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 45 years coming in 1875, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it.
Dwelling 376. The census listed a Chinese man as the sole occupant of this dwelling. He was Wong Ching (60), head, single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had come to the U.S. in 1875 so he had been here for 45 years, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read, write or speak English.
Dwelling 377. Chin Luck (78) was listed as the only occupant of this dwelling. He was listed as the head of the house, he was renting his dwelling, single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the in U.S. for 57 years coming in 1863, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read, write or speak English.
Dwelling 378. Eleven Chinese occupants, all born in China, were listed as living in this dwelling. They were as follows: 1) Jim Kee (62), head, he was renting this dwelling, single, he had been in the U.S. for 40 years coming in 1880, and he could not read, write or speak English; 2) Ye Kee (65), roomer, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1870 so he had been here for 50 years, he could not read or write English but he could speak it; 3) Chin Mow (62), roomer, single, he had been in the U.S. for 43 years coming in 1877, he could not read or write English but he could speak it; 4) Chin Sam (80), roomer, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1870 so he had been here 50 years, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; 5) Wing Tung (78), roomer, single, he had been in the U.S. for 58 years coming in 1862, and he could not read and write English but he could speak it; 6) Nang Thung (60), roomer, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1872 so he had been here for 48 years, and he could not read, write or speak English; 7) Lee Bon (85), roomer, single, he had been in the U.S. for 56 years coming in 1864, and he could not read, write or speak English; 8) Lee Kee (80), roomer, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1869 so he had been here for 51 years, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; 9) Lee Sing (66), roomer, single, he had been in the U.S. for 43 years coming in 1877, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; 10) Ah Sing Lee (60), roomer, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1880 so he had been here for 40 years, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; and 11) Chin Sing Woo (56), roomer, single, he had been in the U.S. for 45 years coming in 1875, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; All eleven of the men had an occupation listed for them of laborer-general.
Dwelling 379. The census listed a Chinese family of four as the occupants of this dwelling. Their information was as follows: 1) Gee Tong (64), head, he was renting this dwelling, married, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 39 years coming in 1881, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; 2) Gee Tong Shee (28), wife, married, she had been born in California, her parents had been born in China, her occupation was listed as laborer, and she could read, write, and speak English; 3) Gee Wah (12), son born in California; and 4) Gee Wing (7), son born in California.
Dwelling 380. Three Chinese men were occupying this dwelling at the time of the census. Information on the occupants was as follows: 1) Wong Kun Kee (63), head, he owned his dwelling, single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 40 years coming in 1880, his occupation was listed as farmer-working out, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; 2) Tonie Loy (65), roomer, single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had come to the U.S. in 1878 so he had been here 42 years, his occupation was listed as merchant-own establishment, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; and 3) Muck Lee (30), roomer, single, he had been born in California, his parents had been born in China, no occupation was listed for him, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it.
Dwelling 381. The census listed two Chinese men as the occupants of this dwelling, both had been born in China. They were: 1) Lim Chick (69), head, he was renting this dwelling, single, he had been in the U.S. for 40 years coming in 1880, his occupation was listed as laborer-general; and 2) Lee Sing (78), roomer, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1858 so he had been here 62 years, his occupation was listed as laborer-general. Both of the occupants could not read or write English but they could speak it.
Dwelling 382. A Chinese family of six were listed as the occupants of this dwelling. Information on the family was as follows: 1) Chin Wing (32), head, he owned his dwelling, married, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 18 years coming in 1902, his occupation was listed as salesman-general store, and he could read, write, and speak English; 2) Ma Lee (28), wife, married, she and her parents had been born in China, she had come to the U.S. in 1902 so she had been here for 18 years, her occupation was listed as housewife, and she could not read, write or speak English; 3) Chong (10), he had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for eight years coming in 1912, he could read, write, and speak English; 4) Chack (8), son born in California, and he could read, write, and speak English; 5) Chin Sing (7), son born in California, he could read, write, and speak English; and 6) Chin Wing Wee (5), son born in California.
Dwelling 385. The sole Chinese occupant of this dwelling was Chin Tom (63). He was listed as the head of the house, it was unknown if he owned or was renting his dwelling, single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 45 years coming in 1875, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it.
Dwelling 386. Three Chinese men are listed as the occupants of this dwelling at the time of the census. They were as follows: 1) Tu Dill (53), head, he was renting his dwelling, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1885 so he had been here for 35 years; 2) Wong Hang (71), roomer, single, he had been in the U.S. for 50 years coming in 1870; and 3) Jew John (67), roomer, single, he had been in the U.S. for 50 years coming in 1870. All the men had been born in China, could not read or write English but they could speak it, and had an occupation listed for them of laborer-general.
Dwelling 389. The census listed three Chinese occupants for this dwelling, all of whom had been born in China. They were: 1) Sam Yen (72), head, he was renting his dwelling, married, he had come to the U.S. in 1878 so he had been here for 42 years, his occupation was listed as laborer-general; 2) Mary (72), wife, married, she had been in the U.S. for 42 years coming in 1878, there was no occupation listed for her; and 3) King Chas (87), roomer, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1853 so he had been here for 67 years, his occupation was listed as laborer-general. None of the three occupants could read, write or speak English.
Dwelling 390. Three Chinese men were listed as occupying this dwelling at the time of the census. Information on the household was as follows: 1) Wah Sing (65), head, he was renting his dwelling, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1875 so he had been here for 45 years, and he could not read, write or speak English; 2) Wang Quong (75), roomer, single, he had been in the U.S. for 56 years coming in 1864, and he could not read, write or speak English; and 3) Ah Jim Wong (72), roomer, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1870 so he had been here 50 years, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it. All the men had been born in China and had an occupation listed for them of laborer-general.
No Dwelling #. Wong Sing (65) was listed as the sole occupant of this unnumbered dwelling. He was listed as head of the house, he was renting his dwelling, single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 50 years coming in 1870, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it.
Dwelling 393. Two Euro-Americans were living in this dwelling. They were: Harry Massmidler (37), head, he was renting his dwelling, single, he had been born in California, his father had been born in Japan, his mother had been born in Missouri, his occupation was listed as porter-barber shop, and he could read, write, and speak English; and 2) Ethel Drawn (27), roomer, single, she had been born in California, her parents had both been born in Kentucky, her occupation was listed as housekeeper-general, and she could read, write, and speak English.
No Dwelling #. Two Chinese men were listed as the occupants of this unnumbered dwelling. Their information was as follows: 1) Ah Hong (58), head, he was renting the dwelling, single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 37 years coming in 1873, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; and 2) Chin Kuhn (71), roomer, single, he and his parents had been born in China, he had come to the U.S. in 1872 so he had been here for 48 years, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it.
No Dwelling #. The census listed two occupants for this unnumbered dwelling both of them Chinese. They were: 1) Chin Hoy (66), head he was renting his dwelling, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1875 so he had been here for 45 years; and 2) Kun Kee (66), roomer, single, he had been in the U.S. for 47 years coming in 1872. Both the men had been born in China, could not read or write English but could speak it, and had an occupation listed as laborer-general.
Dwelling 396. Three Chinese men were listed as the occupants of this dwelling. They were: 1) Gune Sam (60), head, he was renting the dwelling, single, he had been born in China, he had come to the U.S. in 1877 so he had been here for 43 years, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could read, write, and speak English; 2) Tan Mu (75), roomer, single, he had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 52 years coming in 1868, his occupation was listed as laborer-general, and he could not read or write English but he could speak it; and 3) Wong Quing (40), roomer, married, he had been born in California, no occupation was listed for him, and he could read, write, and speak English. The parents of each of the men had been born in China.
Lincoln Street
Dwelling 399. Two Chinese men, both born in China, were listed as the occupants of this dwelling. They were: 1) Chin Kee (61), head, he was renting his dwelling, single, he had come to the U.S. in 1878 so he had been here for 42 years, his occupation was listed as restaurant owner, he could not read or write English but he could speak it; and 2) Gee Wing Quong (18), single, roomer, he had had been in the U.S. one year coming in 1919, no occupation was listed for him and he could not read, write, or speak English. The parents of each man had been born in China.
, & 5
Oak Street
Dwelling 533. The census listed a Chinese married couple as the occupants of this dwelling. Their information was as follows: 1) Gee Doo (46), head, he was renting his dwelling, married, he had been born in China, he had been in the U.S. for 38 years coming in 1882, his occupation was listed as laundry-own laundry; and 2) Alice (19), wife, married, she had been born in California, her occupation was listed as housewife. The couple could read, write, and speak English and their parents had been born in China.
Oroville Township – Oroville City Precincts
Lincoln Street
Dwelling 53. Six Chinese men, all born in China, were listed as the occupants of this dwelling. They were: 1) Yup Ting (61), head, his occupation was listed as store keeper, he could read, write, and speak English; 2) Hiy Ling (58), roomer, his occupation was listed as cook, and he could read and write English but he could not speak it; 3) Wing Qung Wah (20), roomer, his occupation was listed as laborer-farm, he could read and write English but he could not speak it; 4) Oh Chin (47), roomer, his occupation was listed as salesman-store, he could read and write English but he could not speak it; 5) Chin Yuen Chung (26), roomer, his occupation was listed as teacher-Chinese school, he could read and write English but he could not speak it; and 6) Duck Hon (17), roomer, no occupation was listed for him, and he could read, write, and speak English. The date of entry to the U.S. was unknown for all six men.
Dwelling 80. This dwelling was a hotel operated by Lottie Newman. The occupants included Lottie, her husband, her sister, and twenty roomers, one of which was a Chinese man. The operating family consisted of 1) Lottie Newman (35), head, she was renting the dwelling, married, she had been born in California, her father had been born in Germany, her mother had been born in California, her occupation was listed as proprietor-hotel; 2) George H. Newman (34), husband, married, he was born in California, could not read where his parents had been born, his occupation was listed as conductor-railway, and he could read, write, and speak English; and 3) Lila Moutain ? (26), sister, single, no occupation was listed for her, and she could read, write, and speak English. The Chinese man was Toi Jim (68), roomer, he and his parents had been born in China, the date he came to the U.S. was unknown, his occupation was listed as cook, and he could read, write, and speak English.
Montgomery Street
Dwelling 269. The census listed four Chinese men, all born in China, as occupying this dwelling. Their information was as follows: 1) Young Ching (52), roomer, married, his occupation was listed as laborer-laundry; 2) Que Tang (46), roomer, married, his occupation was listed as laborer-laundry; 3) Gee Tang (60), roomer, married, his occupation was listed as laborer-laundry; and 4) Que Hong (56), roomer, married, no occupation was listed for him. All the men could read and write English but they could not speak it. The date of entry into the U.S. was not known for any of the men.
Oroville Township – Precinct 6 – none
Oroville Township – Precinct 7 – none
Oroville Township – Precinct 8 – none
Oroville Township – Precinct 9 – none
This information was taken from the census microfilm on file at the Meriam Library, California State University Chico. Some of the names and information were hard to decipher. A question mark has been placed where the information was unclear.
Orovillechicochinese 