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Ellis Island Closed Until Further Notice
As of May 2013: Due to the conditions caused by Hurricane Sandy, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum will be closed until further notice. A projected reopening date has not yet been established, follow our twitter account for updates. More »
Jue Family
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During the 1880s, stories about golden California persuaded Tong Ly Jue to leave Canton, China and journey to the United States. A trained herbalist, Jue brought a variety of medicines as well as an abacus and herbalist's scale to America. After establishing an herb business in San Francisco's Chinatown, Jue went back to Canton to marry Jeang Quai Sen - the couple returned to California soon after. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, as well as subsequent congressional acts, suspended immigration of Chinese laborers to the United States well into the 20th century. Officials, merchants, teachers, and students (who comprised a small percentage of the Chinese workforce), however, could still enter the country. Immigration officials grouped Chinese herbalists-medical practitioners who use different mixtures of herbs to prevent and treat various ailments-with merchants, and thus they were allowed entry. Family members believe that Tong Ly Jue was among the first herbalists in the United States. |
Did You Know?
Annie Moore was the first immigrant processed at Ellis Island on January 1, 1892, after she arrived from Ireland on the SS Nevada. Charles Hendley of the Secretary of the Treasury's office inspected Annie, she was then given a $10 gold coin by Immigration Superintendent Colonel John Weber.