The Sam Yup company mentioned actually did exist, it was one of the "Six Companies" that had what is called a "Benevolent Association." These Six companies then joined together to create the "Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association" of San Francisco. The Six Companies were: the Sam Yup; Yeong Wo; Kong Chow; Ning Yung; Hop Wo; and Yan Wo Companies. There were other Benevolent Associations throughout the United States, many on the west coast and some in Canada where there were large Chinese populations.
Victor Sen Yung also starred as the cook Hop Sing in Bonanza.