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.