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The Fong Wan Herbalist: Chinese

The foundation of Fong Wan's remarkable success was laid years ago, when, while yet a school-boy, he lived and worked with his uncle, Dr. Wan, otherwise known as Wan See Mon. Dr. Wan was one of those who successfully passed the old Imperial Chinese literary exami- -(129)— nations of the first degree of Medicine. Later, he passed other examinations by which he gained the first and second military degrees. Consequently, his official standing was higher than that of any other Chinese herbalist in America. Dr. Wan came to the United States as a member of the diplomatic corps of the second Chinese minister to Washington. After the expiration of his official commission, he conducted a herb business at 1133 Stockton street, San Francisco, at which place Fong Wan resided and studied with him for several years. The establishment was totally destroyed by the fire that followed the San Francisco earthquake in 1906. Dr. Wan did not again set up in business, but accepted the appointment of Chinese Consul at New York. Fong Wan continued his study of English in California for some time and then went back to China. Upon his return to the United States, he established the Fong and Lee Herb Co., at 209 Fourth street, Santa Rosa, with which concern he was associated for five years. Seeking a wider field, he founded the Fong Wan Herb Co. in Oakland in 1915.