East Cesar Chavez in Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Sing Family in Austin

Photographed By Larry McGinnis, March 7, 2021

1. The Sing Family in Austin Marker

Inscription.

Born in China as Jo Fung Sheng in 1860, Joe Sing immigrated to the U.S. around 1890 to financially support his family. He settled in Austin, becoming one of the first Chinese immigrants in the city. Sing opened Hong Lee Laundry on 311 W. 5th Street, which he ran along with his wife, Francis (Moreno), a Mexican-American woman who lost her U.S. citizenship for marrying a Chinese man. Joe Sing supported the Austin Chinese community by providing loans for other Chinese men, who found it difficult to procure funds otherwise because of discrimination. Joe and Francis had four children, including Margaret, who bought this property, becoming the first homeowner in the family.

Erected 2010 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16573.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location. 30° 15.401′ N, 97° 43.597′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in East Cesar Chavez. Marker is on Willow Street east of Chalmers Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1705 Willow Street, Austin TX 78702, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Zavala Elementary School (approx. 0.4 miles away); National Fish Hatchery

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(approx. 0.4 miles away); John A. Wharton (approx. 0.6 miles away); Joanna Troutman (approx. 0.6 miles away); Capt. Jesse Billingsley (approx. 0.6 miles away); Albert Sydney Johnston (approx. 0.6 miles away); Capt. and Mrs. Chauncey Johnson (approx. 0.6 miles away); Captain Andrew Briscoe (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.

Photographed By Larry McGinnis, March 7, 2021

2. The Sing Family in Austin Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2021, by Larry McGinnis of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 226 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2021, by Larry McGinnis of Austin, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.