What is ah toy?

Ah Toy was a Chinese-American woman who lived in San Francisco in the mid-19th century. She was a prominent figure in the city's Chinatown district and was known for her business acumen and resilience. Ah Toy was one of the first Chinese sex workers in San Francisco and became one of the most successful and well-known madams in the city.

Ah Toy was also involved in other business ventures, including laundry services and gambling establishments. She was known for her shrewd business sense and her ability to navigate the complex social and racial dynamics of the time.

Despite facing discrimination and prejudice as a Chinese woman in a predominantly white society, Ah Toy was able to build a successful and profitable business empire. She was a trailblazer in many ways and is remembered as a pioneering figure in the history of San Francisco's Chinatown.