Background: 

 

Born in Nan’an in the Fukien Province on the Southern coast of China, Sir Yeap Chor Ee was the third son in the family. He was born on 18 October 1868. He was taken care by his grandmother after losing his parent at three months old. He migrated to Penang at the age of 17. Penniless, he started his career life as a barber. Shaving and plaiting the "towchang" earned him the name of 'Thi -Thau-Ee', which means Barber Ee.