Background
Mr. Cheng was born in Guangdong, China, in 1890.
Mr. Cheng was born in Guangdong, China, in 1890.
Cheng Tien-ku received his advanced education in America, attending the University of Chicago and the University of California, from the latter he graduated in 1913.
While in America, he was an editor of a revolutionary organ "Young China in America". Upon returning to China, he joined the revolutionary movement and acted for a time as secretary to Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Later Mr. Cheng was appointed commissioner of public works in Canton and at the same time managing director of the Star Leather Co., Tai Sing Copper Mill and the Sand-Lime Brick Co.
After resigning his commissionership, he became dean of the College of Law and Political Science of the University of Guangdong. At the same time, Cheng Tien-ku served as legal adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After the formation of the Nationalist Government in Nanjing, he was appointed director of the board of customs administration, Ministry of Finance, in 1927. He travelled to America in company with Hsu Chungchi, in 1928. Cheng Tien-ku acted as a secretary to Hu Han-min, ex-President of the Legislative Yuan. Then he accompanyed Mr. Hu on his tour abroad.