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The Chinese Immigrants in Cuba collection includes hundreds of original documents, manuscripts and photos covering the migration of 125,000 Chinese who signed up to be cheap labor in Cuba from 1847 until the later 1890s. The archive continues until the 1970s and records the Chinese community in Cuba and is rich with photos. This massive collection, from the archive of James and Ana Melikian Collection, is probably the largest one in private hands concerning Chinese in Cuba. At present, the physical collection contains over 1,341 records and about 8,000-9,000 pages.

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Application Documents for Permanent Residence in Cuba

Created1865
DescriptionThis is an application for permanent residency for Pascual, a Chinese settler. It includes the settler's original contract signed in Macao, a letter of recommendation from a previous owner, stating that he had completed an eight year contract, his cedula or identity card, and a certificate of baptism.
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Contract

Created1868
DescriptionA contract between Lucas, a Chinese settler, and Manuel Betacourt. The contract was to last for eight years and lists the legal requirements for both the employee and the employer. Signed by the governor, Manuel Betacourt, and two witnesses.
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Application Documents for Permanent Residence

Created1864
DescriptionThese are the records of Jose Dolores, a Chinese settler brought from China to Cuba for work. The documents include handwritten contracts with various owners and recommendation letters, detailing his good behavior as a worker. His certificate of nationality is also included and was accepted by the governor of Cuba.
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Identity Card

Created1865
DescriptionAn identity card, or cedula, for Enrique. He was thirty one years old when this card was issued. He had a work contract with Y. S. de Castro and had completed a previous contract with the mining company, Comolidada.
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Contract

Created1866
DescriptionA contract between, Low Li Yang, a Chinese settler, and B. Solares. The contract was to last for an undisclosed amount of time and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Signed by B. Solares and Jose A. de Orbeta.
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Contracts

Contributors粱, 日全 (Contractor)
Created1866
DescriptionChinese settler contract signed in Canton in 1866. Written is Castilian and Chinese. Visible defects. The Chinese, Liang Riquan was willing to go to Cuba as a worker. This contract was issued to him and he was requested to follow the instruction.
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Contract

Created1870
Description
A contract between Zhu Nam, a Chinese settler, and Tuton y Hijo and agents of La Alianza. The contract was to last for an undisclosed amount of time and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Zhu Nam did not negotiate or sign the contract as…

A contract between Zhu Nam, a Chinese settler, and Tuton y Hijo and agents of La Alianza. The contract was to last for an undisclosed amount of time and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Zhu Nam did not negotiate or sign the contract as the signature stipulates that someone else signed for him. Signed by Tuton y Hijo. Also features contract in Chinese.
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Contract

Created1867
DescriptionContract between Homero, a Chinese settler, and I. Smith, a landowner, for a year of work on his farm. Signed January 6, 1867.
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Contract

Created1868
DescriptionA contract between Nicolas, a Chinese settler, and Ramon and Carlos Jonts. The contract was to last for a year and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Signed by Ramon, Carlos Jonts, and Nicolas, who signed in Chinese.
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Contract

Created1868
Description

A contract between Juan Aden, a Chinese settler and Paulino Ligarrela. The contract was to last for a year and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Notes that Juan completed a contract with Gabriel Gomez previously. Signed by Paulino Ligarrela and Juan, who signed in Chinese.