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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

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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Second Contract

Created1868-07-30
DescriptionThis is the first labor contract that belonged to a Chinese settler named Benigno, and his owner, Ramon Felipe. Benigno was brought from Soltero to Cuba to work as an indentured servant. The term of the contract was for one year. 1868. Signed in Chinese.
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Birth Certificate

Created1876
DescriptionBirth certificate of Lucario Fernando who was born to Solome, a black worker from the Conga and Pedro, a Chinese settler.
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Runaway Workers

Created1858
DescriptionList of Chinese settlers who ran away from their owners and were later captured. After capture, they were held in the Municipal Slave Deposit in Santa Maria del Rosario. Their names, ages, and nationality are listed along with the dates of their escape and capture.
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Contract

Created1867
Description
A contract between Lucas, a Chinese settler, and the Grand Sugar Production Society. The contract was to last for a year and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Noted Lucas completed a contract with Benitez Diran y Co previously. Signed by Pedro and Lucas, who…

A contract between Lucas, a Chinese settler, and the Grand Sugar Production Society. The contract was to last for a year and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Noted Lucas completed a contract with Benitez Diran y Co previously. Signed by Pedro and Lucas, who signed in Chinese.
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Baptism Certificate

Created1863-03-22
DescriptionTan-Chuy, a Chinese settler, converted to Christianity. Tan-Chuy was originally from Hokom. He chose the name Pedro and his godfather was Sebastian Marques.
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Identity Record

Created1866
DescriptionAn identity card, or cedula, for Pedro. Pedro was twenty eight years old when this card was issued.
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List of Runaway Chinese Workers

Created1858
DescriptionList of Chinese settlers who ran away from their owners and were later captured. After capture, they were held in the Municipal Slave Deposit in Santa Maria del Rosario. Their names, ages, and nationality are listed along with the dates of their escape and capture.
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List of Runaway Chinese workers

Created1858
DescriptionThis is a list of runaway slaves that has been caught and placed in a slave prison in March 1858.
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List of Runaway Chinese Workers

Created1858
DescriptionList of Chinese settlers who ran away from their owners and were later captured. After capture, they were held in the Municipal Slave Deposit in Jaruco. Their names, ages, and nationality are listed along with the dates of their escape and capture.