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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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Court Record

Created1889
DescriptionRecords indicating that the courts requested paperwork and information on a Chinese settler who is accused of theft and murder. His baptism certificate was requested from the Chinese Consul in Havana.
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Identity Record

DescriptionAn identity card, or cedula, for Jose, originally from Achony. Jose was nineteen years old when this card was issued.
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Baptism Certificate

Created1867
DescriptionJuan, a Chinese settler, converted to Christianity in the city of Laguanillas. Juan was originally from Macao. In his baptism, he offered his loyalty to the Cuban government and the church in order to eventually receive permanent residency in Cuba, a legal requirement.
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Residency Documents

Created1858
Description
Record of a Chinese settler letter for home. Contains: application for a certificate of naturalization of Chinese settlers. Signed in Chinese, chinese settler original contract in spanish Cardenas 1867 signed in chinese, Record of baptism 1866, recommendations of good conduct from the Captaincy of Lagunillas, nature tasting request signed in…

Record of a Chinese settler letter for home. Contains: application for a certificate of naturalization of Chinese settlers. Signed in Chinese, chinese settler original contract in spanish Cardenas 1867 signed in chinese, Record of baptism 1866, recommendations of good conduct from the Captaincy of Lagunillas, nature tasting request signed in Chinese, original contract Macao Chinese settler written in Chinese and Spanish in 1858 and signed in Chinese, pledge of allegiance to the Spanish crown Chinese settler
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Application Documents for Naturalization

Created1872-03-18
Description
These compiled records formed the application for a Cuban naturalization card that belonged to a Chinese settler named Ricardo Bernabal. The formal request for his naturalization card was made on March 18, 1872, at which time Ricardo was 26 years old and working as a cook. He was also given…

These compiled records formed the application for a Cuban naturalization card that belonged to a Chinese settler named Ricardo Bernabal. The formal request for his naturalization card was made on March 18, 1872, at which time Ricardo was 26 years old and working as a cook. He was also given a permanent residence card before being naturalized. He was also baptized.
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Chinese Lottery

Created1886
DescriptionDescribes the actions of the District Attorney in Havana to prosecute Chinese settlers caught dealing in illegal Chinese lotteries, especially the lottery "Chiffa." Pedro Amador was prosecuted in relation to the Chiffa case.
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Chinese Lottery

Created1886-04-12
DescriptionDescribes the actions of the District Attorney in Havana to prosecute Pedro Amador, a Chinese settler, who was prosecuted in relation to the illegal Chinese lottery, Chiffa.