Chinese Immigrants in Cuba: Documents From the James and Ana Melikian Collection
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.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 61
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Created1858-01-08
Description
This was a formal request to import more Chinese settlers for labor that was sent to the governor and captain of Cuba. The request was written by Carlos de Laldo, who was the director of a bank and insurance company on the island of Cuba. Carlos stated that quality ships with good hygienic standards, and a crew that could provide adequate care to the settlers were needed to improve the established system of importing Chinese settlers. He also specified that ships designed for efficiency and speed should be selected for transporting the settlers to Cuba. Finally, he requested permission for his company to import up to 15,000 Chinese settlers. 1858.
Created1866-02-22
Description
These official documents formed an application/request for a carta de domicilio, or permanent residence documents, that belonged to a Chinese settler named Salvador. The documents included in this selection are the official written request for Salvador's carta de domicilio that was signed on February 22, 1866, two letters that were written by two of his past landlords expressing their satisfaction with his good conduct and dedication to his work, his baptism certificate, and an official acceptance of his request for his carta de domicilio with an instruction to expedite his card that was signed on April 18, 1866.
Created1868-04-01
Description
These compiled records formed the application for permanent residence on the island of Cuba that belonged to a Chinese settler named Feliciano. Included in this collection are the formal written request for Feliciano's permanent residence card, his baptism certificate, several documents written by his past owners attesting to his good conduct during the completion of his labor contracts, and two copies of two of his second labor contracts. The last document in this collection is the written acceptance of his request for permanent residence that was signed in 1868.
Created1868-04-06
Description
This collection of official documents formed the application for a carta de domicilio, or permanent residence card, that belonged to a Chinese settler named Fermin. The documents included in the application packet include two of Fermin's second labor contracts from 1860 and 1867, his baptism certificate that was signed in 1867, a rehire request signed in 1867, a certificate written by one of his past owners that certified that Fermin had completed two labor contracts with satisfactory conduct, and a written request for his carta de domicilio that was signed on April 6, 1868.
Created1866-06-26
Description
This collection of official documents formed the application for a carta de domicilio, or permission to permanently reside in Cuba, that belonged to a Chinese settler named Wencerlao Calderin. The documents that are included in this selection are Calderin's official request for his carta de domicilio that was signed on June 26, 1866, a rehire request that was signed in 1855, and five separate certifications of contract completion and good conduct that were written by his past owners.
Created1868-02-08
Description
Upon the completion of a labor contract with a Cuban landlord, this rehire request was issued for Rufino- a Chinese settler, who wished to enter a new labor contract with Manuel G. Portocarrero for the duration of one year. The request was accepted, and a one year labor contract was signed by both men. Havana- 1868. Signed in Chinese.
Created1858
Description
Documents to apply for authorization to bring Chinese settlers to Cuba in 1858.
Created1864-05-20
DescriptionRelates that Zaldo Ferran y Dupierris solicited the civil government to create a separate book in parish churches for the marriages of Chinese settlers and blacks or people of mixed race.
Created1964-04-29
Description
Relates that Leonardo Sanchez, a permanent resident of Cuba and a baptized Catholic, married Marcelina Diaz. She was born in Matanzas and they had two daughters, who were both baptized and registered in the book for those of European descent in their parish church. Report concerns whether or not their children, who were of "mixed race," could be considered white, determined by which book their baptisms are recorded in. Churches would use different books for Europeans, whites, and minorities. The Governor rules that children born to one white parent were to be considered the same racial classification in terms of their baptism.
Created1873-03-13
DescriptionOfficial naturalization document of Juan Ley Acheu, a Chinese settler, who was granted his carta de naturaleza, or naturalization documents. Relates that Juan had take an oath of loyalty and obedience to the Cuban government that was required of him.