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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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Contract

Created1872
Description

This is a first contract that was signed by Li Naiye, a Chinese settler, in which he agreed to travel to Cuba to work as an indentured servant for eight years. He was brought to Cuba on the patronage of Rosendo Mayos and the Company of Hacendados. Several contracts are included…

This is a first contract that was signed by Li Naiye, a Chinese settler, in which he agreed to travel to Cuba to work as an indentured servant for eight years. He was brought to Cuba on the patronage of Rosendo Mayos and the Company of Hacendados. Several contracts are included and it is later stated that the contracts were fulfilled.
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Rehire Request

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…

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.
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Request to Import Chinese Workers

Created1858
Description

Documents to apply for authorization to bring Chinese settlers to Cuba in 1858.

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Contract

Created1866-05-20
Description
This is the first labor contract that was shared between a Chinese settler named Leopoldo, and his owner, Felipe Macau, presumably a freed Chinese settler. Leopoldo had already completed a contract with Joaquin Tiago. He was brought from Canton to Cuba to work as an indentured servant in Soltero. The…

This is the first labor contract that was shared between a Chinese settler named Leopoldo, and his owner, Felipe Macau, presumably a freed Chinese settler. Leopoldo had already completed a contract with Joaquin Tiago. He was brought from Canton to Cuba to work as an indentured servant in Soltero. The term of the contract with Don Felipe was for six months. 1866. Signed in Chinese by Leopoldo.
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Contract

Created1867-01-06
DescriptionThis is the first labor contract that between a Chinese settler named Eleuterio, also known as Santiago, and his owner, Don Juan. The term of the contract was for one year. This document is signed by the governor of Colon, Don Juan and Eleuterio. 1867.
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Contract

Created1866
Description
A contract between Felix, a Chinese settler, and Jose Gomez y Rochet. The contract was to last for a year and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Notes that Felix completed a contract with Jose Gomez previously. Felix did not negotiate or sign the contract…

A contract between Felix, a Chinese settler, and Jose Gomez y Rochet. The contract was to last for a year and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Notes that Felix completed a contract with Jose Gomez previously. Felix did not negotiate or sign the contract as the signature stipulates that someone else signed for him. Signed by Jose Gomez.
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Permanent Residency

DescriptionRelates that Juan Ley Acheu, a Chinese settler, was granted permanent residency in Cuba after fulfilling the legal requirements.
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Contract

Created1868
DescriptionContract between Jose Miguel, a Chinese settler, and Francisco Glean. The contract was to last for a year and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Noted that Jose completed a contract previously. Signed by Francisco Glean and Jose Miguel, who signed in Chinese.
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Contract

Created1862
DescriptionA contract between Cheon Anan or Sixto, a Chinese settler, and Vargas y Co. The contract was to last for an undisclosed amount of time and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Cheon was originally from Sanoy. Also features contract in Chinese.
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Permanent Residency

Created1856
DescriptionRelates that Ham Jan, a Chinese settler, was granted permanent residency in Cuba after fulfilling the legal requirements. He completed an eight year contract with Manuel Bernabe Pereda.