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.
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Created1867
DescriptionRecords for the ship Delangle, which brought Chinese settlers from China to Cuba. On this trip, the Delangle brought 275 settlers from China to work. The ship was captained by Dupert.
Created1861
DescriptionRecords for the ship Delangle, which brought Chinese settlers from China to Cuba under contract with La Alianza. On this trip, the Delangle brought 275 settlers from China to work.
Created1860
DescriptionRecords for the ship, Seraphina, which brought Chinese settlers from China to Cuba. On this trip, the Serafina brought 400 settlers from Cuba. The Serafina stopped in Amoy and the Cape of Good Hope before going to Cuba.
Created1861
DescriptionRecords for the ship Alice Thorndike, which brought Chinese settlers from China to Cuba under contract with Torices, Puente y Co. On this trip, the Alice Thorndike brought 342 settlers from China to work.
Created1858
DescriptionDetails the causes for Chinese immigration to Cuba and the experiences of the workers when they arrive. Mentions how the government of Cuba is involved in the contracts that bring Chinese settlers to Cuba to work as indentured servants and slaves
Created1868
DescriptionOath of allegiance taken by a Chinese settler in order to become a natural citizen of Cuba. Signed in Chinese. 1868.
Created1867
DescriptionRelates that Federico, a Chinese settler, was granted permanent residency in Cuba after fulfilling the legal requirements. He worked for the Gran Azucaria, a sugar cane producer.
Created1865-06-06
Description
This is a formal rehire request that was written on behalf of Sebastian, a Chinese settler, who had just completed a labor contract and was seeking to sign a new one for the duration of one year. Sebastian sought to sign a new contract to work on the railroads with a railroad company under Maximo Mora. The subsequent documents include a second contract, his baptism certificate, and a formal written request for his carta de domicilio, or permanent residence card, that was signed on June 6, 1866. Other documents included in this selection are testimonies that were written by Sebastian's past owners describing his good conduct and dedication to his work. 1865.
Created1873
Description
A letter to the Secretary of the Government of Cuba requesting naturalization of a Chinese settler, Leonardo Valdez. He was originally from Canton, but promises to renounce his rights as a citizen of China if he is make a Cuban citizen. Included are records of his past work contracts and letters of recommendation from past employers.
Created1865
DescriptionThis file includes several document. One of them is a contract written in both Spanish and Chinese. According to the contract, Xie Tian was willing to go to Cuba as a worker. So he was requested to sign the contract and should follow the rules listed on it.