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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Created1861
DescriptionList of workers who were recently hired by various employers. It lists the name of the employer or company, the name of the settler and their personal details.
Created1862
Description
A contract between Pablo, a Chinese settler, and Engenio de Mora. The contract was to last for two years and lists the legal requirement of both the employee and the employer. Pablo did not negotiate or sign the contract as the signature stipulates that someone else signed for him. Signed by Jose Miguel.
Created1866-04-26
DescriptionThis document is a certification that the application for permanent residence in Cuba that was submitted by a Chinese settler named Pablo was approved. Instructions to expedite a carta de domicilio, or a residence card, for Pablo were written on the bottom of the page. Cardenas- 1866
Created1874
DescriptionDeath certificate for Pablo, a Chinese immigrant. He died in the Hospital de Caridad de San Felipe from lung problems.
Created1845
DescriptionThis document grants release to a Chinese settler that had been previously imprisoned.
Created1855-08-13
DescriptionJan-Acao, a Chinese settler, converted to Christianity. He chose the name Cristobal and his godfather was Jose Alonso y Delgado.
Created1862
DescriptionAn identity card, or cedula, for Cristobal. He was originally from Macao.
Contributors林, 清 (Contractor)
Created1854-03-06
Description
A contract between, Sim Cheng Cristobal, a Chinese settler, and the agent of Ignacio Fernandez de Castro. The contract was to last for an undisclosed amount of time and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Signed by MacKay, the agent, and Cristobal, who signed in Chinese. Also features the contract in Chinese.
Created1863-10-10
DescriptionCristobal, a Chinese settler, converted to Christianity in the city of Havana. He was originally from Canton. In his baptism, Cristobal offered his loyalty to the Cuban government and the church in order to eventually receive permanent residency in Cuba, a legal requirement.
Created1865-12-16
DescriptionCertifies that Pablo, a Chinese settler, completed an two-year-contract with his employer, Juan Nepom Ortega.