Home
1920 Church Census of Guam and “Culion”
- Details
- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
Each time I get a chance to review a transcribed copy of the Catholic church's 1920 census of Guam, I learn something new and make a note of it. Last night I learned that there were nine (9) eight (8) CHamoru people listed in the census with a note of “Culion,” indicating that they were in Culion, an island of the Philippines, where the U.S. exiled some people with leprosy.
- Jose Charfauros Guatafe
- Vicente Pangelinan Rosario
- Gertrudis Quintanilla
- Jose Guerrero Pangelinan
- Juan Leon Guerrero Campos
- Juan Guerrero
- Pedro Atogue Lujan
- Vicente Atoigue Lujan
- Vicente Benavente Toves
From 1912 to 1924, CHamorus from Guam diagnosed with leprosy were sent to Culion. Later in 1924, some were allowed to return home. Others were not as fortunate and subsequently died in Culion.
Someone once asked me if I had a list of CHamoru people that were sent to Culion or those who may have died there, but unfortunately, I did not. Perhaps, they may be listed in the register contained at the Culion Museum and Archives.
References
Leprosy - Hospitals and Colonies: https://www.guampedia.com/us-naval-era-leprosy-hospitals-and-colonies/
Culion Leprosy Colony (Philippines:) https://leprosyhistory.org/geographical_region/site/culion
The Island of No Return: https://philippines.michiganintheworld.history.lsa.umich.edu/s/exhibit/page/the-island-of-no-return
1891: Five CHamoru Stowaways
- Details
- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
In an 1891 letter from Governor Joaquin Vara de Rey to the Governor General of the Philippines, Vara wrote that six CHamoru (unnamed) were contracted as sailors for the whaling ship Charles W. Morgan. One-third of the Morgan’s crew were CHamorus. Jose Sablan and Jose Siguenza were named and purportedly served as recruiting agents. In addition, Vara complained that five youths from Umatac disappeared as of February 13, 1891. They were purportedly fishing together the evening before at Cetti Bay.
Later, the Captain of the ship discovered that the five youths stowed away on the Morgan. They were identified, but only one of the five was a minor.
|
Names |
Native of |
Age |
Status |
Father |
Mother |
Trade |
|
Nicholas Malijan y Aguon |
Umatac |
19 |
Single |
Hilario |
Luisa |
Farmer |
|
Vicente Chiguina |
Umatac |
21 |
Single |
Hilario |
Antonia |
Farmer |
|
Joaquin Gumata |
Umatac |
21 |
Single |
Leonardo |
Juliana |
Farmer |
|
Jose Guinata Lacarno |
Umatac |
15 |
Single |
Jose |
Dolores |
Farmer |
|
Bernabe Inocencio Lacarno |
Umatac |
21 |
Single |
Leon |
Maria |
Farmer |
Source: Rodrigue Levesque. 2005. History of Micronesia: History of Micronesia: Japanese Traders Join the Fray, 1890-1897, Volume 33. Levesque Publications. Quebec, Canada
CHamoru Genealogy Workshop - Texas
- Details
- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
Hoi! It’s official! All-in and Texas bound. We will be having a CHamoru Genealogy Workshop sponsored by and in collaboration with the North Texas Chamorro Association. Seating is limited so register now to lock in your seat. Refer to the flyer for all the details.
P.S. I will be authorizing attendees access, for a limited time, to the CHamoru Roots database that contains over 400,000 names to help with their CHamoru genealogy research.
Na’lå’la’ i CHamoru!
Preserving the Rich History of Hagåtña
- Details
- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
This is a call for your help with a vital community effort. We need your help to uncover and preserve the rich history of Hagåtña village in Guahan. Please see the flyer for more information.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8z23j8qxfgwob9v/Calling%20all%20history%20enthusiasts%20and%20community.pdf?dl=0
Page 1 of 80
