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
