Dear Richard F., Orithia, and Richard B., Thanks so much for your informative answers. I found the book referred to and will see if I can get my library to order it or bring it in on an interlibrary loan. For others who are interested it is: HOME AWAY FROM HOME 150 YEARS OF INDIAN PRESENCE IN JAMAICA 1845-1995 Laxmi Mansingh and Ajai Mansingh Re Garcias from Goa: as a result of research so far, it appears that there were probably 2 different lines of Garcias in Jamaica in the 19th Century: one (also spelled Garsia) descended from Jacob Garcia de la Paz and Esther Brandon (arriving probably from Curacao to Kingston in the late 1700's); the second line(s) descended from brothers (folk-lore says 3), who came from India in the mid- 1800's, mostly to St. Ann parish. It seems likely, as you say Richard, that this second group was from Goa. Orinthia, thanks for you offer to work with you. I will write to you directly. Thanks to all who contribute to this site. I am a silent (usually), but very appreciative reader. Joan Garcia > Richard Facey <richface@idirect.com> > Re: Jamaica-Indian Indentured labourer > Dear Joan: > Professor Mansingh at the UWI has written a book on the Indian families in > Jamaica. I've forgotten the title, and will try to locate it for you - I > guess it's still currently available in most bookstores in Jamaica. > Richard -------------------------- > Orinthia Marks <omarks@rogers.com> > Re: Jamaica-Indian Indentured labourer > Hello Joan, > I have been researching recently and I too am seeking info on this topic as > my great grandmother was from Calcutta. I have tried as well to find any > info on her side of the family. They lived in lower St. Andrew on Mannings > Hill Road within a settlement they called "Big Yard". My great > grandmother's name was Mary Brown or Mary Ann and her daughter (my gran) was > Drucilla she had one sister Orinthia. > To answer your question re "planter" I found that throughtout Marriage > Registers I reviewed at the World History Library here - a number of my > relatives were referred to as Planters as well and from what I know I'm > guessing that it relates to the quantity of land they had. For example: my > aunt was a Planter and her brother - my grand- left many acres when he died. > It was very cultivated land with all sorts of agricultural produce. The > other brothers in this group all had much land as well and it seems they > were all referred to as Planters. > > It would maybe be beneficial to us both to work together if you are > interested. I found a few links re ships from India and have copy of this. > It indicates that the first ship from India "The Blundell" arrived in 1845 > and then they continued through to the 1900s. > > Please let me know if you would like to keep in touch. > Thanks. > Orinthia Marks > --------------------- > From: RichardBond@webtv.net (Richard Bond) > Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003 22:23:39 -0400 (EDT) > To: CARIBBEAN-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: Jamaica-Indian Indentured labourer > > If your ancestor was from Goa it is entirely possible that he came in > from India as Garcia > --------------------------- > From: RichardBond@webtv.net (Richard Bond) > Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003 22:24:53 -0400 (EDT) > To: CARIBBEAN-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: Jamaica-Indian Indentured labourer > > Planter approximates Agriculturalist > --

When I found out about this book for the group, I sent for it and received it last Thursday. I have finished reading it and find it to be very informative. I would highly recommend it. Anthony