Maria Ponce
2003 October 25
Anaya-Ponce
Many of my Spanish ancestors were granted free passage from Spain to Hawaii in return for laboring in the sugar cane fields or fruit plantations. My great-grandmother Maria Anaya (later Maria Ponce) journeyed on the SS Heliopolis in 1907.
View Anaya-Ponce1907 January 1
Ships Bringing Spanish Laborers to Hawaii
1907 April 26
S.S. Heliopolis Manifest: Spain to Hawaii
When the sugar cane and fruit companies needed laborers to work their plantations in Hawaii, they turned to indentured servitude. In return for 3 years' work on the plantation, a company would pay for the laborer's transportation to Hawaii and provide housing. My great-great-uncle, Francisco Peres Salado, arrived in just that manner. You can see him on line 3 of the S.S. Heliopolis manifesto, along with his nieces Rafaela and Amalia Anaya (later Ponce) on lines 1–2.
View S.S. Heliopolis Manifest: Spain to Hawaii1972 May 27
Maria Anaya Ponce’s Life Story
As told to daughter Carmen Ponce Sforzini and grand-daughter Charlotte Sforzini Arton, May 27 & 31, 1972.
View Maria Anaya Ponce’s Life Story2013 December 22
Carmen Beatrice Ponce Sforzini
Ethnicity/Culture
Carmen is of pure Spanish heritage, as both of her parents were born in Spain. Carmen’s mother, Mary Anaya, was born and raised in a small village of white adobe hillside homes in Benagalbon, which was founded in 1776. It lies in close proximity to Malaga in southern Spain. Carmen’s father, Francisco Ponce, was born and raised in the lovely city of Sevilla, also located in southern Spain, west of Malaga.
View Carmen Beatrice Ponce Sforzini