John A. Lima papers (MSS-0135)

Biographical/Historical Note

John A. Lima was a Portuguese-American who was a member of the short-lived organization, Os Filhos de Portugal (The Children of Portugal), and served as its secretary. The organization, which was primarily run out of Newport, RI, worked with other societies, including the Holy Ghost Society. While secretary of Os Filhos de Portugal, Lima kept a ledger that details the club's objectives and meeting minutes. The club was a way for the Portuguese community, including migrants from Portugal, in areas like Newport and Bristol, Rhode Island, to join together and plan events. Lima also documented the jobs he completed for those in his community in southeastern Rhode Island within the ledger.