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October 4, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Flight of Miss Veedol

Japan’s Asahi Shimbun newspaper offered $25,000 for the first nonstop transpacific flight; Clyde Edward Pangborn and Hugh Herndon, Jr accepted the challenge.

After wiring their New York office to arrange the proper flight clearance and Japanese landing papers, the two took off for Tokyo, assuming that they had the necessary documents to land in Japan.

En route Herndon took photographs with both a still and 16mm movie camera. Upon landing in Tokyo, they were arrested for having no papers and for photographing naval installations in northern Japan.

After considerable diplomatic wrangling, as well as several long sessions of intensive questioning by the police, Pangborn and Herndon were fined for their transgressions and released.

After reluctantly giving the Americans permission to attempt the trans-Pacific flight, the Japanese officials informed Pangborn that only one take-off attempt was to be allowed. If the first try failed, or the flyers were forced to return after takeoff, their plane would be impounded. (Arlington)

A few days before take off, Clyde, who had grown concerned about the planeʼs limited fuel supply, developed a plan to reduce the aircraftʼs weight and thereby increase its range. (Roberts)

Pangborn was not only an ace pilot, but an ace mechanic, as well. He hand-fashioned another fuel tank that held an additional 50-gallons to the forward belly of the plane.

The plane then held 915 gallons of fuel in seven tanks and 45 gallons of oil for a gross weight of about 9,000 lbs. This was three times the plane’s empty weight. He also modified the landing gear with pins that could be removed in flight to reduce drag. (Minnesota DOT)

The also removed the doors; the pilots climbed in through windows into a cramped cockpit. They carried no parachutes and no life raft – too much weight. For the same reason, they wore no boots, just heavy wool socks and “Japanese style coveralls.” They had no radio or electronic navigational aids, only a compass, and, at night, the North Star.

The flight was sponsored by Herndon and his mother, heiress to the Tide Water Oil Company. Tide Water was the producer of the Veedol line of motor oils and lubricants, so the airplane was named Miss Veedol. (This Day in Aviation)

On October 4, 1931, Clyde Edward Pangborn and Hugh Herndon, Jr., flying their Bellanca Skyrocket, Miss Veedol, took off from Sabashiro Beach, on the northern coast of the island of Honshu, Japan.

Miss Veedol had also been modified by Pangborn so that its landing gear could be dropped, reducing weight by approximately 300 pounds.

The decreased aerodynamic drag resulted in an increase in the airplane’s speed of approximately 15 miles per hour. Dropping the landing gear would require a belly landing at the destination, however.

When it was time to jettison the landing gear, the mechanism failed, leaving two struts still attached to the airplane. Pangborn remedied this situation about halfway through the flight when he turned the controls over to Herndon and at 14,000 feet he crawled out onto the wing supports and freed the two landing gear struts. (Arlington)

Their destination was Seattle, Washington. They flew a Great Circle Course, and the first land that they encountered was Dutch Harbor, at the outer tip of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.

With fog obscuring possible landing sites in Spokane and Pasco, the wings icing up, and fuel running low after about forty hours in the air, Pangborn decided to try for Wenatchee.

He was familiar with the field; he knew that there would not be fog. With his mother and brother waiting on the ground in Wenatchee, Pangborn was assured of a welcome reception.

At a few minutes after seven on the morning of October 5th, 1931, the big red Bellanca flew in low over the hills east of Wenatchee, make a quick pass over the field while Pangborn looked for obstacles, and finally settled down to a nearly perfect belly landing 41 hours and 15 minutes after taking off from Sabishiro Beach, Japan.

The Pacific was not flown non-stop again until after World War II. For his trans-Pacific flight Pangborn won the Aviation League’s Harmon Trophy symbolizing the greatest achievement in flight in the year 1931.

After landing in East Wenatchee, the Miss Veedol was trucked to Seattle where the landing gear was rebuilt and refitted. (Arlington)

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Miss Veedol, a Bellanca CH-400 Skyrocket, NR796W, circa 1931
Miss Veedol, a Bellanca CH-400 Skyrocket, NR796W, circa 1931
Herndon (left) and Pangborn takeoff at Sabashiro Beach, Misawa, Honshu, Japan, 3 October 1931
Herndon (left) and Pangborn takeoff at Sabashiro Beach, Misawa, Honshu, Japan, 3 October 1931
Hugh Herndon, Jr. (left) and Clyde Edward Pangborne, with the damaged Miss Veedol, 5 October 1931
Hugh Herndon, Jr. (left) and Clyde Edward Pangborne, with the damaged Miss Veedol, 5 October 1931
Miss Veedol after belly-landing at Francher Field, near Wenatchee, Washington, 5 October 1931
Miss Veedol after belly-landing at Francher Field, near Wenatchee, Washington, 5 October 1931
Miss Veedol replica-Misawa Japan
Miss Veedol replica-Misawa Japan
Miss Veedol monument in Misawa Japan
Miss Veedol monument in Misawa Japan
Pangborn-Herndon Memorial Site
Pangborn-Herndon Memorial Site

Filed Under: Economy, General, Prominent People Tagged With: Hawaii, Pacific, Aviation, Clyde Edward Pangborn, Hugh Herndon, Jr, Miss Veedol

September 29, 2018 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Puhina o Lono Heiau

Cook had first arrived in Hawai’i in 1778, stopping off at Kauai; however, his return the following year coincided with the annual Makahiki, the season that honored Lono with tribute offerings, feasting, competitive games, and hula performances. Traditionally warfare was taboo during this period.

The emblem of Lono was an upright pole with crossbeam and hanging tapa cloth, which the Hawaiians likened to the mast and sails of the European ships.

During this visit to Hawai’i Island, Cook performed the first Christian ceremony at Hikiau Heiau, a funeral service for a crew member who had died January 28, 1779.

Within days, Cook’s ships departed and all would have gone well, but fate ordained otherwise. A broken mast forced Cook’s return to Kealakekua Bay for repairs.

By then the Makahiki had ended and attitudes had changed. There followed a skirmish at the water’s edge fronting Ka’awaloa village (a residence of ruling Chief Kalani‘ōpu‘u), and Captain Cook was slain.

Cook’s body was then taken to nearby Puhina o Lono Heiau for traditional Hawaiian rites that included cooking and cleaning flesh from his bones, an honor afforded to only the highest and most sacred Hawaiian chiefs. (Ala Kahakai)

“Some of Cook’s bones, considered sacred, were deposited in a heiau (temple) dedicated to Rono, on the opposite side of the island.”

“There religious homage was paid to them, and from thence they were annually carried in procession to several other temples, or borne by the priests around the island, to collect the offerings of the people for the support of the worship of the god Rono.”

“The bones were preserved in a small basket of wickerwork completely covered over with red feathers, which in those days were considered to be symbols of kingship or godship, and were the most valuable articles the natives possessed.”

Ellis stated that since the time of his arrival in the islands, in company with the deputation from the London Missionary Society in 1822, every endeavour had been made to learn, though without success, whether Cook’s bones were still kept, and their location.

All the Hawaiians of whom inquiry had been made had asserted that they were formerly kept by the priests of Rono, and worshipped as sacred objects.

“Whenever we have asked the king, or Hevaheva, the chief priest, or any of the chiefs, they have either told us they were under the care of those who had themselves said they knew nothing about them, or that they were now lost.”

“The best conclusion we may form is that part of Captain Cook’s bones were preserved by the priests, and were considered sacred by the people probably till the abolition of idolatry in 1819; that, at that period they were committed to the secret care of some chief, or deposited by the priests who had charge of them, in a cave, unknown to all besides themselves.”

“The manner in which they were then disposed of will, it is presumed, remain a secret, till the knowledge of it is entirely lost.” (Lack)

“At about one mile from the shore on the hill is a monument, erected in 1825 by Lord Byron, Captain of his Britannic majesty’s frigate ‘Blond,’ to the memory of Captain Cook. It consists of a simple wall of lava about five feet high, embracing a square of twenty feet, in the centre of which is a cedar post, twelve feet in height, and near the top a copper plate, with this inscription:”

“‘In memory of Captain James Cook, R. N., Who discovered these Islands, in the year of our Lord, 1778. This humble monument is erected by his fellow countrymen, in the year of our Lord, 1825.’”

“This post is completely covered with the initials of persons who have from time to time visited the spot, chiefly the masters, officers, and crews of vessels”. (Townsend)

Puhina o Lono (literally meaning ‘to burn Lono’, also sometimes referred to as “Cook’s Heiau”) was succinctly first described by archaeologists as “an enclosure where the bones of Captain Cook were extracted”.

There are two written accounts of visits to Puhina o Lono in the years immediately following the abolition of traditional religion in 1819, one by the missionary William Ellis and the other by the English naturalist Andrew Bloxam.

In 1823, Ellis travelled along the coast of Kealakekua Bay and gives a second-hand account of the upcountry site of Puhina o Lono:

“… Mr. Goodrich ascended a neighboring height, and visited the spot where the body of the unfortunate Captain Cook was cut to pieces, and the flesh, after being separated from the bones, was burnt.”

“It is a small enclosure, about fifteen feet square, surrounded by a wall five feet high; within is a kind of hearth, raised about eighteen inches from the ground, and encircled by a curb of rude stones. Here the fire was kindled on the above occasion; and the place is still strewed with charcoal. (Ellis)

A second visit to the site on July 15, 1825 is recounted in the journal of Andrew Bloxam. Bloxam describes a small group of British
Sailors – including himself, Lord George Anson Byron and other members of crew of the HMS Blonde …

… who were taken to the site by a local chief named Naihe (also referred to as Nahi) and told that this was the “spot where Captain Cook’s body was taken and cut up immediately after he was killed”.

Bloxam does, go into great detail in his description of the creation of a monument to Cook consisting of a “stone pyramid” with a wooden post holding a brass plaque:

In the center of this [enclosure] Lord Byron, Mr. Ball, Davis and I laid the first four stones of a pyramid to form the base of a monument to his memory.

A large post was fixed in the middle of this, and on the top was nailed a brass plate, with the following words engraved upon it: To the memory of Captain James Cook, R.N., who discovered these islands in the year of our Lord 1778. This humble monument was erected by his fellow countrymen in the year of our Lord 1825. (Flexner & McCoy)

The layout of the site and its surrounding features suggest that this was not a simple or small structure, a fact that in our view makes it unlikely it was specially built in the short time that elapsed between Captain Cook’s death and when his body was partially returned to his crew.

It is oriented to the local landform, rather than to a particular sacred direction; northeast being expected if it were dedicated to Lono. Further, there is documentary evidence to support the notion that at the time of contact the site was not used as a heiau.

An 1883 Hawaiian Government survey map of Kealakekua Bay shows the site as a rectangular enclosure labelled as Puhina o “Lono”.

While other sites on the 1883 map were identified as “Old Heiau”, Puhina o Lono was not. Other early references to Puhina o Lono also do not refer to it as a heiau. The site only begins to be referred to as a heiau in the 20th century, first as Puhina o Lono Heiau (USGS 1928) and later as Cook’s Heiau (USGS 1959).

If the site of Puhina o Lono was not purpose-built to process Cook’s body, and is also not a good fit for the architectural forms of heiau, there are a number of other possible roles it could have played in the ritual landscape.

“One scenario that we see as likely is that this structure was used in the preparation of high chiefs for burial. The close proximity of burial caves, and its placement outside both the primary coastal and upland residential zones, is circumstantial evidence supporting this interpretation.”

“(I)t would appear that Cook’s remains may have been treated in much the same fashion as a high chief, rather than requiring some new hitherto unknown and exceptional religious ritual apparatus.”

“While this is far from definitively settling the ‘apotheosis or not’ debate regarding Cook, it pushes us to think about how sites of religious ritual were being used in the earliest days of the post-contact period.”

“The timing of the HMS Blonde’s visit to Ka‘awaloa, so closely following the abolition of traditional religion is certainly a factor; but far more important to understanding this event is the purpose of the HMS Blonde’s visit to Hawai‘i.”

“Almost exactly a year earlier, Liholiho (King Kamehameha II) and his wife Queen Kamāmalu died from measles on a visit to the UK. The HMS Blonde returned the royal bodies to O‘ahu, then proceeded to Ka‘awaloa with the explicit purpose of creating a monument to Cook.”

“The placement of the monument in the centre of the enclosure, the same location as the hearth where Cook’s body was burnt, may have been deemed correct (pono) for the crew who had played a pivotal role in bringing the king and queen back to Hawai‘i for burial.”

“In sum, the monument’s construction does not necessarily indicate that the site was de-sacralised in a material expression of the wholesale replacement of one set of beliefs and values with another.”

“Rather, the specific historical context suggests the re-use of building materials in a continuously sacred, if transformed, architecture.” (Flexner & McCoy)

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Capt-Cooks-Monument-compared-with-a-diary-sketch-from-1825
Capt-Cooks-Monument-compared-with-a-diary-sketch-from-1825
Puhina o Lono Sketch-McCoy
Puhina o Lono Sketch-McCoy
1883-map-of-Kealakekua-Bay-shows-Puhina-o-Lono
1883-map-of-Kealakekua-Bay-shows-Puhina-o-Lono
kealakekua_bay_USGS_map
kealakekua_bay_USGS_map

Filed Under: Hawaiian Traditions, Prominent People, Sailing, Shipping & Shipwrecks, Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance Tagged With: Hawaii, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Lono, Kealakekua Bay, Puhina o Lono Heiau

September 28, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Columbia

“The little ship ‘Columbia’ of Boston, only eighty-three feet long, was the first American vessel to circumnavigate the globe, and a few years later was also the first to visit our Northwest Coast.”

“This last voyage was perhaps the most famous one ever undertaken by an American merchant ship, and its consequences were everlasting. A young American seaman first called attention to the importance of the fur trade of the Northwest.”

“The two vessels sailed from Boston on September 30, 1787 … When the expedition arrived on the northwest coast, … Capt. Robert Gray then took command of the Columbia”. (Niles National Register, November 25, 1837)

“The cargo of hardware, tools, toys, beads, etc, brought from Boston was gradually exchanged during the long winter for furs, which were taken to Canton, the two captains then exchanging commands. The proceeds of the skins were used to purchase tea, which was brought back to Boston.” (Old Shipping Days in Boston, 1918)

“On his return (Gray) called at the different clusters of islands in the South seas, and among the rest at the Sandwich, where, as well as in other places, he met with the most friendly attentions from the natives, go at Owyhee, where their king resided.” (Niles National Register, November 25, 1837)

“The ‘Columbia’ … spent three weeks at the Hawaiian Islands, laying in a store of fruits, yams, potatoes, and hogs. They were kindly received there”. (Porter)

“Such was the confidence placed in captain Gray, both by king and people, that they permitted him to bring away with him to Boston their crown prince (Attoo), fully relying on his promise to return him to them.” (Niles National Register, November 25, 1837)

They secured a cargo of furs from the northwest “and, in pursuance of the owners’ plan, was carried to Canton for sale. … From China the ship, loaded with teas, sailed for home by way of the Cape of Good Hope. In August of 1790 she dropped anchor in Boston harbor, the first American vessel to circumnavigate the earth.” (Howe; The Atlantic Monthly, 1903)

“(The) second voyage, on which she sailed September 28, 1790, was destined to write the good ship’s name on the map of the country.”

“It was nearly two years later when, having taken Attoo back to Hawaii in the humble capacity of cabin boy, and having spent a winter on the coast, Captain Gray, cruising to the southward, saw what he took to be the mouth of amighty river.”

“There were breakers to warn him against entering it. To this forbidding aspect of things we may owe the entry in Vancouver’s journal at the same point …”

“‘Not considering this opening worthy of more attention, I continued our pursuit to the northwest.’ For Captain Gray the breakers were an obstacle only to be overcome.”

“After several efforts he drove the ship through them, and found himself in a noble stream of fresh water. Up this river he sailed some twenty-four miles, and having assured himself that he might continue farther if he chose, returned to the sea.”

“The headlands at the mouth of the river he named, like a true son of Boston, Cape Hancock and Point Adams. He raised the American flag, buried some coins of his young country, and named the river after his vessel, the Columbia.”

“Upon this discovery and the explorations of Lewis and Clark in the next decade, the American government based its successful claim to the Oregon country.”

“Yet for the Boston merchants whose enterprise wrought such momentous results, the second voyage, like the first, was but a small success.”

“In spite of the abundant salutes and cheers which greeted the Columbia when she sailed into Boston harbor in July of 1793, the ship and her inventory were sold at once by auction at a Charlestown wharf.”

“It was hers, however, to open the way to an important commerce.”

“In the years immediately following, a lucrative trade, largely in the hands of Boston merchants, was carried on in direct pursuance of the Columbia’s example, even in the matter of circumnavigation with stops at the Sandwich Islands and China.”

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Columbia_on_river
Columbia_on_river

Filed Under: Prominent People, Sailing, Shipping & Shipwrecks, Economy, General Tagged With: Hawaii, Northwest, Fur Trade, Robert Gray, China, Columbia

September 23, 2018 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

First Foreigners to the Islands?

“The Pacific, the largest ocean in the world, extending over more than one third of the surface of our globe, was discovered in the year 1513, by Vasco Nugnez de Balboa, a courageous and enterprising Spaniard, governor of the Spanish colony of Santa Maria in the isthmus of Darien.”

“The desire of finding a more direct communication with the East Indies had prompted Columbus to the daring voyage which resulted in the discovery of the new world.”

“In that immense and unexplored region, his followers pursued their career of enterprise, until Balboa, by discovering the great South Sea, accomplished what Columbus, notwithstanding his most splendid achievements, had in vain attempted.”

“Magellan, a Portuguese, despatched by the court of Spain … sailed along the eastern coast of South America, discovered the straits that bear his name; and, passing through them, first launched the ships of Europe in the Southern Sea.”

“Several distinguished Spanish, Dutch, and British navigators followed the adventurous course of Magellan across the waters of the Pacific, and were rewarded by the discoveries they made in that part of the world, which, under the appellation of Polynesia, from a Greek term signifying ‘many islands’”. (Ellis)

“There is no locality in the Hawaiian Islands which has so many associations with its early history as Kealakekua Bay and its surroundings. The two villages on its shore, Ka‘awaloa, and Kakua, now called Napo‘opo‘o, are mentioned in nearly all the books and journals written by explorers and traders, from the death of Captain Cook in 1779 onward, but as far as I know there has been no collection of historic data relating to this district.”

“The first circumstance, which I believe to be authentic, is connected with the landing of seven men at Kealakekua Bay at a period less remote in point of time, than the reputed landing of other foreigners.”

“The Rev. William Ellis, who came to Hawaii in 1822, and remained here over two years, was soon proficient in the Hawaiian language, as he had lived in Tahiti for six years, where a variation of the Polynesian dialect is spoken.”

“He heard as he journeyed about the Hawaiian group, several stories of the landing of foreigners, but they varied greatly as to the place and details. One story he heard from different men, on many occasions, and all who told it agreed as to the number of men, the description of the boat in which they came, the clothes they wore, etc.”

“Shortly before Liholiho left for England he gave Mr. Ellis a detailed account of the occurrence, which is as follows:”

“‘In the days of Kahoukapu, King of Kaawaloa, seven foreigners arrived at Kealakekua Bay. They came in a painted boat, with an awning over the stern, but without mast or sails.”’”

“‘They were all dressed, the color of their clothes was white or yellow, and one of them had a pahi (that is a long knife, or sword) by his side, and had a feather in his hat.’”

“‘The natives treated them kindly. They married native women, were made chiefs, and ultimately became very powerful in the Island of Hawaii’”.

“Liholiho had no idea whence they came. I am inclined to believe that they may have been deserters from the Dutch ship Hope.” (Restarick)

“June 27, 1598, a fleet, consisting of the Hope, 500 tons; Faith, 320 tons; Charity, 300 tons; Fidelity, 220 tons and the yacht Merry Messenger, 150 tons, sailed from Rotterdam, under command of Admiral De Weert, ‘being provided with all manner of provisions and ammunition, with cannon, money, merchandise and all necessaries whatever for a long voyage.’”

“It proceeded through the Straits of Magellan, thence across the Pacific, and home by way of the Cape of Good Hope, arriving at Rotterdam May 13, 1600.” (Clark)

“(The Hope) in company with the Charity, sailed from Chili taking a north-west course until they reached 27 degrees north. When about 16 degrees north they passed an island, and seven men took the ship’s pinnace and made for the land, and were not seen again.”

“The course of the Hope would have taken her near Hawaii, and according to the log of the pilot Will Adams, they would have been here in February, 1600.” (Restarick)

“The first Dutch ships to cross the Pacific east-west were the Hope, Charity and Faith (the Hoop, Liefde and Trouw) the surviving vessels of an expedition of five ships led by Jacques Mahu in 1598.”

The Hope and Charity intended to sail from Peru to the Moloccas … In 1600, the Charity disappeared north of Hawai‘i. The Hope sighted several islands, probably Johnston Atoll and the Marianas, before reaching Japan in April 1600, where the surviving crew were imprisoned.”

“The expedition was a failure, (lead merchant) died before rounding Cape Horn … and the Hoop (Hope) (was) lost off Hawai‘i.” (Quanchi & Robson)

“It was late November 1599 when the (Hope and Faith) sailed westwardly for Japan. On their way, the two ships made landfall in ‘certain islands’ (possibly the islands of Hawai‘i) where eight sailors deserted the ships. Later during the voyage, a typhoon claimed the Hoop with all hands, in late February 1600. (Luscombe)

“I am aware that this is only a theory, but I have seen no refutation of it which has been satisfactory to me. From the description, the men would seem to have been Europeans. In any event this is the first chronicled event connected with Kealakekua Bay.” (Restarick)

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Dutch Fleet to Japan
Dutch Fleet to Japan

Filed Under: Prominent People, Sailing, Shipping & Shipwrecks Tagged With: Kealakekua, Columbus, Portuguese, Pacific, Kealakekua Bay, Magellan, Straits of Magellan, First Foreigners, Foreigners, Dutch, Hawaii

September 21, 2018 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

James Walker Austin

James Walker Austin (1829-1895) was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts, January 8, 1829, son of William Austin (1778- 1841) and Lucy Jones (1802-1853).

“My father died in my boyhood (in Charlestown, June 27, 1841), and now, after nearly fifty years, his pleasant smile, his kind heart, and the light of his countenance are still living memories.” (James Walker Austin)

James was prepared for college in the schools of Charlestown and at the Chauncy Hall School, Boston, and was graduated from Harvard College in 1849, and from the Law School two years later, and was admitted to the Suffolk Bar in 1851.

He went in 1851 to California, and thence to the Hawaiian Islands. He was attracted by the beauty and fertility of the islands, and he determined to settle there.

Austin arrived in Hawaii and was quickly thereafter enlisted by Kamehameha III for his legal services. He served the monarchy in that capacity through the reigns of Kamehameha III, Kamehameha IV and Kamehameha V.

On July 18, 1857, he married Ariana Elizabeth Smith Sleeper (1829-1911) who was the daughter of John Sherborn Sleeper (1794-1878) and Mary Folsom Noble (1798-1885). They were the parents of five children.

He rose rapidly in the public esteem, and was soon chosen to places of trust and honor. In rapid succession he was made District Attorney, Member of Parliament, Speaker of the House, and a Justice of the Supreme Court.

He was also placed on two important Commissions, — one for revising the Civil Code, the other for revising the Criminal Code of the Kingdom. (Edes; Colonial Society of MA, 1895)

In honor of his work for Kamehameha V, James Walker Austin was given the land upon which Kapualei Ranch sits on July 10, 1868. (Kapualei Ranch)

He was admitted to the Bar in that country, and was appointed district attorney. He was elected to the Hawaiian Parliament, and reelected for three sessions. He was speaker of the House one session.

He was the guardian a number of years, of Lunalilo, heir to the throne. “Prince Bill had many fine qualities. In spite of his many fine qualities he was overcome by one weakness. He became addicted to liquor.”

“In 1858 Kanaʻina, out of love and concern for his son, petitioned the court to appoint guardians for him. Prince Bill agreed to this idea even though he was twenty-three years old. So the court appointed his father and two others, Dr. Richard Armstrong and James W Austin, as guardians.” (Galuteria)

In 1868 Austin was appointed judge of the Supreme Court by a special act of the Legislature, and he was chosen to revise the criminal code of the islands, in connection with two other judges of the Supreme Court.

He had been a member of the commission to revise the civil code two years before. These codes were modeled on those of the State of Massachusetts.

He returned to the United States in 1872 for the education of his children. The Austins made 9 Arlington in Boston their home. Their children lived with them: Herbert Austin, who would become an iron and steel dealer; Walter Austin, who would become an attorney and author; William Francis Austin; and Edith Austin.

“Judge Austin was a man of strong character, and of many accomplishments. His integrity was unimpeachable. He had a large circle of friends at the islands, where he had much to do in building up a vigorous and well-ordered community.”

“He was highly esteemed for his many noble qualities. His rugged honesty of opinion and positive ideas were sometimes veiled by his gentle manner; but they never lacked vigorous expression upon all proper occasions, and he always had the courage of his convictions.”

“Frankness, purity of mind and of heart, loyalty to every duty and to friends, and sincerity were marked traits of his character. His sympathies were as tender and quick as a woman’s. Censoriousness had no place in his fine nature; and when he could not approve the actions of others, he cultivated that silence which is golden.”

“He was as generous in his judgments of others as in his gifts to many worthy objects; and in all the relations of life he furnished an example deserving emulation.” (Edes; Colonial Society of MA, 1895)

Austin went to Europe the last year of his life, with his wife and daughter, and they were with him at the time of his death. He died in Southampton, England, October 15, 1895. (New England Historic Genealogical Society)

“In every relation of his long and active life he was an example to be imitated and followed. Sincerity, truthfulness, and frankness spoke in every accent of his voice, in the pressure of his hand, in his manly and gentle spirit.”

“His affections, when once placed, were deep and lasting. His charity of thought and feeling and act seemed instinctive, but it rested on solid and enduring principles.”

“No one who knew him intimately in public or in social life could ever doubt that he was a man of positive opinions, or that he had any hesitancy, when occasion required, in expressing them; but he never unduly pressed his own views, and was eminently tolerant of the opinions, and even the prejudices, of his associates.”

“No man loathed selfishness, deceit, or treachery more than he; but while he condemned the act he pitied the offender. He avoided controversy, and strove to be a peace-maker.”

“After more than twenty years of acquaintanceship – for many years seeing him almost daily – the writer of these lines does not recall an instance of hearing Judge Austin utter a censorious remark upon any man or woman.”

“And it is said that this temper and manner characterized him through his entire career, – in his boyhood days, at the university, at the bar, on the bench, and in all the various associations of his life, – public, social, and domestic.”

“But who can adequately express in words the prompt and unfailing sympathy he manifested for every form of woe and suffering? To many hearts surcharged with sorrow his ready and tender ministries have been a source of hope and courage, of comfort and of strength.

“He was, indeed, a rare man, and the world is poorer now that he has left us.” (Hoyt; New England Historic Genealogical Society)

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Old_Honolulu_Courthouse_illustration
Old_Honolulu_Courthouse_illustration
Old_Honolulu_Courthouse
Old_Honolulu_Courthouse
Old_Courthouse_by_Paul_Emmert-1854
Old_Courthouse_by_Paul_Emmert-1854
9-10-11 Arlington (ca. 1865), before construction of 8 Arlington; courtesy of Anthony Sammarco
9-10-11 Arlington (ca. 1865), before construction of 8 Arlington; courtesy of Anthony Sammarco
8-9-10-11 Arlington (ca. 1942), photograph by Bainbridge Bunting, courtesy of The Gleason Partnership
8-9-10-11 Arlington (ca. 1942), photograph by Bainbridge Bunting, courtesy of The Gleason Partnership
arli-008-009-lot-site-a
arli-008-009-lot-site-a

Filed Under: Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance, Prominent People Tagged With: Hawaii, Old Courthouse, James Walker Austin

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Images of Old Hawaiʻi

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