Images of Old Hawaiʻi

by Peter T Young 2 Comments

Early Recollections of Missionary Life in Kailua, Hawaii

“As a settlement of some 4000 people crowded along one third mile of sea-shore, Kailua was the only place in Hawaii worthy the name of town, except perhaps the one at Hilo Bay.”

“Kailua consisted of native houses thatched either with pili or lauhala, the majority in various stages of decay. The aspect of the people was sordid, evincing ignorance, degredation, poverty and much ill health.”

“Here and there were dwellings of petty chiefs in whose yards were, cocoanut and kou trees of great luxuriance, as well as an occasional puhala.”

“When the pioneer missionaries in 1820 made their first landing at Kailua, it had recently been the chief residence of the aged Kamehameha, and was still in some degree the capital city of the group.”

“It was the permanent residence of Kuakini, the imperious Governor of the island, whose stone house stood at the north end beyond the little bay, which has always been the principal landing.”

“Beyond the Governor’s house, was Kamehameha’s old habitation where he died. Seaward still was a platform upon which stood five gigantic and hideous wooden idols, elaborately carved.”

“(These) had ceased to be worshipped but for some reason, probably respect for the deceased monarch, had escaped the general destruction of the idols in 1819.”

“I recall few names or faces of the native people. Very distinct in memory is the benevable face of a line old Christian lady Kekupuohi.”

“She had been a young wife of King Kalaniopuu, and had personally witnessed the death of the unfortunate Capt. James Cook, on the 4th of February, 1779, when he rashly attempted to force the King on board of his ship as a hostage.”

“I also well remember the immense and portly form of Governor Kuakini, who used to make a periodical foreonn visitation at our home, some times sitting at our table.”

“This royal chief was estimated to weigh not less than 500 pounds. The Governess Keoua, somewhat less ponderous, also of royal lineage frequently visited us.”

“Kuakini used to occupy my father’s large arm-chair into which he could hardly squeeze.”

“Missionary Work – I remember the Thurstons and Bishops as very busy in labors among the people. The two ministers held meetings twice on Sabbath in the immense thatched tabernacle at Kailua as well as every Wednesday afternoon.”

“The congregations in Kailua church were large, often over a thousand present. Sunday school was held after morning service, the natives having many copies of portions of scripture which they commit to memory quite diligently.”

“Much time was spent by Messrs. Thurston and Bishop in school work. They occupied many hours a week in personally teaching, and many more in superintending the work of the very incompetent native teachers whom they had trained and located in various districts.”

“Very great occasions indeed were the quarterly hoikes or school exhibitions, when, the schools and teachers assembled from the districts and displayed their proficiency in the presence of the Governor and the missionaries.” (Sereno Bishop; Pacific Commercial Advertiser, February 23, 1897)

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View of Kailua-Thurston
View of Kailua-Thurston

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Armstrong Appointment

“The Missionaries have been the fathers, the builders and the supporters of education in these Islands, and (William Lee) thought it proper that their wishes in reference to the appointment of a person to superintend Education should in some degree be consulted”. (William Lee)

“Mr Richards the Minister of Public Instruction is sick and has been given up to die, though he still lives. The Minister of the Interior has been appointed to act for him provisionally”. (Gerrit Judd)

“Mr. Wyllie rose and said a sense of duty to the King induced him to state that the appointment of a Minister of Public Instruction, in the peculiar circumstances of the Islands, was the most important under the Crown.”

“On public instruction was based the Security of His M’s Crown, and the progress of His subjects in civilization and christianity. That, therefore, an appointment so momentous for good or evil, ought not to be precipitately made.” (Two names were discussed, Lorrin Andrews and Richard Armstrong.)

“That the man of greatest talent, most moral worth, most devoted to the King and to His Subjects and best acquainted with the language should be selected and he believed that man to be Mr Armstrong.”

“He gave this opinion as if speaking in presence of his Maker and having to answer for it, at the great day of Judgement. But he
hoped that whoever might be appointed, the appointment should be considered provisional, so as to meet the case of the possible recovery of Mr Richards.” (Richard Wyllie)

Lee “Said it was his mind that this matter is the most important one that can come before the Privy Council. With the Minister of Public Instruction rested the weighty responsibility of moulding the mind and character of this Nation for generations to come.”

“How necessary then, that we select the best man the Kingdom affords. He had looked around him to see who this man was, and his mind and heart were fixed upon Richard Armstrong.”

“He was his first choice, and in his humble opinion the Man of all men best adopted to discharge the high duties of this Post. He gave his preference to Mr Armstrong because he was a good Man, a wise Man and an industrious Man.”

“He would say nothing in disparagement of Mr Andrews of Molokai, for he knew little or nothing about him. But he did know Mr Armstrong, and thought he should certainly have the first offer.”

“He was a tried and devoted to this Nation and one whom we could not mistake – A question of such vast importance required our most sober deliberations, and he trusted that in whatever we did, we might not move with precipitation.”

“He most heartily concurred with Mr Wyllie in his remarks, and would end as he began, in stating it as his firm conviction, that Richard Armstrong was the Man.” (Lee)

“Mr (John Papa) Ii spoke very eloquently in favor of both candidates – said that either of them do well, but that Mr Armstrong was a good fisher of Men and that his loss would be severely felt in the Church.” (Ii)

Richards died – “the oldest, the most devoted, faithful and tried servant of His Majesty. He had given all the best energies of his body, mind & soul to this Nation, and what was more, he had died in poverty”. (William Lee)

“Kekuanaoa states that in his opinion Mr Armstrong be appointed and so notified. In his opinion, Mr Armstrong was the best Man and that he ought to be appointed at once.” (Kekuanaoa)

“Mr Wyllie stated that notwithstanding all that had been said, he could not without violence to his conscience, do otherwise than support the views of Governor Kekuanaoa and John Ii. Their views were r that Mr Armstrong should be appointed subject to the approval of the Missionaries at their next General Meeting.”

“He (Mr Wyllie) supported those views, both because he considered Mr Armstrong the best man, & because the whole Missionary body thought him to be the best Man. …” (Wyllie)

“It was, therefore, due, no less in gratitude than in policy, for the Government, to act so as to cultivate the good opinion & continue the sympathy of the American Board of F. Missions in the U. S. and the good will of the Missionaries here.”

“Nothing would do that more effectually than the appointment of M. Armstrong, whom all the Missionaries considered the fittest Man for the Post, although from the value they attach to him, they did not like to part with him.”

“He believed and Mr Armstrong also believed that by waiting till the next General Meeting, the Missionaries would so far consent to his separation, as to enable him to take office with their approval.” (Wyllie)

“Mr Wyllie moved the following Resolution ‘Resolved that the Reverend Mr Armstrong’s offer to assist the Minister of the Interior until the next General Meeting of his brethren, be accepted; and that if he can then obtain the approval of his brethren, he be appointed to the Office of Minister of Public Instruction.’” (Wyllie)

“The Rev. Mr. Armstrong, having by letter to Judge Lee, dated May 1848, accepted the office of the Minister of Public Instruction, tendered him by Resolution of the 2nd of December 1847 – took the Oath of Allegiance.” (All from Privy Council Minutes)

Armstrong left the mission and became Minister of Public Instruction on June 7, 1848. Armstrong was to serve the government for the remainder of his life. He was a member of the Privy Council and the House of Nobles and acted as the royal chaplain.

He set up the Board of Education under the kingdom in 1855 and was its president until his death. Armstrong is known as the “the father of American education in Hawaiʻi.”

The government-sponsored education system in Hawaiʻi is the longest running public school system west of the Mississippi River. To this day, Hawaiʻi is the only state to have a completely-centralized State public school system.

Armstrong helped bring better textbooks, qualified teachers and better school buildings. Students were taught in Hawaiian how to read, write, math, geography, singing and to be “God-fearing” citizens. (By 1863, three years after Armstrong’s death, the missionaries stopped being a part of Hawaiʻi’s education system.)

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Richard_Armstrong,_c._1858
Richard_Armstrong,_c._1858

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Mission Jubilee

“Fifty years ago it looked like a gigantic task that would require perhaps two centuries to perform, but under the power of God it was effected in half a century. Let this glorious triumph stimulate all evangelical churches to strengthen and enlarge their missionary operations in foreign lands.” (Christian Work, September 1, 1870)

“The fiftieth anniversary of the introduction Christianity into these Islands will be celebrated this year as a jubilee, the Government, through the Minister of Interior, having given public notice that Wednesday, June 15th, will be a national holiday. … A hymn for the occasion has been prepared by Rev. L Lyons, of Hawai‘i”. (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, June 4, 1870)

“The present week having been designated for the observance of the fiftieth anniversary of the landing of the first American Missionaries on Hawaii, in April 1820, the exercises have partaken of a character designed to celebrate the event.”

“The very idea of such a festival stirred up great enthusiasm among the native population, who have been eager to manifest their appreciation of the efforts of the missionaries, and their joy at the improved state; and nearly five hundred dollars were contributed by them during April to aid in the celebration. The exercises opened on Sunday morning, when both the native congregations in this city united at Kawaiahaʻo Church to hear.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, June 18, 1870)

“It was fitting, at the close of the half century from the landing of the mission on the Sandwich Islands, should be a formal recognition of God’s signal blessing on the enterprise. A Jubilee celebration was accordingly planned by the Hawaiian Board for some time in the month of June, 1870, the usual time for the annual meeting of the mission; and the Prudential Committee of the American Board, and the English missions in the South Pacific, were invited to be present by their representatives.” (Anderson)

“(T)he king (Kamehameha V) proclaimed Wednesday, June 15th, a national holiday, as it was to be observed in commemoration of ‘the introduction of Christianity into this kingdom, under the auspices and direction of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.’” (Christian Work, September 1, 1870)

June 12, 1870

“On Sabbath morning June 12th, the two native congregations in Honolulu united, in the Kawaiaha‘o or great Stone Church, to hear the Rev. Mr. Kuaea, the distinguished native pastor, preach the Jubilee sermon. It was of course in the Hawaiian language. Every seat in the church was occupied, and benches were brought in till all available space was filled. As many as twenty-five hundred persons were seated.”

“At half past ten, the officiating clergymen, seven in number, entered the pulpit; when there was a voluntary skillfully played, by Mrs. Governor Dominis, on the powerful organ belonging to the church.

“After a short prayer by the Rev. B. W. Parker, a hymn in the native language, composed for the occasion, was sung by a choir of fifty Hawaiian singers.” (Anderson)

“Mr. Kuaea’s text was Lev. xxv. 11: ‘A Jubilee shall the fiftieth year be to you.’ The discourse was not less noticeable for its orderly arrangement, than for its matter, and occupied an hour in the delivery, during which the preacher is said not to have referred to note or memorandum of any kind.”

“In the course of his sermon, he called attention to the wonderful change that had been brought about in the short space of half a century. The Hawaiians he said, were a law-abiding, Sabbath-keeping people; and so general was education among them, that it was extremely rare to find a man or woman who could not both read and write.” (Anderson)

“In the evening, members of the royal family, government officials, and foreign ministers, assembled to hear an interesting historical discourse by the Rev. Dr. Damon.”

June 13 and 14, 1870

“The most interesting features of Monday and Tuesday, June 13th and 14th, were the reading of memorial essays by Mrs. Thurston and Mrs. Whitney, the only survivors of the pioneer missionaries. They gave many interesting reminiscences of their life among the natives.” (Christian Work, September 1, 1870) (That church was again filled”. (Anderson)

June 15, 1870

“Wednesday will be a holiday, and the proceedings can best be inferred from these programmes, which have been prepared for the occasion:

Jubilee Procession, June 15th, 10 am
Form at Kawaiaha‘o, at 9 am, under the direction of Major Moehonua, assisted by SB Dole Esq and others
Order of Procession.
Band.
Kawaiaha‘o Sabbath Schools.
Members of the Hawaiian Evangelical Association, and Clergymen of all Denominations.
Hawaiian Mission Children’s Society.
Lahainaluna Alumni.
Members of the Legislature.
Kaumakaplli Sabbath School.
Fort Street and Bethel Sabbath Schools.
Citizens Generally.

The procession will start at 10 am from Kawaiaha‘o Church, move down King to Richards street, up Richards to Beretania, thence to Nu‘uanu and King, and back to Kawaiaha‘o Church”. (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, June 11, 1870)

“On Wednesday, the great day of the week, large numbers of the native men, women, and children, all neatly attired, formed in a grand procession. A detachment of native soldiers joined in the march, and the children of the various Sunday-schools marched together, with flags and banners, making an imposing appearance.”

“(King Kamehameha V) and the various government and foreign officials, were present at the church, where services were held, together – with about 3,000 people, and many more were unable to gain admission.” (Christian Work, September 1, 1870)

“Wednesday was the Jubilee, and a day long to be remembered on these Islands. The people attended in great numbers, and the day was as pleasant as could have been desired. The Kawaiaha‘o was tastefully decorated by the hands of ladies. A procession was formed at ten o’clock. Two companies of infantry and one of cavalry, all native soldiers, did honor to the occasion.”

“The legislature, had adjourned, and the members were in attendance, with the older missionaries, in carriages. The younger ministers, the native preachers and delegates, the faculty of Oahu College, the alumni of Lahainaluna Seminary, and the Mission Children’s Society, added numbers and dignity to the display.”

“But the most interesting feature, of the procession was the array of children from the Sabbath-schools of the two native and two foreign churches of the city, eight hundred in number, all in neat holiday attire, and each school with its beautiful banner. The place of martial music was well supplied by hymns, ringing out in a multitude of harmonious youthful voices.”

“The children occupied the spacious galleries of the church, and the body of the house was filled to repletion by adults. the king then entered, with Queen Emma, queen dowager, and attended by his ministers. He was received by the audience standing, the choir singing a version of ‘God save the King,’ in the Hawaiian language.”

“The scene was impressive. On the front of the gallery was the inscription in evergreen, ‘1820-JUBILEE -1870; and beneath, the national motto ‘Ua mau ka ea o ka aina, i ka pono,’ ‘The, Life of the Land is preserved by Righteousness.’”

“The king sat at the right of the pulpit, and behind him were the members of his cabinet, and the diplomatic representatives of foreign nations. On the left were the missionaries; and a great mass of natives, numbering perhaps three thousand, crowded the edifice; and there was believed to be a greater number outside.”

“After prayer in Hawaiian, by Dr. Lowell Smith, and singing by the choir, Dr. Clark speaking in behalf of the American Board, made remarks; which the Rev. HH Parker, pastor of the native church, translated sentence by sentence into the native tongue.”

“The choir now sang, in Hawaiian, the hymn commencing ‘No mortal eye that land hath seen, Beyond, beyond the river.’ after which addresses were delivered by Hon. C. C. Harris, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. HA Pierce, American Minister Resident, the Rev. Artemas Bishop, the oldest of the resident missionaries, the Hon. D. Kalākaua, of the House of Nobles, the Hon. Mr. Aholo, of the Legislative Assembly, and the Rev. Mr. Kauwealoha, who had spent the last seventeen years as a missionary at the Marquesas Islands.”

“After the benediction, the assembly retired to the adjoining well-shaded grounds, where a collation was spread … such as had never before been seen on those Islands. His Majesty the King, and Queen Emma, honored the feast by their presence for a brief space.” (Anderson)

“In the afternoon a feast was given, at which nearly 7,000 persons partook, and to which the King made the royal contribution of 10,000 lbs. of poi, 20 hogs, 8 sheep, 400 mullet fishes, 1 bullock, &c.” (Christian Work, 1870) “The king had previously contributed (most of the food) and afterwards he gave a hundred dollars towards expenses.” (Anderson)

“The exercises of the week were participated in by Hawaiian, English, American, and natives of Tahiti and the Marquesas, ‘all freely mingling together and enjoying the profuse hospitality of a genial host.’ Connected with the missionary work are two literary institutions, the Oahu College and the Kawaiaha‘o Female Seminary.”

“From all this may be gathered some idea of the magnitude of the work accomplished by a few missionaries among a heathen and degraded people.” (Christian Work, September 1, 1870)

This is a summary; click HERE for more information on the Mission Jubilee.

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Stewart Returns to Hawaii on the Vincennes

The Second Company destined for the Sandwich Island Mission assembled at New Haven, Connecticut to take passage in the ship Thames, captain Clasby, which was to sail on November 19, 1822. (Congregational Magazine)

Among them were The Reverend Artemas Bishop and Mrs. Bishop. Dr. Abraham Blatchely and Mrs. Blatchely. Mr. Levi Chamberlain, Mr. James Ely and Mrs. Ely, Mr. Joseph Goodrich and Mrs. Goodrich, The Reverend William Richards and Mrs. Richards …

… The Reverend Charles S. Stewart and Mrs. Stewart, Miss Betsey Stockton, Stephen Popohe (Tahitian), William Kamooula (Hawaiian), Richard Kalaioulu (Hawaiian) and Kupeli‘i (Hawaiian). They arrived at Honolulu, April 27, 1823, a voyage of 158 days.

Because of the serious illness of Mrs. Harriet Stewart, the Stewarts decided to return to Cooperstown, New York, after two and a half years in Hawaiʻi. Stockton accompanied them; leaving native Hawaiian teachers she had trained to take her place.

“A partial restoration of the health of Mrs. Stewart was effected by the residence of a year in the United States; but all medical advisers interdicted a return to a tropical climate, and any future exposure to the privations of a missionary life.”

“It became desirable, therefore, that I should select some sphere for the exercise of the duties of my profession, other than the field of my first choice.” (Stewart)

“Familiarity with the sea; long intercourse with seamen; close observation of their character; and strong attachment to individuals of their number, had implanted a lively interest in my heart for them, as a class of my fellows; and led me, in connexion with circumstances which it is unnecessary to explain, to direct my attention to the United States Naval Service.”

“As early as the spring of 1827, I communicated my views on this subject to the gentlemen then at the head of that department of our government, with an application for a chaplainship, when the relation existing between myself and the American Board of Foreign Missions should cease.”

“It was subsequently arranged, that my connexion with that body should not be dissolved till November, 1828. A few weeks previous to this period, I was incidentally apprised by the Secretary of the Navy, of an opportunity of communicating with any friends at the Sandwich Islands …”

“…, through a government vessel — the United States’ ships Guerriere and St. Louis having been ordered to relieve the public squadron in the Pacific ocean; one vessel from which, the corvette Vincennes, would visit the islands, and return to America by the Cape of Good Hope.”

“The idea at once suggested itself, of commencing the duties of my proposed new station, by making the voyage. … ascertaining that the commission of a chaplain could be secured, with the privilege of a transfer from the Guerriere to the Vincennes, I determined to perform the voyage.” (Stewart)

“On reporting myself for duty, I was received by Commodore Thompson with the same urbanity and openness of heart that marked his deportment as a travelling companion, on a first introduction, a month ago; and the decided and strong impressions then made in his favour, have been more than confirmed by the intercourse which has taken place in the relation we now hold to each other.”

“My man-of-war life is now actually begun: how far I shall be pleased, and how far useful in it, I know not. It is very distinct from every other life; but I see no reason yet to fear, that as the novelty which now interests and amuses me, ceases to be such, I shall be less satisfied than I at present am.” (Stewart)

“Besides the hum and varied din of the talk and occupation of five hundred men thickly crowded together, with the first tap of the révielle at the dawning of the morning, a succession of noisy signals commences in the various trilling of the boatswain’s whistle …”

“… and the hoarse calls of his mates, ceasing only when the blasts of the bugle and firing of musketry, on setting the watch at night, proclaim a respite, except in the half-hourly striking of the time, accompanied by the watchful sentry’s cry, ‘All’s well!’”

“It is long since I learned to love the character of the sailor – not the vulgarity and low vice too often found under the name, but the nobler traits which belong more distinctively to him than to any other order of men …”

“… I mean the warm heart and generous soul; the clan-like tie which leads him to hail every round-jacket and tarpaulin hat, as if they were the features of a brother …”

“… the recklessness of danger, and disregard of self; the humour, gay spirit, and credulity, tinctured with superstition, which are
characteristically his own.” (Stewart)

They first traveled the South Pacific, then, on October 2, 1829, “After a passage of eighteen days from Raiatea, including four of a dead calm, previously to taking the north-east trade-wind, yesterday afternoon, at five o’clock, ” Land ho!” was called from the mast-head.”

“Before the call from aloft was made, my eyes had been fixed for some minutes on what I believed to be. the summit of Mounakea; but I dared not assert it, lest I might be deceived: I was correct, however, though a thick haze prevented any more distinct sight of it.” They landed first at ‘Byron’s Bay’ (Hilo).

“An immense thatched building, beautifully finished, on the western side of the bay, near the river of Wairuku, I rightly judged to be the chapel; and we steered for it, knowing that the mission-house would be found near.”

“While still a considerable distance from the beach, I recognized Mr. Goodrich among a crowd of natives, beckoning us to the best spot for landing: shortly afterwards, our boat touched the Hawaiian shore.”

“A thousand varied thoughts and emotions rushed upon my mind and heart, and I was incapable of lifting up my head, lest I should betray what might be interpreted into a weakness by my companions, till I found myself in the strong grasp of a missionary friend and brother.”

“Our meeting was the more impressive and affecting to Mr. Goodrich, from its being entirely unexpected. … The captain had felt it necessary to limit our stay on shore to half an hour, and consequently all was hurry and excitement.”

“After ascertaining that all the missionaries were well, every thing in a most promising and prosperous state, and a great deal else of gratifying intelligence, we took a turn in the garden, where there is much to admire in the variety and luxuriance of the productions of this part of the islands.”

“The news of my arrival spread rapidly among the people; and the house soon began to be thronged with those who had a recollection of me, but whom, principally, I had forgotten.”

“Many of them shed tears, as they embraced and kissed my hands, or sank at my feet, manifesting a degree of sensibility and affection, considering their slight personal knowledge of me, that was surprising …”

“… till informed of the happy fact, that a period of deep seriousness and religious feeling has long existed at this place, and that many of these are still under the influence of the lively affections of recent conversion …”

“… of a conversion not only from the follies and sins of a worldly life, but from the ignorance, surperstition, and prejudices of heathenism, to the love and services of true piety.” (Stewart)

After an aborted departure, the Vincennes anchored in Hilo Bay; Stewart visited the Volcano and other parts of the Island, then left October 12 and landed at Oahu the next day.

“As soon as a boat could be lowered, Lieutenant Dornin and myself were on our way to the shore: he, to apprise the American consul of Captain Finch’s arrival; and I, to meet the embraces of our friends.”

“There are very considerable changes in the appearance of the town near the water, and very great improvements. The coral platform, along the walls of the fort and adjoining point, which, on our arrival in 1823, was the court-end of the metropolis, is now converted to a more appropriate use—that of a dock yard, and kind of depot for naval stores.”

“The arrival of ships seems now so much an every day occurrence, as scarce to attract attention, except among the gentleman in business; and when we landed, the name and character of the Vincennes were not yet generally known on shore.”

“My first call I felt due to Mr. and Mrs. Bingham; and, therefore, made my way to the door of the old wooden house opening into the rooms they occupy. From Mrs. Bingham’s exclamation, in an inner apartment, on hearing my voice, and Mr. Bingham’s hurried entrance, I ascertained that we had taken them by entire surprise …”

“There was a mingling of pain with the fulness of our joy, which, perhaps, all have experienced in meeting those they love, after a long separation; and for which Cowper well accounts, when he resolves it into a necessity, interwoven with our natures and our condition, that no earthly happiness shall be without its alloy.”

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Charles Samuel Stewart
Charles Samuel Stewart

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Holmans

The Prudential Committee of the ABCFM announced that all overseas missionaries were required to have a wife before departure; their reason, the temptations for inappropriate relations were too great on the Polynesian islands.

Of the seven men in the Pioneer Company of missionaries to Hawai‘i, only Daniel Chamberlain was married. The six other men had a little over a month to find brides before the October departure date.

In addition, the company’s departure from Boston in 1819 was in danger of delay because they lacked a physician for the mission. Samuel Ruggles thought of his sister, Lucia, and her suitor, a physician practicing in Cooperstown, New York.

If the doctor could be persuaded to join the missionary cause, events could proceed on schedule; Lucia could marry, and the Ruggles would have the company of kin on this endeavor.

Lucia Ruggles at twenty-six years of age was an independent and strong-minded woman. She was not indifferent to religion or the cause of foreign missions.

Her brother, Samuel, was a teacher at the Foreign Mission School at Cornwall, Connecticut, and she had been active in the Society of Butternuts, a fund-raising organization for the Cornwall school, prior to opening a girls’ school in Cooperstown, New York.

There Miss Ruggles met Dr. Thomas Holman, a recent graduate of Cherry Valley Medical School in New York. The couple fell in love but could not marry due to the debts incurred by the doctor’s unsuccessful practice.

Then a solution appeared in the guise of becoming missionaries. Reportedly refusing his father’s offer of three thousand dollars to clear his debts, Dr. Holman signed on with the American Board. (Wagner-Wright)

Dr. Holman, the physician, conveniently married fellow Pioneer Company member Samuel Ruggle’s older sister, Lucia Ruggles Holman and joined the mission.

After rounding Cape Horn (the southern tip of South America) and 164-days at sea, on April 4, 1820, the Thaddeus arrived and anchored at Kailua-Kona on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Hawai‘i’s “Plymouth Rock” is about where the Kailua pier is today.

On April 11, King Kamehameha II gave the missionaries permission to stay. However, “The King gives orders that Dr. H. and our teacher must land at Kiarooah – the village where he now resides, and the rest of the family may go to Oahhoo, or Wahhoo.”

“(H)e wanted the Dr. to stay with them, as they had no Physician and appeared much pleased that one had come; as to pulla-pulla (learning), they knew nothing about it. Consequently it was agreed that Dr. H. & Mr. Thurston should stay with the King and the rest of the family go to Oahhoo.” (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

Things did not go smooth for the Holmans and the rest in the mission – it started on the trip over – “Long before the close of the voyage this little community began most sensibly to feel the unpropitious influence of a most refractory spirit in (Dr Holman) …”

“… (who declared) determination not to comply with the principles established by the Board, & expressed to us in the instructions of the prudential committee, for the regulation of our economical policy.”

“Both the Dr. & his wife spoke often of acquiring personal wealth & returning early if they should succeed, to their own country. The Dr. objected to subscribing to our byelaws founded on the above named principles, because he said they cut him off from his original plans.”

“He wished to acquire the miens of returning at pleasure to America, & to educate his children there &c. … When he was referred to the general tenure of our instructions, he replied … that he had not subscribed them all &c. Sister H. too, from the time of leaving Boston repeatedly talked loudly of returning to her friends.”

“He has now received the 2nd admonition – Br. Thurston says ‘it is most manifestly our duty to proceed in our course of discipline with him even to excision if he does not confess his faults & evidence repentance future amendment’”. (Bingham to Samuel Worcester, October 11, 1820)

Dr. Holman, contrary to the unanimous advice and request of the brethren, left them, and went to reside on the island of Maui, more than 80 miles from any of them. This they considered an abandonment of the mission.

“The subject is too painful to dwell on, except when imperious duty demands – All the mission family is exhausted with it and with one voice, much as they need a physician, they would desire the Dr & his wife were safely landed on their native shore.” (Bingham to Evarts, November 2, 1820)

After only four months in the islands, the Holmans had not adjusted to the spirit of the mission. (Kelley) He withdrew from the mission on July 30, 1820 and returned to the US with his family (including Lucia Kamāmalu Holman born in 1821).

On October 2, 1821, Dr. Holman and family accepted free passage home on the Mentor, a whaleship, via China and the Cape of Good Hope. Mrs. Lucia Ruggles Holman is believed to be the first American woman to circumnavigate the globe. (Portraits)

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Thomas and Lucia Holman-Samuel_Morse
Thomas and Lucia Holman-Samuel_Morse