Jump to content

Hiram Kahanawai: Difference between revisions

Add links
This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
 
(46 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Hawaiian high chief}}
⚫
{{Infobox person
{{good article}}
⚫
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Hiram Kahanawai
| name = Hiram Kahanawai
| image =
| image =
Line 7: Line 9:
| birth_place = Luaʻehu, [[Lahaina, Hawaii|Lahaina]], [[Maui]], [[Kingdom of Hawaii]]
| birth_place = Luaʻehu, [[Lahaina, Hawaii|Lahaina]], [[Maui]], [[Kingdom of Hawaii]]
| death_date = August 7, 1874 (aged 36)
| death_date = August 7, 1874 (aged 36)
| death_place = [[Honolulu, Hawaii|Honolulu]], [[Oahu]], [[Kingdom of Hawaii]]
| death_place = [[Honolulu, Hawaii|Honolulu]], [[Oahu|Oʻahu]], [[Kingdom of Hawaii|Kingdom of Hawaiʻi]]
| resting_place = [[Oahu Cemetery]]
| resting_place = [[Oahu Cemetery|Oʻahu Cemetery]]
| spouse = [[Poomaikelani|Poʻomaikelani]]
| spouse = [[Poomaikelani|Poʻomaikelani]]
| children =
| children =
| parents =
| parents =
| relatives =
| relatives =
⚫
| nationality = [[Kingdom of Hawaii]]
| alma_mater =
| alma_mater =
| known_for =
| known_for =
| occupation =
| occupation =
| signature =
| signature =
⚫
| allegiance = [[Kingdom of Hawaii|Kingdom of Hawaiʻi]]
| branch = Hawaiian Army
| serviceyears =
| rank = Captain
| unit = [[Royal Guards of Hawaii|Household Troops]]
}}
}}
⚫
'''Hiram Kahanawai''', also known as '''Hairama Kahanawai''', (September 1837 – August 7, 1874) was a member of the Hawaiian nobility who served as a retainer and household steward of King [[Kamehameha IV]] and his widow [[Queen Emma of Hawaii|Queen Emma of Hawaiʻi]]. He married the future Princess [[Poʻomaikelani]], and they joined the court of King [[Kalākaua]] after he won the royal election of 1874 against Queen Emma.

⚫
'''Hiram Kahanawai''', also known as '''Hairama Kahanawai''', (September 1837 – August 7, 1874) was a member of the Hawaiian nobility who served as a retainer and steward of [[Queen Emma of Hawaii]], the wife of King [[Kamehameha IV]]. He married the future Princess [[Poomaikelani|Poʻomaikelani]], and they joined the court of King [[Kalākaua]] after he won the royal election of 1874 against Queen Emma.


== Life and career ==
== Life and career ==
Hiram Kahanawai was born on September 1837, at Luaʻehu, [[Lahaina]], on the island of [[Maui]], to Kaʻaha and Kamaile.<ref name="Grave" /> His paternal grandmother Kahikaheana was a trusted ''kahu'' (caretaker) who served the family of High Chief Kalaʻimamahū, a brother of King [[Kamehameha I]], and his daughter [[Kekāuluohi]].{{sfn|Kamakau|1992|page=394}}<ref name="kanakagenealogy">{{cite web|title=Kaaha, LCA 1280 – LCA 5572 -LCA 5572|work=Kanaka Genealogy web site|url=https://kanakagenealogy.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/kaaha-lca-1280-lca-5572-lca-5572.pdf|accessdate=June 5, 2014}}; {{cite web|title=Kanehiwa M,A. 19, M.A. 29-B Original No. not found|work=Kanaka Genealogy web site|url=https://kanakagenealogy.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/kanehiwa-ma-19-m-a-29-b-original-no-not-found.pdf|accessdate=June 5, 2014}}</ref> During the [[Great Māhele]] of 1848, his father received the land allotments on the islands of [[Oahu]], [[Maui]] and [[Kauai]] including half of the ''ʻili'' of Kawananakoa, in Honolulu, the ''[[ahupuaʻa]]'' of Kaulalo, near Lahaina and the ''ʻili'' of Kuiloa, near [[Hanapepe]]. Kaʻaha died before 1852 and left all his landholding to his [[Albert Kamehameha|son]]. On May 29, 1852, Kahanawai was placed under the guardianship of his brother-in-law [[William Luther Moehonua]], the husband of his sister Lucy Muolo.<ref name="kanakagenealogy"/> He was also a relative of [[Queen Emma of Hawaii]], by a junior line of descent, and distant relative of the family of [[Kalākaua]] and [[Liliuokalani]].
Hiram Kahanawai was born in September 1837, at Luaʻehu, [[Lahaina, Hawaii|Lahaina]], on the island of [[Maui]], to Kaʻaha and Kamaile.<ref name="Grave" /> His paternal grandmother Kahikaheana was a trusted ''kahu'' (caretaker) who served the family of [[Kalaʻimamahū]], a brother of King [[Kamehameha I]], and his daughter [[Kekāuluohi]].{{sfn|Kamakau|1992|page=394}}<ref name="kanakagenealogy">{{cite web|title=Kaaha, LCA 1280 – LCA 5572 -LCA 5572|work=Kanaka Genealogy web site|url=https://kanakagenealogy.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/kaaha-lca-1280-lca-5572-lca-5572.pdf|access-date=June 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905132836/https://kanakagenealogy.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/kaaha-lca-1280-lca-5572-lca-5572.pdf|archive-date=5 September 2018}}; {{cite web|title=Kanehiwa M.A. 19, M.A. 29-B Original No. not found|work=Kanaka Genealogy web site|url=https://kanakagenealogy.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/kanehiwa-ma-19-m-a-29-b-original-no-not-found.pdf|access-date=June 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905132845/https://kanakagenealogy.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/kanehiwa-ma-19-m-a-29-b-original-no-not-found.pdf|archive-date=5 September 2018}}</ref> He was also a relative of [[Queen Emma of Hawaii|Queen Emma of Hawaiʻi]], by a junior line of descent, and distant relative of the family of [[Kalākaua]] and [[Liliʻuokalani|Liliuokalani]].{{sfn|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|page=15}} During the [[Great Māhele]] of 1848, his father received the land allotments on the islands of [[Oahu|Oʻahu]], Maui and [[Kauai|Kauaʻi]], including half of the ''ʻili'' of Kawananakoa in Honolulu, the ''[[ahupuaʻa]]'' of Kaulalo near Lahaina, and the ''ʻili'' of Kuiloa near [[Hanapepe, Hawaii|Hanapepe]]. Kaʻaha died before 1852 and left all his landholding to his son. On May 29, 1852, Kahanawai was placed under the guardianship of his brother-in-law [[William Luther Moehonua]], the husband of his sister Lucy Muolo.<ref name="kanakagenealogy"/>


During his youth, he continued his family ''kuleana'' (responsibility) in serving the Hawaiian royal family. He served as the chief [[steward (office)|steward]] and butler in the royal household under King [[Kamehameha IV]] and his wife Queen Emma from 1855 to 1863.<ref name="Steward" /> On October 15, 1853, Kahanawai had been appointed by the king, while he was heir-apparent to [[Kamehameha III]], as First Lieutenant of the Infantry in the Royal Hawaiian army.<ref>{{cite news|title=By Authority|newspaper=The Polynesian|location=Honolulu|date=November 5, 1853|volume=|issue=|page=2|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82015408/1853-11-05/ed-1/seq-2/}}</ref> After Kamehameha IV's death, he continued to serve the household of the Queen Dowager Emma during her widowhood.<ref name="Steward">{{harvnb|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|page=15}}; {{harvnb|Cracroft|Franklin|Queen Emma|1958|pages=258–260}}; {{harvnb|Kanahele|1999|page=250}}</ref>
During his youth, he continued his family ''kuleana'' (responsibility) in serving the Hawaiian royal family. On October 15, 1853, Kahanawai was appointed as First Lieutenant of the Infantry in the Royal Hawaiian army by Prince Alexander Liholiho (the future [[Kamehameha IV]]) during reign of King [[Kamehameha III]].<ref>{{cite news|title=By Authority|newspaper=The Polynesian|location=Honolulu|date=November 5, 1853|page=2|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82015408/1853-11-05/ed-1/seq-2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905132851/https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82015408/1853-11-05/ed-1/seq-2/|archive-date=5 September 2018|lccn=sn82015408}}</ref> Kahanawai also served as the chief [[steward (office)|steward]] and butler in the royal household under King Kamehameha IV and his wife Queen Emma from 1855 to 1863.<ref name="Steward" /> After Kamehameha IV's death, he continued to serve the household of the Queen Dowager Emma during her widowhood.<ref name="Steward">{{harvnb|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|page=15}}; {{harvnb|Cracroft|Franklin|Queen Emma|1958|pages=258–260}}; {{harvnb|Kanahele|1999|page=250}}</ref>


On March 20, 1855, he married [[Poʻomaikelani|Virginia Kapoʻoloku Poʻomaikelani]] (1839–1895), a lady-in-waiting of Queen Emma.<ref name="Marriage">{{cite web|author=Hawaiʻi State Archives|year=2006|title=Kahanawai (k) – Kapooloku marriage record|work=Marriages – Oahu (1832–1910)|volume=1|via=Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library|url=http://ulukau.org/algene/cgi-bin/algene?e=d-001off-algene--00CL1%2e9--2----0--010---4-------0-1l--10en-Zz-1---20-about---00-1-1-00-0-0-000utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=algene&cl=CL1.9&d=09-000137|accessdate=June 5, 2014}}</ref> The couple did not have any children of their own but adopted and raised [[Edward Abnel Keliʻiahonui]] (1869–1887), the nephew of Poʻomaikelani.{{sfn|Kamae|1980|pages=39, 44}}
On March 20, 1855, he married [[Poʻomaikelani|Virginia Kapoʻoloku Poʻomaikelani]] (1839–1895), a trusted lady-in-waiting and household attendant of Queen Emma.{{sfn|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|pages=15, 43}}{{sfn|Kanahele|1999|page=316}}<ref name="Marriage">{{cite web|author=Hawaiʻi State Archives|year=2006|title=Kahanawai (k) – Kapooloku marriage record|work=Marriages – Oahu (1832–1910)|volume=1|via=Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library|url=http://ulukau.org/algene/cgi-bin/algene?e=d-001off-algene--00CL1%2e9--2----0--010---4-------0-1l--10en-Zz-1---20-about---00-1-1-00-0-0-000utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=algene&cl=CL1.9&d=09-000137|access-date=June 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905132904/http://ulukau.org/algene/cgi-bin/algene?e=d-001off-algene--00CL1%2e9--2----0--010---4-------0-1l--10en-Zz-1---20-about---00-1-1-00-0-0-000utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=algene&cl=CL1.9&d=09-000137|archive-date=5 September 2018}}</ref> The couple did not have any children of their own but adopted and raised [[Edward Abnel Keliʻiahonui]] (1869–1887), the nephew of Poʻomaikelani.{{sfn|Kamae|1980|pages=39, 44}}


Sometimes prior to 1873, Kahanawai and Poʻomaikelani left the service of Emma to join the factions loyal to Kalākaua. In the election of 1874 Kalakaua defeated Queen Dowager Emma to succeed [[Lunalilo]] as the monarch of Hawaii. Besides his own distant family ties to the new dynasty, Poʻomaikelani's elder sister was [[Queen Kapiolani]], the wife and consort of the new king.{{sfn|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|pages=15, 113, 326}}
Some time prior to 1873, Kahanawai and Poʻomaikelani left the service of Emma to join the factions loyal to Kalākaua. In the election of 1874 Kalākaua defeated Queen Dowager Emma to succeed [[Lunalilo]] as the monarch of Hawaii. Besides his own distant family ties to the new dynasty, Poʻomaikelani's elder sister was [[Kapiʻolani|Queen Kapiolani]], the wife and consort of the new king.{{sfn|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|pages=15, 113, 326}}
After Kalakaua restored the Hawaiian army which had been disbanded by his predecessor, he appointed Kahanawai to the rank of Captain and in the capacity of Commander of the [[Royal Guards of Hawaii|Household Troops]].<ref name="Death">{{cite news|title=News of the Week|newspaper=The Pacific Commercial Advertiser|location=Honolulu|date=August 8, 1874|volume=XIX|issue=6|page=3|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82015418/1874-08-08/ed-1/seq-3/}}; {{cite news|title=Sudden Death|newspaper=The Hawaiian Gazette|location=Honolulu|date=August 12, 1874|volume=X|issue=32|page=3|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025121/1874-08-12/ed-1/seq-3/}}</ref>
After Kalākaua restored the Hawaiian army which had been disbanded by his predecessor, he appointed Kahanawai to the rank of Captain and in the capacity of Commander of the [[Royal Guards of Hawaii|Household Troops]].<ref name="Death">{{harvnb|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|page=15}}; {{cite news|title=News of the Week|newspaper=The Pacific Commercial Advertiser|location=Honolulu|date=August 8, 1874|volume=XIX|issue=6|page=3|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82015418/1874-08-08/ed-1/seq-3/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905132909/https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025121/1874-08-12/ed-1/seq-3/|archive-date=5 September 2018|lccn=sn82015418}}; {{cite news|title=Sudden Death|newspaper=The Hawaiian Gazette|location=Honolulu|date=August 12, 1874|volume=X|issue=32|page=3|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025121/1874-08-12/ed-1/seq-3/|lccn=sn83025121|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905132909/https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025121/1874-08-12/ed-1/seq-3/|archive-date=5 September 2018}}</ref>


== Death ==
== Death ==
Kahanawai, who had been of poor health from some times, died suddenly of a [[heart attack]], on August 7, 1874 while in an audience with the King. His obituary reported his sudden death:<ref name="Death" />
Kahanawai, who had been in poor health for some time, died suddenly of a [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]], on August 7, 1874, while in an audience with the King. His obituary reported his sudden death:<ref name="Death" />
{{quote|On Friday last (Aug. 7) Captain Hiram Kahanawai died very suddenly as it is supposed from aneurysm. He had just entered the King's presence, and bowed to His Majesty, when he dropped on the floor, and was carried out dead. He was a true and faithful servant, of a quiet and reserved disposition, and made a favorable impression upon all who knew him. His funeral was attended on Saturday afternoon from St. Andrew's Chapel, and his remains escorted to Nuuanu cemetery by the infantry troops and numerous personal friends, including members of the royal family. Among Hawaiians there are few who have left a more pleasant memory|{{cite news|title=Sudden Death|newspaper=The Hawaiian Gazette|location=Honolulu|date=August 12, 1874|volume=X|issue=32|page=3|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025121/1874-08-12/ed-1/seq-3/}}}}
{{blockquote|On Friday last (Aug. 7) Captain Hiram Kahanawai died very suddenly as it is supposed from aneurysm. He had just entered the King's presence, and bowed to His Majesty, when he dropped on the floor, and was carried out dead. He was a true and faithful servant, of a quiet and reserved disposition, and made a favorable impression upon all who knew him. His funeral was attended on Saturday afternoon from St. Andrew's Chapel, and his remains escorted to Nuuanu cemetery by the infantry troops and numerous personal friends, including members of the royal family. Among Hawaiians there are few who have left a more pleasant memory.|{{cite news|title=Sudden Death|newspaper=The Hawaiian Gazette|location=Honolulu|date=August 12, 1874|volume=X|issue=32|page=3|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025121/1874-08-12/ed-1/seq-3/}}}}


On September 17, 1873, Queen Emma had noted in a letter to her cousin [[Peter Kaeo|Peter Kaʻeo]] that Kahanawai was suffering from "Anurism", and although still resenting his betrayal, prayed for the recovery of her former servant for the sake of her dead husband and son.{{sfn|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|pages=102–106}}
On September 17, 1873, Queen Emma had noted in a letter to her cousin [[Peter Kaeo|Peter Kaʻeo]] that Kahanawai was suffering from "Anurism" and, although still resenting his betrayal, prayed for the recovery of her former servant for the sake of her dead husband and son.{{sfn|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|pages=102–106}}
According a later letter by Kaʻeo to Emma, he told her that both he and [[Jonatana Napela]] suspected that Kahanawai had been poisoned and the death had been a cover up by the government.{{sfn|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|pages=230}} According to historian Alfons L. Korn, "No criminal charges were ever brought against anyone for being implicated in the death of Hiram Kahanawai."{{sfn|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|page=231}}
According to a later letter from Kaʻeo to Emma, he told her that both he and [[Jonatana Napela]] suspected that Kahanawai had been poisoned and the death had been covered up by the government.{{sfn|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|page=230}} According to historian Alfons L. Korn, "No criminal charges were ever brought against anyone for being implicated in the death of Hiram Kahanawai."{{sfn|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|page=231}}


He was buried at the [[Oahu Cemetery]] in Honolulu.<ref name="Grave">{{cite sign|title=Grave Marker of Hiram Kahanawai|type=|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|institution=[[Oahu Cemetery]]}}</ref> His widow continued to be known as Mrs. Kapoʻoloku Kahanawai until she was created a Princess of the Kingdom by Letter Patent in 1883.<ref>{{cite news|title=Passengers|newspaper=The Pacific Commercial Advertiser|location=Honolulu|date=November 2, 1878|volume=|issue=|page=2|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82015418/1878-11-02/ed-1/seq-2/}}; {{cite news|title=By Authority|newspaper=The Pacific Commercial Advertiser|location=Honolulu|date=February 17, 1883|volume=|issue=|page=5|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82015418/1883-02-17/ed-1/seq-5/}}</ref>
He was buried at the [[Oahu Cemetery|Oʻahu Cemetery]] in Honolulu.<ref name="Grave">{{cite sign|title=Grave Marker of Hiram Kahanawai|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|institution=[[Oahu Cemetery|Oʻahu Cemetery]]}}</ref> His widow continued to be known as Mrs. Kapoʻoloku Kahanawai until she was created a Princess of the Kingdom by Letter Patent in 1883.{{sfn|Kaeo|Queen Emma|1976|pages=15, 43}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Passengers|newspaper=The Pacific Commercial Advertiser|location=Honolulu|date=November 2, 1878|page=2|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82015418/1878-11-02/ed-1/seq-2/|lccn=sn82015418|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905132635/https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82015418/1878-11-02/ed-1/seq-2/|archive-date=5 September 2018}}; {{cite news|title=By Authority|newspaper=The Pacific Commercial Advertiser|location=Honolulu|date=February 17, 1883|page=5|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82015418/1883-02-17/ed-1/seq-5/|lccn=sn82015418|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905132717/https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82015418/1883-02-17/ed-1/seq-5/|archive-date=5 September 2018}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


== Bibliography ==
== Bibliography ==
*{{cite book|last1=Cracroft|first1=Sophia|last2=Franklin|first2=Jane|authorlink2=Jane Franklin|last3=Queen Emma|first3=|authorlink3=Queen Emma of Hawaii|editor-last=Korn|editor-first=Alfons L.|title=The Victorian Visitors: An Account of the Hawaiian Kingdom, 1861–1866, Including the Journal Letters of Sophia Cracroft: Extracts from the Journals of Lady Franklin, and Diaries and Letters of Queen Emma of Hawaii|url=http://hdl.handle.net/10125/39981|year=1958|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|location=Honolulu|isbn=978-0-87022-421-8|oclc=8989368|ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|last1=Cracroft|first1=Sophia|last2=Franklin|first2=Jane|author-link2=Jane Franklin|last3=Queen Emma|author-link3=Queen Emma of Hawaii|editor-last=Korn|editor-first=Alfons L.|title=The Victorian Visitors: An Account of the Hawaiian Kingdom, 1861–1866, Including the Journal Letters of Sophia Cracroft: Extracts from the Journals of Lady Franklin, and Diaries and Letters of Queen Emma of Hawaii|year=1958|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|location=Honolulu|hdl=10125/39981|isbn=978-0-87022-421-8|oclc=8989368}}
*{{cite book|last1=Kaeo|first=Peter|authorlink1=Peter Kaeo|last2=Queen Emma|first2=|authorlink2=Queen Emma of Hawaii|editor-last=Korn|editor-first= Alfons L.|title=News from Molokai, Letters Between Peter Kaeo & Queen Emma, 1873–1876|url=http://hdl.handle.net/10125/39980|year=1976|publisher=The University Press of Hawaii|location=Honolulu|isbn=978-0-8248-0399-5|oclc=2225064|ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|last1=Kaeo|first=Peter|author-link1=Peter Kaeo|last2=Queen Emma|author-link2=Queen Emma of Hawaii|editor-last=Korn|editor-first= Alfons L.|title=News from Molokai, Letters Between Peter Kaeo & Queen Emma, 1873–1876|year=1976|publisher=The University Press of Hawaii|location=Honolulu|hdl=10125/39980|isbn=978-0-8248-0399-5|oclc=2225064}}
*{{cite book|last=Kamae|first=Lori|title=The Empty Throne|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XHDxAAAAMAAJ|year=1980|publisher=Topgallant Publishing Co.|location=Honolulu|isbn=978-0-914916-44-4|oclc=7080687|ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|last=Kamae|first=Lori|title=The Empty Throne|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XHDxAAAAMAAJ|year=1980|publisher=Topgallant Publishing Co.|location=Honolulu|isbn=978-0-914916-44-4|oclc=7080687}}
*{{cite book|last=Kamakau|first=Samuel|authorlink=Samuel Kamakau|title=Ruling Chiefs of Hawaii|url=http://www.ulukau.org/elib/cgi-bin/library?c=chiefs&l=en|edition=Revised|year=1992|origyear=1961|publisher=[[Kamehameha Schools]] Press|location=Honolulu|isbn=0-87336-014-1|oclc=25008795|ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|last=Kamakau|first=Samuel|author-link=Samuel Kamakau|title=Ruling Chiefs of Hawaii|url=http://www.ulukau.org/elib/cgi-bin/library?c=chiefs&l=en|edition=Revised|year=1992|orig-year=1961|publisher=[[Kamehameha Schools]] Press|location=Honolulu|isbn=0-87336-014-1|oclc=25008795}}
*{{cite book|last=Kanahele|first=George S.|authorlink=George Kanahele|title=Emma: Hawaii's Remarkable Queen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WLtlBNRt_V4C&pg=PA270|year=1999|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|location=Honolulu|isbn=978-0-8248-2240-8|oclc=40890919|ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|last=Kanahele|first=George S.|author-link=George Kanahele|title=Emma: Hawaii's Remarkable Queen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WLtlBNRt_V4C&pg=PA270|year=1999|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|location=Honolulu|isbn=978-0-8248-2240-8|oclc=40890919}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Kahanawai, Hiram}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kahanawai, Hiram}}
[[Category:1837 births]]
[[Category:1837 births]]
[[Category:1874 deaths]]
[[Category:1874 deaths]]
[[Category:Royalty of the Kingdom of Hawaii]]
[[Category:Royalty of the Hawaiian Kingdom]]
[[Category:House of Kalākaua]]
[[Category:House of Kalākaua]]
[[Category:Hawaiian nobility]]
[[Category:Hawaiian nobility]]
[[Category:Kingdom of Hawaii military officers]]
[[Category:Hawaiian Kingdom military officers]]
[[Category:Kingdom of Hawaii Anglicans]]
[[Category:Hawaiian Kingdom Anglicans]]
[[Category:Burials at Oahu Cemetery]]
[[Category:Burials at Oahu Cemetery]]


{{Hawaii-royal-stub}}

Latest revision as of 14:00, 1 October 2024

Hiram Kahanawai
Personal details
BornSeptember 1837
Luaʻehu, Lahaina, Maui, Kingdom of Hawaii
DiedAugust 7, 1874 (aged 36)
Honolulu, Oʻahu, Kingdom of Hawaiʻi
Resting placeOʻahu Cemetery
SpousePoʻomaikelani
Military service
AllegianceKingdom of Hawaiʻi
Branch/serviceHawaiian Army
RankCaptain
UnitHousehold Troops

Hiram Kahanawai, also known as Hairama Kahanawai, (September 1837 – August 7, 1874) was a member of the Hawaiian nobility who served as a retainer and household steward of King Kamehameha IV and his widow Queen Emma of Hawaiʻi. He married the future Princess Poʻomaikelani, and they joined the court of King Kalākaua after he won the royal election of 1874 against Queen Emma.

Life and career

[edit]

Hiram Kahanawai was born in September 1837, at Luaʻehu, Lahaina, on the island of Maui, to Kaʻaha and Kamaile.[1] His paternal grandmother Kahikaheana was a trusted kahu (caretaker) who served the family of Kalaʻimamahū, a brother of King Kamehameha I, and his daughter Kekāuluohi.[2][3] He was also a relative of Queen Emma of Hawaiʻi, by a junior line of descent, and distant relative of the family of Kalākaua and Liliuokalani.[4] During the Great Māhele of 1848, his father received the land allotments on the islands of Oʻahu, Maui and Kauaʻi, including half of the ʻili of Kawananakoa in Honolulu, the ahupuaʻa of Kaulalo near Lahaina, and the ʻili of Kuiloa near Hanapepe. Kaʻaha died before 1852 and left all his landholding to his son. On May 29, 1852, Kahanawai was placed under the guardianship of his brother-in-law William Luther Moehonua, the husband of his sister Lucy Muolo.[3]

During his youth, he continued his family kuleana (responsibility) in serving the Hawaiian royal family. On October 15, 1853, Kahanawai was appointed as First Lieutenant of the Infantry in the Royal Hawaiian army by Prince Alexander Liholiho (the future Kamehameha IV) during reign of King Kamehameha III.[5] Kahanawai also served as the chief steward and butler in the royal household under King Kamehameha IV and his wife Queen Emma from 1855 to 1863.[6] After Kamehameha IV's death, he continued to serve the household of the Queen Dowager Emma during her widowhood.[6]

On March 20, 1855, he married Virginia Kapoʻoloku Poʻomaikelani (1839–1895), a trusted lady-in-waiting and household attendant of Queen Emma.[7][8][9] The couple did not have any children of their own but adopted and raised Edward Abnel Keliʻiahonui (1869–1887), the nephew of Poʻomaikelani.[10]

Some time prior to 1873, Kahanawai and Poʻomaikelani left the service of Emma to join the factions loyal to Kalākaua. In the election of 1874 Kalākaua defeated Queen Dowager Emma to succeed Lunalilo as the monarch of Hawaii. Besides his own distant family ties to the new dynasty, Poʻomaikelani's elder sister was Queen Kapiolani, the wife and consort of the new king.[11] After Kalākaua restored the Hawaiian army which had been disbanded by his predecessor, he appointed Kahanawai to the rank of Captain and in the capacity of Commander of the Household Troops.[12]

Death

[edit]

Kahanawai, who had been in poor health for some time, died suddenly of a heart attack, on August 7, 1874, while in an audience with the King. His obituary reported his sudden death:[12]

On Friday last (Aug. 7) Captain Hiram Kahanawai died very suddenly as it is supposed from aneurysm. He had just entered the King's presence, and bowed to His Majesty, when he dropped on the floor, and was carried out dead. He was a true and faithful servant, of a quiet and reserved disposition, and made a favorable impression upon all who knew him. His funeral was attended on Saturday afternoon from St. Andrew's Chapel, and his remains escorted to Nuuanu cemetery by the infantry troops and numerous personal friends, including members of the royal family. Among Hawaiians there are few who have left a more pleasant memory.

— "Sudden Death". The Hawaiian Gazette. Vol. X, no. 32. Honolulu. August 12, 1874. p. 3.

On September 17, 1873, Queen Emma had noted in a letter to her cousin Peter Kaʻeo that Kahanawai was suffering from "Anurism" and, although still resenting his betrayal, prayed for the recovery of her former servant for the sake of her dead husband and son.[13] According to a later letter from Kaʻeo to Emma, he told her that both he and Jonatana Napela suspected that Kahanawai had been poisoned and the death had been covered up by the government.[14] According to historian Alfons L. Korn, "No criminal charges were ever brought against anyone for being implicated in the death of Hiram Kahanawai."[15]

He was buried at the Oʻahu Cemetery in Honolulu.[1] His widow continued to be known as Mrs. Kapoʻoloku Kahanawai until she was created a Princess of the Kingdom by Letter Patent in 1883.[7][16]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Grave Marker of Hiram Kahanawai. Honolulu, Hawaii: Oʻahu Cemetery.
  2. ^ Kamakau 1992, p. 394.
  3. ^ a b "Kaaha, LCA 1280 – LCA 5572 -LCA 5572" (PDF). Kanaka Genealogy web site. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 September 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2014.; "Kanehiwa M.A. 19, M.A. 29-B Original No. not found" (PDF). Kanaka Genealogy web site. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 September 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  4. ^ Kaeo & Queen Emma 1976, p. 15.
  5. ^ "By Authority". The Polynesian. Honolulu. November 5, 1853. p. 2. LCCN sn82015408. Archived from the original on 5 September 2018.
  6. ^ a b Kaeo & Queen Emma 1976, p. 15; Cracroft, Franklin & Queen Emma 1958, pp. 258–260; Kanahele 1999, p. 250
  7. ^ a b Kaeo & Queen Emma 1976, pp. 15, 43.
  8. ^ Kanahele 1999, p. 316.
  9. ^ Hawaiʻi State Archives (2006). "Kahanawai (k) – Kapooloku marriage record". Marriages – Oahu (1832–1910). Archived from the original on 5 September 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2014 – via Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library.
  10. ^ Kamae 1980, pp. 39, 44.
  11. ^ Kaeo & Queen Emma 1976, pp. 15, 113, 326.
  12. ^ a b Kaeo & Queen Emma 1976, p. 15; "News of the Week". The Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Vol. XIX, no. 6. Honolulu. August 8, 1874. p. 3. LCCN sn82015418. Archived from the original on 5 September 2018.; "Sudden Death". The Hawaiian Gazette. Vol. X, no. 32. Honolulu. August 12, 1874. p. 3. LCCN sn83025121. Archived from the original on 5 September 2018.
  13. ^ Kaeo & Queen Emma 1976, pp. 102–106.
  14. ^ Kaeo & Queen Emma 1976, p. 230.
  15. ^ Kaeo & Queen Emma 1976, p. 231.
  16. ^ "Passengers". The Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu. November 2, 1878. p. 2. LCCN sn82015418. Archived from the original on 5 September 2018.; "By Authority". The Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu. February 17, 1883. p. 5. LCCN sn82015418. Archived from the original on 5 September 2018.

Bibliography

[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Hiram_Kahanawai&oldid=1248790169"