Leleiohoku I
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William Pitt Leleiohoku I 1821 - 1848 was a Hawaiian chief and husband of Princess Harriet Nahienaena and Princess Ruth Keelikolani.
Leleiohoku was born Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 31st March 1821. He was the son of the Prime Minister Kalanimoku, called The Iron Pillar of Hawaii, who taken the English name of William Pitt after his comtempary William Pitt the Younger of England, by his wife Kiliwehi. He inherited his father western name and was called Billy Pitt by foreigners in Hawaii. He was of the highest hereditary descent after the king. [1] He was hanai (adopted) to John Adams Kuakini brother of Queen Kaahumanu and Governor of Hawaii Island.[2]
He was married to the Princess Nahienaena at age 14 the princess was 6 years his senior. The marriage had been arranged in 1835 by Christian chief and the missionaries to halt the possiblities of a sibling marriage between Kauikeaouli and Nahienaena and their Christian wedding was held in Waine'e Church but their was not a happy union.[3] He inherit his few of his father's land because Kalanimoku, shortly before his death, made a verbal will, bequeathing his entire property to his niece, Kekauonohi the previous queen of Kamehameha II. Kekauonohi, although only what we call a cousin of Leleiohoku, was regard according to ancient Hawaiian ideas, as his sister, and it appears that Kalanimoku, in making a verbal disposition of his propert, expressed his will that his lands should pass to her, who was older than Leleiohoku and that he should be the kanaka living under her. [4]
Nahienaena had taken ill due to her failed pregnancy and passed away in 1836 at age 21. The child was said to be his but probably could have been Kauikeaouli's. Leleiohoku took another wife Keelikolani who was daughter of Kalani Pauahi and Kekuanaoa. He had a son William Pitt Kinau from his second wife. He served as a member of the House of Nobles in 1840. His foster father passed away in 1844 and he inherited the governorship of the Big Island. He inherited the Hulihee Palace and which he passed to his wife. He died October 21st in the measle epidemic of 1848, aged 27. His widow lived on and inherited her husband's properties after their son died at age 17. Keelikolani's love for him could be proven when she name her adoptive son, Leleiohoku II, after her deceased husband.
[edit] Reference
- ^ The Sandwich Islands: Progress of Events Since Their Discovery By Captain Cooke. Their Occupation By Lord George Paulet. Their Value and Importance. By Alexander Simpson. Page 71
- ^ The Honolulu Mercury by David Earl- Page 182
- ^ Lonely Planet Maui By Kristin Kimball. Page 72
- ^ Reports of a Portion of the Decisions Rendered by the Supreme Court of the Hawaiian Islands, in Law Equity Admiralty and Probate 1857-1865 By Robert G. Davids Justice of the Supreme Court, and Member of His Majesty's Privy Council. Page 543-544
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