Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 8, 1 August 1998 — Oʻahu Cemetery [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Oʻahu Cemetery

The resting plaee of some of Hawai1s most beloved citizens, Cahu Cemetary celebrates 1 54 years this August ^

By Desoto Brown

NU'UANU VALLEY'S O'ahu Cemeteiy marks its 1 54th birthday this month with a celebration that will enable everyone to get to know this historic site a little better. Founded in 1 844, the graveyard

does not, at hrst glance, appear very "Hawaiian." The tombstones seem j distinctively Westem, as do the names etched on them: Blaisdell, Beckley, Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Cummins, Davis, Dominis, Dowsett, Dudoit, Irvine, Lemke, Lemon, Makee, Meek, Mossman, Wideman, Wilson, Wond and the like. Although these particular names have origins in England, Germany, France, Scotland, Ireland I and Italy, all have become "Hawaiian" by virtue of inter-manriage over the last century and a half. Hermann A. Wideman. for examnle. was a native of Hanover.

Germany who settled here in 1 849. He held many important positions, including sheriff of Kaua'i, associate justice of the Supreme Court and minister of the interior under King Kalākaua. In 1 850, Wideman married Mary Kaumana Pilahiulani who was of high royal descenL Together, they had 1 1 children. The eouple and their descendants share a beautifully manicured family plot in O'ahu Cemetery. Resting in peaee nearby are sugar baron James Campbell, originally from Scotland, his wife Abigail Ma'ipinepine, and several of their ehil-

dren. The Campbell family plot is dominated by a very laige grey granite monument topped with a stunning funeral um, whieh is one of the largest and most beautiful tombstones in Hawai'i.

Descendants of the eouple include the Kawānanakoas, the MacFarlanes, the Shingles and the Beckleys. Hawaiian historians Samuel Kamakau, John Papa 'I'i and John Dominis Holt are permanent residents as well, along with other notables such as the distinguished statesman and royal aide Curtis Piehu Iaukea, former mayor of Honolulu Neal Blaisdell, the writer Sammy Crowningbuig Amalu, Duke Kahanamoku's sister Marie and George C. Beckley, "admiral" of Honolulu Harbor.

To commemorate 154 years of history and service to the community, O'ahu Cemetery will be hosting a series of free public events Aug. 15-23. The program will begin with a grand procession through the graveyard led by the Celtic Pipes and Drums of

Hawai'i. The Royal Hawaiian Band fbllows with a eoneeil of musical selections by composers buried in the cemetery, including Charles K.L. Davis, Johnny Noble, R. Alex Anderson, Bina | Mossman and Sterling Mossman. Author Nanette Napoleon Purnell will be on hand to autograph her new book, "O'ahu Cemetery, Burial Grvund and Historic Site." It includes a history of the graveyard, profiles of 100 people buried there, stories and a unique array of color photos depicting funerary art and symbols.

Historic displays, children's activities and food booths are also part of the celebration. The oiganizers encourage all visitors to bring leis and flowers to decorate graves. On Aug. 15, the Samoan Church of Nu'uanu choir will sing before a lecture/slide show, "Beyond the Grave." Walking tours are offered on Aug. 22, when the main event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Aug. 23. The eemetery is located at 2162 Nu'uanu Ave. at the corner of Judd St. For information, eall 538- 1 538. Oahu Cemetary. ■

This statue marks the grave of Duke Kahanomoku's sister, Marie.

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