| Name |
Nancy Wells |
| Birth |
18 Apr 1791 |
East Windsor, , Connecticuit, United States  [2] |
| Gender |
Female |
| Ali?i Letters – La‘anui to Ruggles (1827) |
Sandwich Islands, , , [3] |
| Ali?i Letters – La‘anui to Ruggles (1827) |
- Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (Mission Houses) collaborated with Awaiaulu Foundation to digitize, transcribe, translate and annotate over 200-letters written by 33-Chiefs.
The letters, written between 1823 and 1887, are assembled from three different collections: the ABCFM Collection held by Harvard's Houghton Library, the HEA Collection of the Hawaii Conference-United Church of Christ and the Hawaiian Mission Children's Society.
These letters provide insight into what the Ali'i (Chiefs) were doing and thinking at the time, as well as demonstrate the close working relationship and collaboration between the ali?i and the missionaries.
In this letter, Gideon La?anui writes to Mr. and Mrs. Ruggles regarding cloth, expressing his affection to people there, and promoting faith in God.
The letter is addressed to Keiki. This is a name of endearment for Mr. Samuel Ruggles who arrived with the first company of missionaries.
Gideon Peleioholani La?anui born in 1797, was a native of Waimea, Hawai?i who was partly raised in the court of Kamehameha I, and married Namahana, a sister of Ka?ahumanu. After the arrival of the missionaries, he was an early convert and became an active member of the church, living in Waialua.
"May 29, 1827 Oahu"
"Greetings to you, Mr. and Mrs. Ruggles, and to all your retainers, as well as Kamahiainui and Haole."
"Great affection to you all; may we all be saved through Jesus."
"Here is my little message to you, Ruggles. Deliver my cloth. If it is with Maalo, then Kamahiainui should go get it, and once you see it, send it on one of your people's ships, then document that and give it to Mr. Chamberlain."
"Finished, that is all."
"Relay my affectionate thoughts to the faithful men there and the faithful women there."
"Let us all love God with great joy and with fear of God in our hearts for our many wrongdoings. That is my short message for you to tell them. It is done."
"By Gideon Laanui"
Here's a link to the original letter, its transcription, translation and annotation (scroll down):
https://hmha.missionhouses.org/files/original/1ddd918f2ae7aa030206f9bb8356b86c.pdf
On October 23, 1819, the Pioneer Company of American Protestant missionaries from the northeast US, led by Hiram Bingham, set sail on the Thaddeus for the Sandwich Islands (now known as Hawai'i.) They arrived in the Islands and anchored at Kailua-Kona on April 4, 1820.
Over the course of a little over 40-years (1820-1863 – the "Missionary Period",) about 180-men and women in twelve Companies served in Hawai?i to carry out the mission of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) in the Hawaiian Islands.
One of the earliest efforts of the missionaries, who arrived in 1820, was the identification and selection of important communities (generally near ports and ali?i residences) as "stations" for the regional church and school centers across the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaiian Mission Houses' Strategic Plan themes note that the collaboration between Native Hawaiians and American Protestant missionaries resulted in the
The introduction of Christianity;
The development of a written Hawaiian language and establishment of schools that resulted in widespread literacy;
The promulgation of the concept of constitutional government;
The combination of Hawaiian with Western medicine, and
The evolution of a new and distinctive musical tradition (with harmony and choral singing).
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50927842.pdf
_TYPE: DOC |
| Alii Letters – Kapiolani to Ruggles |
Sandwich Islands, , , [4] |
| Alii Letters – Kapiolani to Ruggles |
- Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (Mission Houses) collaborated with Awaiaulu Foundation to digitize, transcribe, translate and annotate over 200-letters written by 33-Chiefs.
The letters, written between 1823 and 1887, are assembled from three different collections: the ABCFM Collection held by Harvard's Houghton Library, the HEA Collection of the Hawaii Conference-United Church of Christ and the Hawaiian Mission Children's Society.
These letters provide insight into what the Ali'i (Chiefs) were doing and thinking at the time, as well as demonstrate the close working relationship and collaboration between the ali?i and the missionaries.
In this letter, Kapi?olani writes to Reverend Samuel Ruggles and his wife about progress at Kuapehu, Hawai?i Island, and her wish for them to visit or write.
The letter is addressed to Keiki ma. Keiki was an affectionate nickname given by the Hawaiians to Rev. Samuel Ruggles. "Keiki ma" refers to Samuel Ruggles and company, in this case, probably his wife, Nancy Wells Ruggles.
In 1822, Naihe and Kapi?olani (husband and wife) were among the first chiefs to welcome instruction and accept Christianity. Kapi?olani was the daughter of Keawemauhili, who was the high chief of the district of Hilo (the uncle of Kiwala?o.)
"Ka'awaloa, Kuapehu, January 17, 1840"
"Greetings to the two of you, Reverend and Mrs. Ruggles,"
"Here is a message to you two to tell of the events of these years. The love of the Lord has been great in these years, converting many persons to his church through his love for us."
"Here too, a church was one of our endeavors. Parts of it are complete and others are not. The intention is, however, to complete it, for our teacher might not find physical comfort in a house that is bad, or might get sick."
"Listen, all of you, generate some compassion for us, those in need, for the minds of those in the land of ignorance have not matured to know righteousness, but the Lord sees the fruition of some, and others truly strive, so if the Lord sees it, that is good."
"There is also this: Namakelua is holding school here at Kuapehu. Also, all the chiefs have died; Kinau passed away, Lililiha died, Hoapili Kane has died, Keano is dead."
"I beseech you two to pray diligently for us so we may all live together in a good place. Thus I abide, yearning to meet together in a good place."
"Listen, both of you, you should generate love in the hearts of the brethren with my message. An expression of affection is my message to all of the brethren in America."
"Here is another message for you two, that I have no bundle to send to the two of you, it remains here in Kuapehu. On Sunday, I will go down and come back when that is done."
"All of you should know that Mr. Forbes and his wife are diligent in the work of the Lord, tender sometimes and forceful at other times."
"We also have new teachers, Mr. Ives and others, so the Lord has not deserted us here."
"Also, we have plans we are working on for our livelihood. We have planted sugar cane and the mill is processing, we planted cotton, but it is not certain. We are planting coffee again. The grape vines did not bear much fruit due to improper cultivation."
"You should write to me again about other good crops to plant so things flourish again here in Kuapehu."
"Why are you two not writing to me?"
"You should both write. Hale sends regards, Kamuela sends regards, Naihe sends regards, our mother/aunt sends regards."
"Say, you should sail here again and then return there. There are great efforts that our teacher is striving to do.
"Assisting in the new garden for the school teachers, that is up to the women, and as for the men, there is firewood for the church and other needs within the works of the Lord."
"Kapiolani Love to all the people"
Here's a link to the original letter, its transcription, translation and annotation:
https://hmha.missionhouses.org/files/original/f792abbfa34f6a37f22ed310477a6d14.pdf
On October 23, 1819, the Pioneer Company of American Protestant missionaries from the northeast US, led by Hiram Bingham, set sail on the Thaddeus for the Sandwich Islands (now known as Hawai'i.) They arrived in the Islands and anchored at Kailua-Kona on April 4, 1820.
Over the course of a little over 40-years (1820-1863 – the "Missionary Period",) about 180-men and women in twelve Companies served in Hawai?i to carry out the mission of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) in the Hawaiian Islands.
One of the earliest efforts of the missionaries, who arrived in 1820, was the identification and selection of important communities (generally near ports and ali?i residences) as "stations" for the regional church and school centers across the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaiian Mission Houses' Strategic Plan themes note that the collaboration between Native Hawaiians and American Protestant missionaries resulted in the
• The introduction of Christianity;
• The development of a written Hawaiian language and establishment of schools that resulted in widespread literacy;
• The promulgation of the concept of constitutional government;
• The combination of Hawaiian with Western medicine, and
• The evolution of a new and distinctive musical tradition (with harmony and choral singing).
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48510912.pdf
_TYPE: DOC |
| Augusta and the Mission Quilt |
Sandwich Islands, , , |
| Augusta and the Mission Quilt |
- From the Curator's Deskby Katie Gardner
Eight year old Augusta Ruggles sewed the final stitches in her silk pieced quilt. Her older sister Sarah, her mother, and a number of her mother's friends from their regular sewing circle helped. This communal and social practice was and still is common in quilting. The year was 1830 and this New England ladies' group was working on a typical New England-style quilt-except they were sewing it in the Sandwich Islands.In October 1819 seven families sailed from Boston on the haddeus, arriving on April 4, 1820 in Kailua, Oahu in what is now known as Hawai'i. These families, mostly young married couples, were the first company of Christian missionaries sent to the islands by the American Board of Commissioners or Foreign Missions. Among the group were Connecticut newlyweds Samuel Ruggles, a teacher, and his wife, Nancy Wells Ruggles.The Ruggles and other New England missionaries brought their faith, their customs, their skills, and their aterial culture with them; all of which was shared and some of which
Augusta and her sister returned to the United States after 1830 to attend school. The rest of their family followed in 1834. Augusta's treasured island quilt traveled with her and was eventually passed along to her son, Samuel Ruggles Stevens. Stevens, [born in 1852] moved to Colorado City near Colorado Springs in 1895 where he operated a shoe shop. In 1967 five of his children donated the fragile but lovely silk quilt to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum in his memory.
At this time his daughters Hulda Garnhart, Katherine Pearl Rogula, Hazel Madonna, Myrtle Cave and Clara Jones, also provided the long-held family tradition that Augusta's quilt was "made of cast-off robes of kings and queens" of the Sandwich Islands. There is a companion Ruggles quilt residing in the Mission Houses Museum in Honolulu, Hawai'i where museum volunteer, Diana Francese, saw it on display. This experience, she says, reinforced her love for historic artifacts and opened her heart to a new understanding of Hawaii's culture. She introduced the Mission Houses Museum's astonished staff to Augusta's quilt by providing them with photos and documentation from the CSPM. The "sister" quilts were reunited at
last by research! A compa r i son of the two quilts reveals that the type of silk fabrics and the "Four Patch" pat tern used are the same. The color schemes are nearly mirror images: Augusta's quilt is primarily gold with blue h i g h l i g h t s , whi le the one in Honolulu is primari ly blue with gold accents. There are several identical fabrics in both quilts. The quilts were both made in 1830, and the Mission Houses Museum records indicate that the blue quilt was made by either Augusta's sister
Sarah or their mother, Nancy Ruggles. It seems plausible that the two girls were making their quilts together under the instruction of their mother and her circle of sewing friends.The Hawaiians imported expensive Chinese silk fabric so that the missionaries could sew Western-style clothing for the Hawaiian royalty. The unused scraps were then used to make quilts including the two Ruggles quilts. In addition to the scraps, Augusta's quilt incorporates a piece of white floral fabric, with a visible curved seam that appears to be a scrap of a used woman's dress bodice. Could it have belonged to Nancy Ruggles? Augusta's quilt and the story of early nineteenth-century missionary life it represents are among an infinite number of history lessons embedded in the CSPM's collections. By preserving and studying them, we can bring the stories from the past alive once again.
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| Residence-Occupant |
Kailua-Kona, , , Sandwich Islands [5] |
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| Ruggles and Whitney take Humehume Home to Kauai |
Sandwich Islands, , , [5] |
| Ruggles and Whitney take Humehume Home to Kauai |
- King Kaumuali'i of Kauai decided to send his son Humehume (George Prince) to America, at least, in part, to receive a formal education. Kaumuali'i provided Captain Rowan of the Hazard with, reportedly, about $7,000 to $8,000, an amount the king felt sufficient to cover the cost of his son's passage and the expenses of his education.
George was about six years old when he boarded the Hazard that ultimately sailed into Providence, Rhode Island on June 30, 1805 after a year-and-a-half at sea. Over the next few years he made his way to Worcester, Massachusetts.
Humehume eventually enlisted in the US Navy and was wounded during the War of 1812. After the war ended, he was again thrown upon the world and without any means of obtaining a livelihood, or any one to care for him, ragged, dirty, and in want, he was again enlisted, and employed as a servant to the purser of the Navy Yard in Charlestown.
Humehume was "discovered" and taken under the wing of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM). He was sent, along with Henry O¯pu¯kaha'ia and other Hawaiian youths, to be educated at the Foreign Mission School at Cornwall, Connecticut. (Warne)
On October 23, 1819, the Pioneer Company of the American Protestant missionaries set sail on the Thaddeus for Hawai'i – (two Ordained Preachers, Hiram & Sybil Bingham and Asa and Lucy Thurston; two Teachers, Samuel & Mercy Whitney and Samuel & Mary Ruggles; a Doctor, Thomas & Lucia Holman; a Printer, Elisha & Maria Loomis; and a Farmer, Daniel Chamberlain (and his family.)
With the missionaries were four Hawaiian students from the Foreign Mission School, Thomas Hopu, William Kanui, John Honoli?i and Humehume (son of Kaua?i's King Kaumuali'i.) They arrived in Kailua-Kona on April 4, 1820.
After the Thaddeus departed, George remained in Kailua-Kona and took Betty Davis, the half-Hawaiian daughter of Isaac Davis, as his wife, or his "rib" as he described her. In a short time they rejoined the missionary party in Honolulu. (Spoehr)
Ruggles and Whitney take Humehume home to Kauai.
May 2, 1820 – The Thaddeus left the harbor, to touch at Atooi and proceed to the N.W. coast. Agreeably to our united views and the wishes of G.P.T., brothers Whitney and Ruggles sailed with him to introduce him and our business to his father, to interest the chiefs in our object, to survey the island of Atooi, and to return the first favorable opportunity. We made out a considerable present for George, of a variety of useful articles, besides the Bass viol which he took with him, for which he appeared grateful. He expressed a sense of obligation, and a desire to make some return for the kindness he had received. With tears he took an affectionate leave of us, being commended to the grace of an unchangable merciful God. May that grace make him a comfort to his father, a blessing to his country, an honor to his benefactors and an heir of final glory. And may the gracious blessing of him who sent out his disciples two and two rest on these our two brethren, and crown this important enterprize with suc
(T)he brethren resolved, that as the Thaddeus was about to land George Tamoree at his native island, it would be useful for Messrs. Whitney and Ruggles to accompany him thither, with a view to make known to the king and people of Atooi the designs of the missionaries, and to explore that field of labor. Accordingly they sailed from Woahoo on the 2nd. of May, the property belonging to the mission having been first landed, and the various members of the family having obtained houses for their temporary residence. George was received by his father with the utmost joy and tenderness. King Tamoree had believed, for a considerable number of years, that his son was dead, notwithstanding he had received from sea-captains many assurances to the contrary. The strong affection which the return of a long-lost son would excite, may easily be conceived. The father was highly gratified, also, with the attainments, which George had made in useful knowledge, during his residence among a civilized people. These circums
May 2nd.
Today brother Whitney and I have been called to leave our dear little number at Woahoo (Oahu) to accompany George P. Tamoree to his native Isle and to the bosom of his Father. It was to us trying to part from our dear brethren and sisters, and especially from the- dear companions of our bosom, not knowing when an opportunity would offer for us to return, as vessels rarly sail from Attooi (Kauai); to the windward Isles. But if duty has called, us to the separation, we trust that a gracious God will in his own time return us again to the embraces of our friends and permit us to rejoice together in his goodness. 0 that the Lord will go with us and be our preserver from sin and temptation, and our guide and director in all duty. If we are blessed as instruments of preparing the way for the introduction of the Gospel on that Island, we shall be compensated for all our trial & privation. We have a fine breeze which we expect will take us to Attooi (Kauai) in. 24 hours. – (Samuel Ruggles)
May 2. I have just taken leave of Mr. W who has embarked for Atooi to accompany George P Tamaree to the bosom of his friends. It is uncertain when he will return, as he knows of no conveyance back. It was the expectation of American friends, and the united opinion of the brethren, that George should not return alone to was father; accordingly brother R (Samuel Ruggles) and Mr. W (Whitney) were selected to go with him. Their chief and great object is to explore the island. May god bless them and much make them instruments of good to its wretched inhabitants. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)
May 3, 1820
May. 3 – By one of the Kings schooners, Joseph Banks, Master, an intelligent young native who speaks English and is very friendly, we received a letter from Brother Thurston, informing us that the king had given them the use of a large cooking stove and furnished them with a comfortable supply of fresh provisions; that he had learned to read in words of two syllables; that he and Adams, and the chief women were much pleased, friendly and desirous to learn; that Dr. Holman has considerable to do as a physician in healing the sick … and that he is quite successful; and that Tamooi resides with the king and confines his attention to the instruction of the Regal family; that they were invited on the first day of the feast to dine at the King's table spread under the shade of green trees; that on both days of the feast Reehoreeho behaved himself with great propriety and did not drink to his injury; that many thousand people collected at the time shouted and sung the great and good deeds performed by t
3rd. Made Attooi at daylight this morning. Like all the other Islands its first appearance was rude and. mountainous, but on approaching nearer, beautiful plains and fruitful vallies presented themselves to view, looking almost like the cultivated fields of America, while large groves of cocoanuts and bananas waved their tops as if to welcome us to their shores. Thought I while passing these pleasant fields, can this be one of the dark places of the earth which is filled with the habitation of cruelty? Has the sun of righteousness never yet shone upon it? Is it a fact that the immortal beings are shrouded in midnight darkness, without one minister of Christ to direct them to the city of refuge, the place of rest and glory? Alas, they are heathens.
Their mean and scanty dwellings and the appearance, of men, women, and children coming off to us naked, plainly bespeak that they are yet savages, ignorant of God and unacquainted with the precepts of the gospel. They have indeed thrown away their idols as worthless things unable to save them, but they have not heard of Jesus, no Christian has yet said to them, there is a God in heaven who made them and the world, nor pointed them to the Saviour, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. 0 thou God of nations, herd make Thyself known; here plant Thy cross, and possess this land.
At 11 o'clock came to anchor at Wimai (Waimea), opposite the fort. A canoe came off to us with several of the King's men, one of whom could speak English. George had. kept himself concealed in the cabin until we told, him that one of his father's favorite men was on board, and we thought best that his arrival should be made known to him. We then introduced him to the young prince; He embraced him and kissed him without saying a word and turned around, immediately went on deck, and into his canoe telling his companions, they must go on shore, for their young master had come. A salute of 21 guns was soon fired from the brig and returned from the fort.
Brother W., George, and myself, made preparations and came on shore on account of the surf. We were obliged to land, half a mile west of the King's house. We were there met by a crowd of natives who would have obstructed our way entirely, had there not been men appointed to clear a passage for us, which they did by beating them off with clubs. When we arrived at the house, Tamoree and his Queen were reclining on a sofa; as soon as George entered the door, his father arose clasped him in his arms and pressed his nose to his son's after the manner of the country, both were unable to speak for some time. The scene was truly affecting. I know not when I have wept more freely.
When they had become a little composed, Tamoree spoke and said his heart was so joyful that he could not talk much till to-morrow, but discovering brother W. and myself, who had till then remained, unnoticed, he enquired who we were. George then introduced us to him as his friends who had come from America to accompany him home. The old gentleman then embraces us in the same manner as he had done his son, frequently putting his nose to ours and calling us his hicahne (aikane) or friends.
A supper was soon provided for us consisting of a couple of hogs baked, whole after the American manner, several fowls and a dog cooked after the style of the Island, together with potatoes, tarro, bananas, cocoanuts, and watermelons, brandy, gin, wines, &c. The table was set in good style; our supper was indeed excellent. A new house was assigned for brother W. and myself during our stay on the Island, a few rods from the King's and several men to attend upon us. We shall now retire to rest after Rooking up to God with thanksgiving for mercies already received and humbly praying that a blessing may attend our visit to these heathens. Perhaps it will be the first Christian prayer that was ever offered to God on this Island. (Samuel Ruggles)
May 3, Yesterday brethren R and myself left O?ahu in the brig Thaddeus to accompany George, Tamoree to his father king of Atooi. At 12 o'clock today we anchored in the Whyma-ah bay opposite the king's house. It appeared that one of our signals, with which they were unacquainted had excited some alarm, four of the king's men were sent off to enquire and the object of our ceremony.
One of those who could speak a little English was introduced to George; immediately they all jumped into the canoe and paddle off in the utmost hast saying we must go and tell his father. A salute of twenty one guns was fired from brig and answered by as many from the fort. Soon after Capt brother R & myself a company George to his father's house.
The king and queen were sitting on a sofa by the door, surrounded by a large company of the principal man. The introduction was truly affecting. With an anxious heart and trembling arms the aged father rose to embrace his long lost son. Both were too much affected to speak. Silence for a few moments persuaded the whole, whilst the tears trickling down their sable cheeks spoke the feelings of nature.
After the agitation had a little subsided we were introduced to Tameree, as persons who had left our native country and had come to reside at the Islands for the purpose of instructing the natives. He then joined noses with us (the fashion of the country) and said it is good. I am glad to see you. A table was soon set in very grand stile and we were invited to sit down to dinner. In the eve a house was prepared for brethren R and myself, and we retired much pleasure with this present of usefulness. … the subject of having his people taught the word of God – come and live with us, says he, and I will build you a large church. My subjects shall keep the Sabbath, and we will learn to pray and saying to God. (Samuel Whitney Journal)
"May 4. This morning early, I went to the king's house, and was met at the door by himself and the queen, who took me by each arm, led me in and seated me between them upon the sofa; and after having several times put their noses, to mine, the king inquired if it was true that I had lived with Hoomehoome (the real name of George) in America …"
"… and eat with him, and slept with him, saying his son had told him many things that he could not fully understand, and that I had been his friend a long time, and would stay here and instruct his people to read. "
"told him it was true, and that the good people of America who loved his son, and loved him and his people, had sent several men and women to instruct his people to read and work as they do in America."
"When I told him this, he, with his wife, broke out in one voice, 'miti, miti, nove loah aloha America;' that is, 'good, good, very great love for America;' and then burst into tears. After a short time, he asked me how long I would be willing to stay and teach his island."
"I told him I wished to spend my life here, and die here. He then embraced me again, and said, 'kacke vo'u oe, mahkooah oe o-ou wihena o ou mahkooah oe,' that is, 'you my son, I you father, my wife you mother.' I endeavoured to tell him something about God, but the subject was entirely new to him, and he could understand but little."
"10th. This morning Tamoree sent for me — said his interpreter was going away to be gone several days, and he wished to say a few things to me before he went."
"I want to know, says he, if you love Hoomehoome, if you love me, if you like to stay here and learn my people, I assured him that I loved his son and him and I wished to spend my life in doing them good, and not only I but Mr. Whitney, and all who came with us wished the same."
"Hoomehoome tell me so, says he; he then shed tears freely and said, I love Hoomehoome; I love him very much more than my other children. I thought he was dead; I cry many times because I think he was dead."
"Some Captains tell me he live in America, but I not believe; I say no, he dead, he no come back. But he live, he come again; my heart very glad. I want my son to help me; he speaks English, and can do my business."
"But he is young; young men are sometimes wild they want advice. I want you stay here and help Hoomehoome, and when vessels come, you and Hoomehoome go on board and trade, so I make you chief."
"I told him I wished not to be a chief, neither could I do any of his public business, but was willing to advise his son and assist him in every thing consistent with the object for which we came to his Island. He expressed some surprise when I told him I wished not to be a chief, but when I explained to him what we wished to do ; he appeared satisfied and pleased."
"This afternoon the king sent to me and requested that I would come and read to him in his bible. I read the first chapter of Genesis and explained to him what I read as well as I could."
"He listened with strict attention, frequently asking pertinent questions, and said I can't understand it all; I want to know it ; you must learn my language fast, and then tell me all – No white man before, ever read to me and talk like you." (Ruggles Journal)
Kapule, King Kaumuali'i's wife, dictated a letter to Nancy Ruggles' mother – it was written down verbatim, and copied by herself in a plain legible manner.
"Dear Friend, Atooi, July 28, 1820"
"I am glad your daughter come here, I shall be her mother now, and she be my daughter. I be good to her; give her tappa; give her mat; give her plenty eat."
"By and by your daughter speak Owhyhee; then she learn me how to read, and write, and sew; and talk of that Great Akooah, which the good people in America love."
"I begin spell little: read come very hard, like stone. You very good, send your daughter great way to teach the heathen. I am very glad I can write you a short letter, and tell you that I be good to your daughter."
"I send you my aloha, and tell you I am Your Friend, Charlotte Tapoolee, Queen of Atooi"
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| Samuel and Nancy Ruggles Getting Acquainted with Kauai |
Sandwich Islands, , , [6] |
| Samuel and Nancy Ruggles Getting Acquainted with Kauai |
- Samuel and Nancy Ruggles were part of the Pioneer Company of missionaries to Hawai'i, he was a teacher. On May 3, 1820, Ruggles and Samuel Whitney brought Humehume home to Kauai.
Later, they moved to Kauai and set up a mission station there. The following is from the journal of Samuel and Nancy Ruggles.
June 15th. – I must commence writing in my Jour, with an apology for past neglect though I am persuaded that my dear mother would think I had an ample excuse if but one half were told here.
In addition to our own personal concerns after so long a voyage, we have been employed a considerable part of the time in making garments for the chiefs and nobility and in teaching them to read. Besides we have a little flock of children which we instruct daily.
We met with a very favorable reception at this Island found the chiefs and people friendly and desirous to receive instruction. We found several American people residents here, who have been of very material service to us. Every day we receive some testimonies of their kindness.
A black man who has been on the Island several years, and collected some property has been our constant friend. I believe scarcely a day has passed over our heads but what he has sent us something, either milk or provisions of some kind. — N. W. R
Sat. 17th. – The week past I have spent principally in visiting the different parts of Wimai; believe there is scarcely a house that I have not entered and my friendly Aloha.
The more I visit and become acquainted with this people, the more I feel interested in them, and the more I desire to spend my strength and life in endeavoring to secure to them the eternal welfare of their souls.
I sometimes feel almost impatient to know the language that I may explain to them the way of life and salvation. What' little I can say they will listen to with the greatest attention, but their answer will be, "I want to know more, by and by I shall understand".
One said yesterday, "the God of America is good but the Gods of Attooi are good for nothing; we throw them all away; by and by the American God will be the God of Attooi".
The King appears more & more desirous for instruction; complains that he cannot spend time enough with his book, but says it is & time of unusual hurry at present, and he is soon to give his- mind more thoroughly to it.
He with his Queen and several servants are able to read in words of four letters. Neither of them knew the alphabet when we arrived.
Says the King at one time when I visited him, "Hoomehoome says you no tell lie like some white men, now you must not tell lie when you go Woahoo, but you must come back and live with me".
The week past has been a busy time with the natives. The King's rent has been brought in from all parts of the Island and from Onehow (Niihau) a small Island about 15 miles to the westward.
It consisted of hogs, dogs, mats, tappers, feathers, pearl fishhooks, calabashes and paddles. This rent is to go to Owhyhee (Hawaii) as a present to the young King.
It was interesting to see the natives come, sometimes more than a hundred at a time, with their loads on their backs and lay down their offerings at the feet of their great and good Chief as they call him.
When will the time, arrive that they shall come and bow down to Jehovah, and give themselves living sacrifices to Him who has purchased them -with His blood. I trust the day is at hand. — S. R.
20th. – Mr. Ruggles was called in the Providence of God about two weeks after we landed to accompany George P. Tamoree to his native Isle. When he will have an opportunity to return is very uncertain. His absence so soon after landing has rendered my situation trying, but by the friendly assistance of the brethren, I have been able to accomplish all my washing and other work.
I have also done sister Holman's, and sent her clothes to Owhyhee (Hawaii). I hope that which to me is now a trial, will be the means of great good to that poor people -who are destitute of the knowledge of God, and of his son Jesus Christ.
22nd. – We still experience the continual kindness of both white and tawny friends. The King has ordered the chiefs of this island to build three houses for our use, and enclose them in a yard of about 5 acres.
He has also given us a tarro patch, and says when we have eat out all the tarro he will give us another. Hanoore lives in our family, is a dear brother to us; he has had a piece of good land given him, with three houses upon it! We cannot help enjoying ourselves when the Lord is doing so much for us. — - Nancy.
June 27th. – This morning I arrived from Attooi (Kauai) having been absent eight weeks found my dear companion and friends in health and prosperity, busily engaged in the work of the Lord …
… found the Levant from Boston which will sail for A. in a few days, and offers to carry our letters and Journals. I must therefore improve my time in writing. I shall here transcribe some part of my Journal kept during my absence from Woahoo (Oahu). — S. R. (All is from the Ruggles journal.)
|
| Death |
26 Feb 1872 |
Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Wisconsin, United States [2] |
| Burial |
Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Wisconsin, United States [Evergreen Cemetery] [2] |
 |
3378129.jpg
_TYPE: PHOTO |
| Person ID |
I4642 |
Emmert-Tipton |
| Last Modified |
27 Jan 2022 |
1791 - 1872 (80 years)
