Queen Kaahumanu brings up Twins of Frenchman Jasson Rives

In Queen Kaahumanu’s court there were two little girls whom she had taken to bring up, twins, daughters of the pioneer Frenchman, Mons. Jasson Rives (whose Hawaiian name designated by Queen Kaahumanu was Luahine), who had landed on these shores and become the Aikane-Punahele of Prince Liholiho, the heir apparent to the throne. He had taken to wife Holau II, a descendant of Kaihikapumahana, the only daughter of Lonoikamakahiki Kapuokalani and his wife Kaikilanialiiwahine o Puna and sister of Keawehanauikawalu, ancestor of Kekuanaoa, father of the last line of the Kamehamehas. Mrs. Judd spoke of the twin girls as becomingly pretty.

As they grew up they were greatly sought after in marriage and Virginia Kahoa was the first to leave their adopted home. She became the wife of Mr. Henry Aucurs Peirce, one of the rich merchants among such as Brewer and Hunnewell, Ladd & Co., and a few others. Subsequently Laanui found in the elder sister, Teresa Owana Kaheiheimalie the choice of his heart and his second wife. He was then almost twice the age of his young wife but that did not mar the match, for his gentleness and kindly disposition had completely won her affection. They lived at Waialua most of the time. Their town residence is now owned by the James Campbell estate, its frontage being on Punchbowl, Hotel and Likelike streets, just above the Library of Hawaii.

In time a little daughter appeared on the scene to bless their union and the people from all around Waialua visited the new-born babe with a hookupu in silver dollars. That custom was styled “palala.” No one could have a view of the little stranger unless they came with their “mohai” in their hands. Friends and interested people from Honolulu also brought offerings to mingle with those of Waialua and were generously entertained by Laanui and Owana.

They named their darling child Elizabeth Kekaaniauokalanj, “Elizabeth” after the baptismal name of Queen Kaahumanu and the Hawaiian name after one of Laanui’s sisters, the firstborn of the family, who died at the age of five years. Elizabeth was idolized by her parents and the people of Waialua living under Laanui. For five years they longingly hoped for a male heir further to brighten their home before their wish was realized. They named their little son Gideon (after the father) and Kailipalaki o Keheananui (after the high alii Kinau II). It became evident soon after the birth of their little son that Owana’s health was failing. Dr. Judd, the resident physician and one of the missionaries, did all in his power to save the afflicted mother, but in two months grief over a departed wife for the second time was Laanui’s portion.

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