MARCH 23, 1824

GEORGE COX KAHEKILI KEʻEAUMOKU (KEʻEAUMOKU II) DIED– ADVISOR TO KAMEHAMEHA I

Born circa 1784, Ke’eaumoku’s parents hailed from noble families on the islands of Hawaiʻi & Maui. Ke’eaumoku’s father, Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiahiahi, was counsellor to Kamehameha I and was appointed by him as Governor of Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe. George succeeded his father in these roles. As Commander & Admiral of the King’s Fleet, he fought in the Battle of Nu’uanu. As Governor, he was known to tax as much as the commoners could bear and led to his nickname, Puʻu Nui (“Great Pile”). Ke’eaumoku, took the name “Cox” after a British sea captain who befriended him and “George” after King George IV. He learned English, was a friend of European & American traders, and was one the first to house the Protestant missionaries from Boston. He died in Honolulu. His notable siblings: Kaʻahumanu, Queen consort of Kamehameha I (later Queen Regent); Queen Kalākua Kaheiheimālie; royal wife Lydia Namahana Piʻia; and Kalua-i-Konahale Kuakini, Royal Governor of Hawaiʻi island.

Source:  Wikipedia

Watercolor: Adrien Taunay the Younger, 1819. Governor Cox of Maui. Public Domain. Source:  Honolulu Museum of Art, accession 21490.