Passed On
("Ua Hala Ma-o", Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, July 20, 1895)
At 3 in the morning on July 5, J. Napapa departed this life from his residence in Wailau, Molokai. He wasted away for over a year before passing away. Over the past month, he assiduously tried many medicines seeking a cure. But it was not to be, and that which the Bible foretold has come to pass: He gave, and He hath taken away; blessed be the name Jehovah1. He was 79 years old. He was born at Kaupo, Maui, to his father Kelelua and his mother Naluahi. He was educated at Halawa, Molokai during the tenure of the teacher Kamaipelekane and then W. A. Mio. He had three wives. The last wife is still living. From their loins came eight. Two have passed away, one is sick2 at Kalaupapa, and five were residing with the parents when the one passed away. He was a native of these Koolau cliffs, and his ancestors were of this land. He was a welcoming person with an open heart. He looked after his friends and took care of his family. He was a person highly regarded by those here on Molokai as well as foreigners.
Furthermore, he was greatly appreciated for his work. He was the agricultural supervisor of these valleys3. He served in this position from 1876, when Bila Auwana was superintendent4 until Lee Schu and Co. of Honolulu took over. Three and a half months ago, he was requested to return to Wailau to farm, which he agreed to. He performed this work until he was released from his burden. He spent 19 years doing this work.
He was an elder for the Wailau and Pelekunu churches. He took on this role in 1889. He provided support for good works and for his family until his death. On Sunday, the 7th, the memorial service for his earthly remains was performed at his residence by the Rev. G. W. Kolopapela, the topic being Job 7:9-10:
9. As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away, so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more.
10. He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more.
There were other comforting words from the church elders and friends. Therefore, know this, friends and associates of J. N. Napapa: He has passed away, vanished, departed on the road of no return5, and his wife, children, and entire family are in mourning on this side of the grave, as am I, his own brother-in-law.
J. L. WAILIULA,
Wailau, Molokai, July 10, 1895.
Passed on to the Next Realm
("Ua Hala ma Kela Ao Ma O", Ka Makaainana, July 22, 1895)
At 3 in the morning on Friday, the 5th, J. Napapa departed this life from his residence in Wailau, Molokai. He wasted away for over a year before passing away. That which the Bible foretold has come to pass: “He gave, and He hath taken away. Blessed be the name Jehovah.” He was born at Kaupo, Maui, to his father Kelelua and his mother Naluahi. He was over 70 years old. He was educated at Halawa, Molokai during the tenure of the teacher Kamaipelekane and then W. A. Mio.
He had three wives. The first was Naholowaa. The second was Ekeu. His first wife and his second wife are deceased. The third, Makakoa, is still living. They were married in 1879 by the Rev. Paulo and spent nearly 16 years as a couple. They had eight children together, one of these being a daughter. They also adopted a daughter, making nine total. Two have passed away, one has been taken to Kalaupapa and five are currently living with their mother6.
He and his ancestors were natives of these Koolau7 cliffs. He was a welcoming man with an open heart who cared for his family. He was greatly appreciated for his work. He was the agricultural supervisor for these valleys. He served in this position from 1876, when Bila Auwana was superintendent, until Li Siu and Co. of Honolulu took over. A little over three months ago, he was asked to return to Wailau to farm, which he agreed to. This was his work when he passed away. He was an elder for the Wailau and Pelekunu churches.
On Sunday, the 7th, the Rev. G. W. Kolopapela performed the funeral service. The topic was Job 7:9-10. J. Napapa has passed away, vanished, departed on the road of no return. His wife, children, family and friends are in mourning, as am I, his brother-in-law.
J. WAILIULA.
Wailau, Molokai, July 10, 1895.
Note: The estate of Joseph Napapa still owns an interest in six parcels in Wailau Valley, being the tax map key numbers below:
- Job 1:21.
- That is, suffering from leprosy.
- Wailau and Pelekunu.
- William Phileppus Ragsdale, also called Bila Auwana, was superintendent of the Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement from 1873-1877.
- A common poetic saying for death. See entry No. 420 in the book “ʻŌlelo Noʻeau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings“.
- This totals eight, as in the previous article. The circumstances of the ninth, possibly the foster daughter, are not mentioned.
- That is, windward.