Robert William Wilcox

Robert William Wilcox
Delegate to theU.S. House of RepresentativesfromHawaii Territory's at-large congressional district
In office November 6, 1900 – March 3, 1903
Preceded by	District established
Succeeded by	Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole
Member of theKingdom of Hawaii House of Representatives for the island ofMaui
In office 1880–1881
Member of theKingdom of Hawaii House of Representatives for the island ofOahu
In office 1890–1893
Personal details
Born	(1855-02-15)February 15, 1855 Maui,Hawaiian Kingdom
Died	October 23, 1903(1903-10-23)(aged 48) Honolulu,Territory of Hawaii
Resting place	Honolulu Catholic Cemetery
Political party	Home Rule Liberal National Reform
Spouse(s)	Baroness Gina Sobrero(divorced) Princess Theresa Laʻanui
Children	5
Parent(s)	William Slocum Wilcox Kalua Makoleokalani
Alma mater	Military Academy of Modena
Occupation	Surveyor
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	Italy Hawaii
Branch/service	Royal Italian Army(Italy) Royalist Insurgency(Hawaii)
Rank	Sub-Lieutenant(Italy) Colonel(Hawaii)
Battles/wars	Wilcox Rebellion of 1889 Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom 1895 Counter-Revolution in Hawaii

Robert William Kalanihiapo Wilcox(February 15, 1855 – October 23, 1903),nicknamed theIron Duke of Hawaiʻi,was aNative Hawaiianwhose father was an American and whose mother was Hawaiian. A revolutionary soldier and politician, he led uprisings against both the government of theHawaiian KingdomunderKing Kalākauaand theRepublic of HawaiiunderSanford Dole,what are now known as theWilcox rebellions.He was later elected the first delegate to theUnited States Congressfor theTerritory of Hawaii.

Early life

Wilcox was born February 15, 1855, on the island ofMaui.His father, Captain William Slocum Wilcox (1814–1910) was a native ofNewport, Rhode Island.His mother was a native of Maui,named Kalua, who was the daughter of Makole and Haupa. Through Kalua's father, Makole, Wilcox was the great-great-great-grandson of the late-17th century Hawaiian kingKeaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku.Wilcox's grandmother, Haupa, was descended from Umi-a-Liloa of Maui (not to be confused with theking of Hawaii Island) and Lonomakaihonua.

He attended Haleakala Boarding School in the town ofMakawao.Upon completion of his studies, Wilcox became a teacher at a Maui country school. In 1880, Wilcox was elected to theroyal legislatureinHonoluluon the island ofOʻahu.He represented the citizens ofWailukuand its neighboring Maui towns.

Military career

In 1881,King David Kalākauaselected Wilcox and two other part-Hawaiian young men to study at theRoyal Military AcademyatTurinin theKingdom of Italyas a part of theEducation of Hawaiian Youths Abroadprogram.By the time he completed his training in 1885, he achieved the rank of sublieutenant ofartillery.Impressed with his military skills, Italian officials sent Wilcox to the Royal Application School for Engineer and Artillery Officers.

Planned rebellion of 1888

In 1888, the Reform Party (which later became theHawaii Republican Party) took power in theHawaiian Kingdom.Through what was called theBayonet Constitution,they removed most political authority from the monarch, and placed income and property requirements on voters limiting the electorate to only wealthy native Hawaiians, Americans, and Europeans. The Reform Party ended costly programs such as Wilcox's training in Italy. On August 29, 1887, Wilcox received his orders to return home. Returning to Hawaiʻi in October with his wifeGina Sobrero,a baroness closely related to Italy'sColonnafamily, he began a short-lived career as a surveyor. He had now lost confidence that Kalākaua was strong enough to protect the interests of the Hawaiian people. Wilcox along with Charles Wilson and Sam Nowlein, plannedacoup d'étatto replace Kalākaua with his sisterLiliʻuokalani,but the plot was never executed. On February 11, 1888, Wilcox left Hawaiʻi intending to return to Italy with his wife.

Rebellion of 1889

Main article:Wilcox rebellion of 1889

Instead of returning toItaly,Wilcox took up residence inSan Francisco, California,and worked as a surveyor while his wife Gina earned extra money teachingFrenchandItalian.When he decided to return to Hawaiʻi in the spring of 1889, Gina refused to go with him, and took their daughter back to Italy.

Wilcox planned and this time executed another attempt to force King Kalākaua to sign a new constitution to replace the1887 Documenton July 30, 1889. Kalākaua, apparently aware of the plot, avoided the palace, afraid that the rebellion would replace him with his sister Liliʻuokalani. Thus stymied, Wilcox was finally confronted by theHonolulu Riflesmilitia unit. After a pitched battle, Wilcox surrendered. In October 1889, he was tried for treason before judgeAlbert Francis Juddbut acquitted by the jury. Being one of the few leaders to stand up to the conservative royalist Reform Party earned him respect among the people. The American ministerJohn L. Stevens,who called Wilcox a "half breed", wrote: "The trial is tending plainly to show that the Hawaiians are numerously in sympathy with Wilcox."He helped form a new political party called the "National Reform Party" which advocated restoring power to the monarch. Wilcox was again elected to the royal legislature where he served from 1890 to 1893 representing the island ofOahu.However, the conservatives in the original Reform Party, backed by the economic resources of the"Big Five"industrial corporations remained in power.

In 1891, King Kalākaua died and his sisterLiliʻuokalanibecame ruling monarch, swearing to uphold the1887 Constitution.Wilcox was angered that Queen Liliʻuokalani did not choose him to be in her government, and he then formed his own National Liberal Party in November 1891. Although he did not explicitly advocate ending the Monarchy, the party advocated restoring power to the people even if it meant a republican form of government. After the elections of February 1892, when only 14,000 people were allowed to vote, letters and petitions demanded reforms to theConstitution of the Kingdom.On May 20, 1892, Wilcox and associates were arrested and charged with conspiring to set up a republic. A month later the charges were dropped and he was released.

Back in the Legislature, he backed a measure that would strip power from the cabinet, and by August 1892, the ministers had resigned. Wilcox founded a newspaper called"The Liberal"from September 1892 to April 1893. He edited the section in theHawaiian languagewhile anEnglish languagesection had several other editors. The paper attacked the extravagant lifestyle enjoyed by the Royal Family while the common people were suffering the effects of an economic slowdown.

On November 1, 1892, Queen Liliʻuokalani appointed a new cabinet, and two hours later the Legislature (including Wilcox) voted to remove them from office. On November 8, 1892, a new government acceptable to the Legislature was formed. Wilcox no longer directly attacked the Queen, but advocated modernization, and was quoted in the"San Francisco Examiner"that "...we should take some steps to secure commercial and political protection from some foreign country."

By the end of 1892,"The Liberal"expressed support for the Queen. On January 12 another vote of no confidence allowed the Queen to appoint another cabinet of monarchists. On January 14 Liliʻuokalani suspended the Legislature and told the cabinet to sign a new proposed constitution that would restore political power back to her. The cabinet advised against it, and delayed any action. On January 17, 1893, theCommittee of Safety,backed by the Honolulu Rifles militia unit took over the palace by force. During this time Wilcox, who was then a politician, was requested by Liliʻuokalani for his previous training inartilleryto be put in command of the field pieces of the Royal Guard as they prepared themselves to defend the Queen.Before any shots were fired, Queen Liliʻuokalani surrendered to avoid bloodshed.

Rebellion of 1895

Main article:1895 Wilcox rebellion

Following the overthrow,The Liberalresumed publication January 25, 1893. The English language editor Clarence Ashford supported theProvisional Government of Hawaii,and expressed the view that the Queen had brought about her own downfall. On January 28 the paper argued for becoming a state of the United States, but protested the lack of any native Hawaiians as leaders of the new government. Neither the monarchy nor the provisional government was a representative democracy. Editorials in February proposed becoming part of the state ofCalifornia,which would enable popular elections.

However, the "Big Five" who dominated the economy wanted to avoid statehood, since as a territory they would not be subject to the American labor laws. They depended on cheap labor for theirsugarcaneplantations in Hawaiifor example. By March 1893 American PresidentGrover Clevelanddecided against annexation anyway.The Liberalattacked the efforts ofPrincess Kaʻiulaniwhen she travelled to America to argue for supporting re-instating the monarchy. Wilcox applied for a position in the new government but was denied. The newspaper shut down on April 15, 1893. Rumors circulated that Wilcox was preparing to proclaim a liberal republic.

The leaders of the overthrow proclaimed their ownRepublic of Hawaiʻion July 4, 1894. By the end of the year, royalists were planning a counter-revolution to restore Liliʻuokalani. The key conspirators wereSam Nowlein,head of the Queen's guard,Charles T. Gulick,advisor to both Kalākaua and Liliʻuokalani, andWilliam H. Rickard,a sugar planter of British parentage. They needed a military leader, and approached Wilcox. At first he hesitated, but since he was frustrated with lack of progress on annexation as well as spurned by the republic, he agreed to lead the forces into battle.

Royalist and republican forces clashed at the base ofDiamond Headon January 6 and 7, 1895, and in Mōʻiliʻili on January 7.Mānoawas the scene of battle on January 9. Casualties were minor, and onlyC. L. Carter,a member of a prominent island family, was killed. The royalists were quickly routed and Wilcox spent several days in hiding before being captured. All royalist leaders had been arrested by January 16, when Liliʻuokalani was taken into custody atWashington Placeand imprisoned in ʻIolani Palace.Wilcox was arrested and tried for treason. This time he was convicted on February 23, 1895, and was sentenced to death with five other leaders. Some were freed due to giving testimony against the others, and his sentence was commuted to 35 years in prison. On January 1, 1898, he was pardoned bySanford B. Dole,President of the Republic, who had previously made pressured Liliʻuokalani toabdicatein exchange for his life and freedom, as well as for the lives of the others who had been sentenced to death.

Congress

On July 4, 1898, by passing theNewlands Resolution,the United States officially annexed Hawaii, and Republic President Dole appointed provisional Governor. TheHawaiian Organic Actof April 30, 1900, created the office of delegate toCongressfor the newly organizedTerritory of Hawaii.Wilcox organized an election campaign for the office. Helping transform previously anti-annexation native Hawaiian political clubs into the Hawaiian Independent Party (later called theHome Rule Party of Hawaii), he advocated for "Equal rights for the People." Opponents accused him of bigamy since his first marriage inItalyhad been annulled only by theRoman Catholic Church.TheRepublican Party of Hawaiinominated wealthy rancher and former cabinet ministerSamuel Parker,and theDemocratic Party of HawaiinominatedPrince David Kawānanakoa.Wilcox easily won the election to the57th United States Congress.He hoped that his seat in the national capital inWashington, D.C.could be used to advocate for native Hawaiians, a community that he feared would be neglected by theAmerican government.Asked to contribute a short autobiography for the Congressional Directory, instead of the usual bland list of credentials, he described himself as "an indefatigable and fearless leader for his countrymen." He called the current government of the Hawaii Territory "the Dole oligarchy."Later versions of his biography removed the editorial remarks.

However, on his arrival, he quickly found himself an outsider. English was his second language, and his populist rhetoric gave him few allies in Congress, which dealt with slow deal-making. His service was also clouded by charges that he did not support the US effort in thePhilippinesduring thePhilippine–American War.Wilcox served in Congress for one term, from November 6, 1900, to March 3, 1903.

Although he was also endorsed by the Democratic Party in the 1902 election, he was defeated byPrince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻoleof the Republican Party.

Family and personal life

Wilcox married two noble women. His first wife was an Italian baroness and his second wife a Hawaiian princess. Wilcox's first wife was Baronessa Gina Sobrero, eldest daughter of Baron Lorenzo Sobrero of Piedmont and Princess Vittoria Colonna di Stigliano of Naples.His daughter from his first marriage died shortly after his breakup with Baronessa Gina Sobrero. On August 20, 1896, Wilcox marriedTheresa Owana Kaʻohelelani Laʻanui(1860–1944), who was descended from a brother of KingKamehameha I. They had a son and a daughter, Robert Kalanikupuapaikalaninui Keōua Wilcox (1893–1934) and Virginia Kahoa Kaʻahumanu Kaihikapumahana (1895–1954). Another daughter Elizabeth Kaʻakaualaninui died young in 1898.

In 1900 Wilcox converted to Roman Catholicism and was baptized.

• 
  Theresa Laʻanui
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  Son Robert Kalanikupuaikalaninui Keōua Wilcox
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  Daughter Virginia Kahoa Kaʻahumanu Kaihikapumahana

Memorials

Wilcox's grave at theHonolulu Catholic Cemetery,2013

The same year he left Congress, Wilcox ran for high sheriff of Honolulu. Wilcox had been in declining health for sometime, while making a campaign speech he suffered a hemorrhage, and died a few days later on October 23, 1903. He was buried at theHonolulu Catholic Cemetery.In 1993, a bronze statue of Wilcox was unveiled at Fort Street Mall,21°18′32″N157°51′42″W.The inscription says "He was regarded by many of his countrymen as a national hero". The statue now stands prominently indowntown Honoluluat Wilcox Park, also named in his honor in 1989, at the centennial of the "Wilcox Rebellion".

Ancestry

Laʻanui, Wilcox, Salazar family tree

Key: Subjects with bold titles and blue bold box =Aliʻiline. Bold title and grey bolded box = Lower ranking Aliʻi line. Bold title and un-bolded box = European nobility. Regular name and box =makaʻāinanaor untitled foreign subject. Keōua Kahikikalaokalani Kekuʻiapoiwa II Kalokuokamaile Kaloiokalani Kaʻahumanu Kamehameha I Kalākua Kaheiheimālie Kaohele Nuhi Jean Baptiste Rives Holau II Makole (k) Haupa (w) Namahana Piia(w) Gideon Peleioholani Laanui 1797–1849 né Laʻanui Theresa Owana Kaheiheimalie Reeves Captain William Slocum Wilcox 1814–1910 Kalua 1836–1865 Gideon Kailipalaki Laanui 1840–1871 Elizabeth Kamaikaopa Elizabeth Kekaʻaniau Laʻanui Pratt 1834–1928 née Elizabeth Kekaʻaniau Gina Sobrero-Wilcox 1863-1912 (née Baroness Gina Sobrero) Robert William Kalanihiapo Wilcox (November 5, 1850 - October 30, 1919) Theresa Owana Kaʻohelelani Laʻanui Alexander Joy Cartwright III Elmer Miller Makalike Robert Kalanikupuapaikalaninui Keōua Wilcox Helen Kaleipuanani Simerson Wilburton John Kilioe Miller May 26, 1896 - April 20, 1969 Virginia Kahoa Kaʻahumanu Kaihikapumahana Wilcox Elizabeth Kaʻakaualaninui Wilcox Daisy Emmalani Napulahaokalani Cartwright Eva Kuwailanimamao Cartwright Henry Mario Salazar Helena Kalokuokamaile Wilcox Salazar-Machado April 13, 1917 – September 17, 1988 (née Wilcox) Henry Machado, Sr. Henry C. Keaweikekahialiiokamoku Salazar Paul C. Kalokuokamaile Salazar Michael Carl Kauhiokalani Salazar Stephen Craig Laanui Salazar Owana Kaohelelani Mahealani-Rose Salazar Notes:

See also

• List of Asian Americans and Pacific Islands Americans in the United States Congress

Further reading

• Andrade, Ernest (1996).Unconquerable Rebel: Robert W. Wilcox and Hawaiian Politics, 1880–1903.Niwot, CO: University Press of Colorado.ISBN978-0-87081-417-4.OCLC247224388.
• Nakanaela, Thomas K. (1890).Ka Buke Moolelo o Hon. Robert William Wilikoki(in Hawaiian). Honolulu: Lake Me Nakanaela, Na Luna Hoopuka.OCLC8141953.
• Nakanaela, Thomas K. (1999) [1890]. Nogelmeier, Puakea; Wenzel, Duane (eds.).Wilcox Moolelo o Robert William Wilcox(in Hawaiian) (Reprint ed.). Honolulu: Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Press.ISBN978-1-58178-004-8.OCLC43998457.

External links

• "Honorable Robert William Kalanihiapo Wilcox".Biography from Hawaiʻi Royal Family web site.Keali'i Publishing. 2006. Archived fromthe originalon 2010-01-13.Retrieved2010-01-04.
• "Robert Kalanihiapo Wilcox".Our Family History and Ancestry.Families of Old Hawaii.Retrieved2010-01-04.
• Kenneth R. Conklin (2006)."notes on Unconquerable Rebel on topics of importance regarding current Hawaiian sovereignty issues".Retrieved2010-01-04.