James Kekela

At an early age, he was educated in the Christian faith by American missionary Reverend John S. Emerson, stationed in Waialua.

[4] On January 14, 1864, Kekela rescued an American sailor Jonathan Whalon, of the New Bedford whaling vessel, the Congress, from a cannibal chief and his followers on Hiva Oa.

In gratitude for his service to an American citizen, President Abraham Lincoln awarded him a gold Cartier pocket watch.

J. Kekela For His Noble Conduct in Rescuing An American Citizen from Death on the Island of Hiva Oa January 14, 1864.

[8] He and his wife Naomi, who was educated at Wailuku Female Seminary, had many children; two sons and four daughters were reported at the time of his death.