Levi Chamberlain

Levi Chamberlain (Hawaiian name, Mikamalena; 1792–1849) was an American Protestant missionary, teacher of penmanship, and examiner of the native schools in Hawaii, [1] as well as an expert accountant.

[3] Chamberlain joined the Park Street Church in 1818 and some time after this, a strong desire to engage in missionary work took possession of him.

After consulting with his friends over a proposed move, he sold his interest in the business to his partner in 1821 and entered Andover Theological Seminary.

Thereafter, and for some years, he was engaged in the treasury department of the ABCFM in Boston and it was thought that Chamberlain would ultimately become treasurer of this institution.

He found upon his arrival in Honolulu that the transportation of passengers and freight for these missions on the outlying islands was a matter of great difficulty and so informed his superiors on the American Board.

[3] During these years, Chamberlain lived in a grass house located near the present site of the Castle Memorial Kindergarten on King street.

[3] Chamberlain married Maria Patton (born Salisbury, Pennsylvania, March 3, 1803)[5] at Lahaina, Maui, September 1, 1828, officiated by the Rev.

[3] This house was considered altogether too costly and pretentious by many at the time it was built and a great deal of disapproval was voiced.

Frequently a ship master bound for the Arctic would leave his wife with the Chamberlains until his return in the autumn, confident of her comfort and safety meanwhile.

A Hawaiian sub-chief named Ukeke told him that a certain stretch of land through which they happened to be riding on the north end of Oahu had been given by Kaahumanu to Chamberlain while he was on one of his periodical tours of examining and inspecting the schools of which he was superintendent for the islands.

Chamberlain respectfully declined the proffered gift of land stating that his coming to Hawaii was for the purpose of teaching the people the true word of God and not for any personal gain.

His correspondence with his brethren of the mission, and his patrons at home, touched upon many vital interests, noted for its quantity, its matter, and the neatness and accuracy of its execution.

[6] Chamberlain's original journals are held by the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives in Honolulu.