The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1888-07-28
DEATH OF HON. S. G. WILDER.


The Honorable Samuel Gardner
Wilder passed quietly away at 7:l5
o'clock this morning. He had been
sick for little over month, but
not until few days ago was his
case considered hopeless.
The deceased was born in Leo
minister, Massachusetts, on the goth
of June, 1881. In 1914 the family
with thousands of others emigraled
to what was then the far West
Illinois. There they settled, but
Samuel at this early age developed
traits that in after life became con-
spicuous, and led him to fame and
prominence in business. The mon
otonous routine of life on farm
was repugnant to his progressive
nature. Consequently he started as
soon as he was able, which was in
1852, for California, across the great
western prairies.
Arriving in California the excite
ment and hustle of life in new
country was for time all that he
| desired; but of that he soon tired,
and in 1855 came to Honolulu on a
business venture. After staying q
short time he returned to Califor-
mia, and chartert d a ship to go to
the guano islands. He took the
first cargo of guano from Bakers
Island to New York. This trade he
! found congenial to his tastes Gas it
smacked of adventure)and remained
in it little over two years.
Subsequently, he came to the Is
lands and settled down to make
home for himself. He first went
into cane culture in Makawao, Maui,
and continued in it until his planta-
ton was destroyed by fire. He then,
in company with DR.. Judd (his
father-in-law), started sugar plan
tation at Kualoa, which he kept
running with varied success until
1871. He then for the first time
identified himself with the inter-
island trade, and was made agent of
the old steamer Kilauea. This
agency he handled with marked
ability, and instead of this vessel
being an expense to the Govern
ment, she was with all her misfor-
tune, paying her expenses and
leaving small margin for profits.
About this time he was called
upon to form new Ministry, which
he did, and was the Minister of In
terror and Premier for about two
years, when change came over the
Government and he was succeeded.
His incumbency in that office was
marked by extensive internal i'm
plovements, that were conceived
and executed in masterl y manner.
The Inauguration of the present
steam communication between the
islands, and the construction and
operation of the Marine Rrailway
were among some of the projects
that he engineered to successful
issue. He also built railroad
through the district of Kohala
against the advice of many who
thought such scheme only atsure
way of sinking fortune, and
against obstacles natural and other
wise that would have discouraged
a less energetic man.
While agent of the Kilauea and
manager of the lumber business of
Hon. Jas. l. Dowselt. he made over
lures to Mr.. Dowsett for the pur-
chase of the business, and in April,
1872, the transfer of the business
was made. This business he has
carried on ever since, and developed
it from small affair to its present
proportions. He has been closely
identified with the Government for
many years. He was appointed a
Noble during the reign of Lunalilo,
and held the position as well as
that of a Privy Councillor of
State until the adoption of the
new Constitution, that abolished
The appointed House. He then
went before the public as a
candidate for Noble for the district
of Kona, Oahu, and was returned by
large majority.
AT the extraordinary session of
the Legislature he was appointed
President, and at the regular ses-
sion was unanimously reelected to
fill the chair. He performed this
duty to the satisfaction of all, and
by his impartial and just decisions
endeared himself to every member
of the Assembly. None knew him
but to love and respect him, and the
large circle of employees, who have
felt his beneficent influence, testify
to his generous and kindly spirit.
No one ever connected with these
islands was more widely known,
or more largely esteemed for his
many sterling qualities than the
deceased.
he leaves wife and family and
a large circle of friends and &C
| nuaintannas m mourn hiS loSu