The Daughters
In regards to Lorenzo’s children, the available data is almost exclusively associated with the four sons, as previously discussed. Family history mentions the existence of two daughters, who apparently died at a very young age. In Lorenzo’s letters he states he has four sons, with no mention of any daughters. In 1858 he says “Here, I have living now 4 children, all boys”. Is this a possible acknowledgement of additional deceased children? Other peripheral information fosters this question. The birth record for Lorenzo’s wife is: married January 1839; GW born December 1839; John born March 1841; William born February 1844; James born July 1849. The first three births follow the typical pattern of a birth about one year after the marriage followed by several births about every two years. This would seem to allow for a possible birth between William and James, ca 1847. Also, at the time of James’ birth, Lorenzo had been married only about 10 years so a subsequent birth is reasonable.
Societal conditions also contributed to the lack of tangible information. At that time there was no formal recording of childbirth. A birth was strictly a family event usually handled by someone acting as a midwife, especially in rural areas. Infant mortality was high and expected as a tragic but unavoidable event. Also, in general, the birth of a female was somehow less of a notable event than that of a male. This is especially true when there was an early death.
Some years ago, many months were spent researching data from Mormon microfilms of Hawaiian records. As a result, documented information was discovered regarding the two daughters. A well respected Hawaiian genealogist (Henry K Lindsey) collected a large mass of data that was microfilmed by the Mormon Church, it amounted to four films. In film #1308916, Mr Lindsey recorded information provided by Robert Naea Stevens Jr, Reverend Akiona and Violet “Lei” (Lincoln) Collins, family members, as well as an unnamed source. The data confirmed the existence of two daughters and provided names - Kuaawalu and Nahaleloulu. In addition, current family members have indicated that their records contain data regarding the existence of two daughters.
Updated 02/24/22