The New York Times/1885/5/9/Obituary - Queen Emma

OBITUARY

QUEEN EMMA.

Advices from Honolulu state that Emma, Queen Dowager of the Sandwich Islands, died there on April 25. Her death was sudden. On the day preceding the sad event she complained of a slight headache, which continued to trouble her. About 1 o'clock the following day she had a slight convulsion, when Dr McKibben was hastily summoned. Immediately comprehending the dangerous symptoms he called in Dr. Trosseau. By the exertions of the physicians the Queen was brought out of the convulsions only to be attacked with another fit. She was again restored, but suffered a third attack which proved fatal. Less than an hour had elapsed from the time the physician was called when she breathed her last.

Queen Emma was the daughter of a high native chief by an English woman and the adopted daughter of an English physician at the islands, Dr. Rooke. She was born Jan. 2. 1836, and received an excellent education by American tutors. In 1856 she was married to King Kamehameha IV., who had succeeded to the throne two years previous, and who died in 1863. On the death of King Lunalilo, in February, 1873, his successor not having been proclaimed, Queen Emma and the present King Kalakaua proclaimed themselves candidates for the throne. The Legislature was called together in extra session to elect a Sovereign, and Kalakaua was successful, Queen Emma only receiving 6 votes out of 45. When the result was proclaimed, a mob of her partisans broke into the legislative chamber and furiously attacked the members. Aid was asked of the American and British war vessels at the port, which was granted, and the insurgents were dispersed. Kalakaua was proclaimed King, and the Queen Dowager retired to private life.