Rev. Stephen Langhern Desha

Rev Stephen 'Kiwini' Langhern Desha

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63837952/stephen-desha

Rev. Desha (1859-1934, uncle to noted composer and musical matriarch Helen Desha Beamer) created the simple and memorable Hawaiian lyrics to the carol "Silent Night."

DESHA, STEPHEN LANGHERN, Sr., clergyman, Hilo, Hawaii; born at Lahaina, Island of Maui, Hawaii, July 11, 1859, descendant of the noted Desha family of Kentucky; son of John Rollin Langhern and Eliza (Brewer) Desha; educated in the Hawaiian Schools, Royal School and North Pacific Institute. Honolulu; married Mary K. Keku- mano at Napoopoo, S. Kona, Hawaii, December 31, 1884; three children: Stephen L. Jr., John R. and Elizabeth Desha (Brown). Pastor of Napoopoo Church, 1884-89; pastor of Haili Church of Hilo, Hawaii, 1889. Was supervisor of the County of Hawaii when the County Government was inaugurated, 1905; elect- ed to the third Board of Supervisors, 1909. Editor and business manager Hawaiian newspaper "Ka Hoku o Hawaii," since 1907; delegate from Hawaii to the second International Congregational Council, Boston, Massachusetts, September 20-29, 1899; elected to the Senate, Territory of Hawaii, 1913-17. Is a Hawaiian orator and authority on Hawaiian legends; has always been a staunch Republican, having campaigned with Republican leaders. Member of the Kamehameha, Kauikeaouli and Hawaii Ponoi Lodges, Chiefs of Hawaii.

From "Men of Hawaii" transcribed by Janice Rice