Hawaii’s Last Queen

During World War I, seven men from Story City, Iowa, were stationed in Hawaii as part of the U.S. military's Coast Artillery Corps. These men included Oscar Dale, Alfred Jacobson, Fred Jensen, Andrew Matson, Milton Olson, William Peterson, and Elmer Wendel. A special note of distinction goes to five of these men who were part of the C.A.C. Band and participated in the funeral parade for Queen Lili'uokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii. Queen Lili'uokalani, known for her resistance to the U.S. annexation of Hawaii, passed away in 1917, and her funeral was a significant event in Hawaiian history.

Honolulu Star-Bulletin memorial edition from 11/19/1917.

The 5 men who were part of the C.A.C. Band were Oscar Dale, Alfred Jacobson, Fred Jensen, Milton Olson, and Elmer Wendel. Elmer brought home the newspaper above which lists all of the many dignitaries, bands, and organizations that marched in the Queen's funeral parade.

Oscar Dale, Alfred Jacobson, Milton Olson, and Elmer Wendel.

Queen Lili'uokalani ruled from January 29, 1891, until the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom on January 17, 1893. The composer of "Aloha ʻOe" and numerous other works, she wrote her autobiography Hawaiʻi's Story by Hawaiʻi's Queen (1898) during her imprisonment following the overthrow.