Name/Title
Charles H (Henry) Merriam Registrar of ConveyancesDescription
Deed from Anastasia McDowall to Trustees Under The Will Of W. C. Lunalilo, Dec'd.
Anastasia Swift McDowall
Anastasia Swift McDowall (1825–1910) was a historical figure and writer whose life provides a primary perspective on late-19th- and early-20th-century Hawaii. Residing in the islands during the turbulent era of Hawaiian annexation to the United States, she voiced opposition to the shifting political and economic realities of the period.
The historical significance of Anastasia Swift McDowall revolves around a few key aspects of her history:
Life in the Islands: She lived in Hawaii during the time it was annexed by the United States, a major historical turning point for the territory and its native population.
The Wynne Correspondence: Historical records, including letters archived at the Theodore Roosevelt Center, show her directly petitioning prominent figures of the time, such as John J. Wynne, to bring light to the struggles of local residents.
Economic Advocacy: Following the U.S. annexation of Hawaii, she reported significant financial hardships for many island residents and argued that if President Theodore Roosevelt better understood the economic devastation impacting Hawaiians, he would enact policies to provide more assistance.
Charles H Merriam Registrar of Conveyances
Coming to Hawaii in 1900, Mr. Merriam became clerk and deputy of registar, in the Bureau of Conveyances, holding this post until 1905, when he was made registrar. Resigning in 1918, he has since been manager of the land department of C. Brewer & Co.,, Ltd. Mr. Merriam served as a member of the legislation commission, which in 1901 drafted the Torrens Title Act for land title registration for the Territory of Hawaii, adopted by the legislature in 1903. He was also a member of the Territorial Tax Commission during the term of the late Governor Pinkham.Create Date
May 20, 2025Update Date
June 9, 2026
