Posted by Maka Sapolu {202.4.52.151} on June 06, 2004 at 04:23:57:
In Reply to: Re: Looking for the history on the Sapolu family posted by Chasid Mila Sapolu {168.105.115.85} on April 22, 2004 at 08:21:10:
Dear Chasid,
It is good to know that you are interested in the history of our family. Like yourself, I am interested in the history of the Sapolu family and I have collected some information regarding this. I am a descendant of Savave, the brother of your great-grandfather Niu later called Sapolu. The original Sapolu, the father of Niu, Savave and others, was posted as a Pastor[teacher] on Sept. 1870 to the island of Nukufetau in the Tuvalu group in the village called Savave where my grandfather Savave was borned in 1877. In 1874 Rev Turner visited Tuvalu. The following is a summary of his report of the LMS church work in Tuvalu. Population[1871 census] 230, church members 87, candidates for addimission 21, contribution to LMS 62.50 dollars, book sale for Bible Society 56.90, LMS 4.75dollars, teacher salary 51dollars[comprising of 8340 coconuts, 57 mats, 3.0dollar cash, 3 titi, 12kulo cotton, 1shirt, 2fowls and 19 fathoms of clothes. On this visit by Rev Turner in 1874, he had this to say about the work of the LMS in Nukufetau. " I was very pleased altogether with the way I found the work in this island and think that great credit is due to Sapolu." Sapolu and his wife Katalaina with their children returned to Samoa in August 1880. In 1883, Rev Marriotte had this to say about Sapolu and Katalaina work's in Tuvalu. " The last teacher Sapolu was most energetic and born a ruler and leader of men. The people obeyed him." The attidute of Sapolu and Katalaina to their work in Tuvalu is reflected in the naming of one of their daughters, Epensea or Ebenerzer which means," Thus far the Lord has helped us." See 1st Samuel chpt 7 verse 12.
Sapolu returned to Tuvalu[by himself I lelieve] in 1884 on the ship called Ariel, sent by King Malietoa Laupepa the Head of Samoa at the time; [according to the white missionaries]to annex Tuvalu as part of Samoa. According to records Sapolu actually hoisted the Samoan flag in Tuvalu. If you check out the website [hppt://home.prcn.org/-pauld/samoa1.htm you will see the picture of the Samoa flag on the 5 pence stamp. The white missionaries and the British Consulate in Samoa were very angry with Sapolu because of this mission. Harsh words were exchanged between Rev Philip and Sapolu before Sapolu left on this trip. One or two other historians have made unfavourable comments regarding this trip by Sapolu. One has to view the displessure of the LMS British Missionaries with Sapolu against the interest of British in Tuvalu, the influence of the LMS itself in the political affairs of Samoa and well as the acknowleged traditional links between Samoa and Tuvalu. That is all I have for the time being. I wish you the best for your search. Say hello to your father and uncle Tapu. They used to stay with us at Moto'otua when they came to the Hospital. Your great-grandfather Niu[Sapolu] was the last of the Sapolu and Katalaina chidrens to pass away; I think in 1955 or 1956. Could you tell me the exact date and year he died. I belived he is buried at Toamua village. I had the opportunity to meet him when he was in the hospital before he passed away. I have a photo of him.
My postal address is;
Maka S Sapolu,
Samoa Red Cross,
P.O. Box 1616,
Apia,
Samoa.
Kind regards,
Maka Sapolu.