Statewide County HI Archives Biographies.....Hind, Robert Robson November 7, 1832 - November 26, 1901
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
J. Orr orr@hawaii.com September 9, 2009, 2:40 pm

Source: The Story of Hawaii and Its Builders. Published by Honolulu Star Bulletin, Ltd., Territory of Hawaii, 1925
Author: Edited by George F. Nellist

ROBERT ROBSON HIND, Pioneer Planter and Rancher. Associated with the early 
development of the Alexander & Baldwin properties on the Island of Maui, and a 
pioneer in cane and coffee culture and sugar milling in the Kohala and Kona 
districts of Hawaii, the late Robert Robson Hind was an important figure in 
the dawning years of Hawaii’s modern industrial era and his influence as a 
builder is still felt in the thriving enterprises which he founded, although 
three score years have passed since he first came to the islands.
  Born in Newcastle, County of Durham, England, Nov. 7, 1832, Mr. Hind was 
educated there. After his marriage to Mary Urwin and the birth of their first 
son, John, he removed to Vancouver, B.C., where he was engaged as an engineer 
and mechanic. After a stay of about a year in British Columbia, Mr. Hind 
ventured to the “Sandwich Islands” in the early 60’s, with the intention of 
avoiding a cold winter in the north rather than of becoming permanently 
established in the islands.
  Hawaii, however, had need of his services. Cane culture was rapidly 
developing and sugar mills were required. Shortly after his arrival, Mr. Hind 
undertook the installation of machinery in a mill on the former Afong 
properties at Kaupakauia, near Hilo, Hawaii. Upon completion of this contract, 
realizing the opportunity Hawaii offered him, Mr. Hind decided to remain and 
was joined by his family.
  Removing to the Island of Maui in 1869, a partnership was formed in which 
Mr. Hind and William Wright became established in the machine shop business, 
engaging also in carpenter and blacksmith work. Mr. Wright later removed to 
Honolulu, leaving Mr. Hind in full control. The business grew, and joining 
forces three years later with the late S. T. Alexander and H. P. Baldwin as 
planters, Mr. Hind erected and operated a sugar factory, but disposed of his 
interests on Maui in 1873-74.
  It was at this time that he undertook the development of natural 
agricultural resources of Kohala, Hawaii. He continued his interest in the 
sugar industry, building and operating the Union Mill at Puepuehu, and also 
engaging in cane culture.
  The milling venture meeting with misfortune when the plant was a second time 
destroyed by fire, Mr. Hind disposed of his interest in the project in order 
to devote all of his resources to the development of a new enterprise and 
removed to Hawi, Kohala, where he occupied himself with the establishment of 
the present Hawi Mill and Plantation Co.
  Retiring from active business life in 1884, Mr. Hind removed to San 
Francisco, leaving his properties in Hawaii under the management of his eldest 
son, John Hind. When his health failed in 1900, Mr. Hind returned to Hawaii. 
He died Nov. 26, 1901, in Kona, Hawaii. Mr. Hind was survived by his widow, 
Mary Urwin Hind (deceased) and six children, John, Robert, George U., James 
M., Mrs. E. M. Sherwood and Mrs. A. D. McBryde (deceased).


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