Royal Navy men in Hawaii

[Yvonne Silva]

In searching records for my ggggrandfather Joseph Silva and his wife Emalia Watson, I discovered that her father, John D. Watson, was a member of the Royal Navy.  He became a naturalized citizen of Hawaii in 1848 in order to marry his wife who was Hawaiian Royalty.  I know the British actually claimed Hawaii in 1843.  Was there a British military presence there?  I am trying to trace John Watson back to his last known residence of Milford Haven, Wales.  If I could find some British Naval records in Hawaii for that time I think it would be helpful.  Thanks. Yvonne Silva

[Barbara McLean]

Hello Yvonne -

Have we spoken before on Silva connection? My g-g-grandmother was Anna deSilva from Faial who immigrated to Hawaii in 1879. She came from a large family that settled near Waiohinu on the Big Island. Any connections?

Barbara McLean

Murrieta, CA