Louis von Tempsky
Year Inducted: 2011
Ulupalakua Ranch | Maui
Haleakala | Maui
Louis von Tempsky, or “Von” was born in Glasgow, Scotland, February 14, 1859. He did most of his growing up in New Zealand where his father fought and died in the Maori Wars.
When he was 21 years old, Von came to Hawai`i with his brother Randal. Through his mother, who had been in Hawai`i earlier, he was introduced to the Hawaiian royalty and was soon accepted as a friend. Charles McKee hired him as manager of Ulupalakua Ranch where he worked during the years of King Kalakaua’s many visits.
He subsequently became a naturalized Hawaiian citizen, and member of the House of Nobles in 1890. In 1891, he married Amy Wodehouse, daughter of Major James Hay Wodehouse, British Ambassador to the Court of Hawai`i.
While manager of Ulupalakua Ranch he and his brother began accumulating several thousand acres of property in Kula, which became known as Erehwon Ranch. Louis lived there and managed the ranch from 1884 to 1897 when he sold his portion to Randal.
He briefly owned and operated Burchardt’s Dairy in Makawao, then was hired by Harry Baldwin to manage the beautiful Haleakala Ranch in 1899, and that is where he spent the rest of his career. He worked to improve the cattle, horses, cows, pigs and sheep, and also the land. He planted thousands of trees all over and especially around Makawao to improve the watershed. He also worked on the first aqueducts bringing water from the windward side to Makawao. He introduced grasses to improve the feed. He was involved in the Cattle Ranchers’ Association and local affairs. He also worked with the Baldwins and Angus McPhee in attempting to establish ranching on Kaho’olawe.
He is also known as “the Father of Polo” in the islands and the founder of the Maui Racing Association. Von won many silver “Maui Polo” cups on his mare, Jubilee. He was also one of the original organizers of the Maui County Fair and served on the Fair and Racing Association boards.
Von worked and rode with his Paniolo and gained their respect and love. He was a friend to all and his home was open to people of all races and walks of life. He loved horses, dogs, music and hula and the beauty of life in Hawai`i. His sense of adventure, fearlessness and lust for life were legendary.