Mentioned in the 1852 will of her mother's father, John Anthony Chuchu Gilman Neddles, which bequeathed Mary & her two brothers half his land on Adams Lane (Makai half) including the house and contents there, and a third of the proceeds from selling schooner SS Honolulu. Mother Mary had passed away six years earlier, in 1846.

Due to the value of this inherited property, the childrens' aunt, Louisa Chuchu Brickwood, applied to the Court in 1853 that a guardian be appointed to protect the interests of these Neddles grandchildren. Two sets of guardianships were created to handle properties bequeathed in the will, one for his five minor children, and another for his three minor grandchildren (Mary Piilani, John and James Duncan, children of Mary, deceased 1846). First estate administrator was Amos S. Cooke. He was also appointed guardian of the five minor children. Louisa Brickwood was appointed guardian of the three grandchildren. Next W. Clarke was appointed guardian of Joseph, John, James, Harriet & Antony, 12 March 1863. Some confusion, and W.C. Parke declined the guardianship. Marcus C. Monsarrat Esq. appointed guardian 20 April 1853. Brother Joseph appointed guardian of the others 4 June 1856.

Mary Piilani married 11 Nov 1854 age 15 to James C. Hadley in Honolulu.
Hadley took on guardianship of his brothers-in-law (the two grandchildren, John & James Duncan). When he petitioned for a land swap in 1858 ( a Mr. Austin represented the interests of John Duncan, whose one-third portion was withdrawn from proceeds).

Mrs. Mary Piilani Hadley married Thomas Edgar Cook in Honolulu 16 April 1863.
Mother of:
Ellen Adelia Kenway
Thomas Cook, II
Frank Beach Cook
James C. Cook
Henry E Cook
Joseph Cook
Lilly Thompson
Bernice Kaulukou
Maryann R Hadley
Contributor: B.H. Lambert (49159325) • [email protected])