Another decade of growth sees increased logging operations and the railroad coming into Antrim county, changing the Native's way of life.
1870 Federal Census
– Agriculture Schedule, Milton township, Antrim county taken 29th and 30th of June.
Tahistegege,
George 20 acres improved, 80 woodland; $1,500 value farm, $50 value
implements and machinery; 2 oxen, 2 cattle, $250 value livestock;
50 bushels oats harvested
Akin 17 acres
improved, 113 woodland; $1,500 value farm, $20 value implements and
machinery; 1 horse, 4 swine, $100 value livestock; 40 bushels corn
harvested
Kuadin 17 acres
improved, 123 woodland; $1,500 value farm; 2 oxen, $100 value
livestock; 20 bushels corn harvested
Noequagesia 3 acres
improved, 57 woodland; $700 value farm; 1 swine, $10 value livestock;
10 bushels corn harvested
Kamaniskam 6 acres
improved, 34 woodland; $600 value farm; 1 horse, $50 value livestock
Sebiqua 80 acres
woodland; $400 value farm
Tuangeo 40 acres
woodland; $200 value farm
Neekiwe 8 acres
improved, 82 woodland; $1,000 value farm; 1 horse, 2 swine, $120
value livestock; 10 bushels corn harvested
Fisher, Charles 17
acres improved, 63 woodland; $1,100 value farm; 2 oxen, 2 swine, $125
value livestock; 80 bushels corn harvested
Wabiskau 17 acres
improved, 3 woodland; $500 value farm; 3 swine, $25 value livestock;
40 bushels corn harvested
Nisegoshgeo 2 acres
improved, 38 woodland; $450 value farm
Wanawgessuek 40
acres woodland; $400 value farm; 30 bushels winter wheat harvested
Pecier 4 acres
improved, 6 woodland; $200 value farm; 10 bushels corn
Cotengert 4 acres
improved, 36 woodland; $500 value farm; 15 bushels corn
Pasnaouy 13 acres
improved, 67 woodland; $1,100 value farm; 15 bushels corn and
30 bushels oats
harvested
1870 Federal Census - Milton township, Antrim county, taken June 29th and 30th
Topaskeggo, Geo., 35, farmer, real estate valued at $1,500, personal estate $450
George, 14, at home
Akin, 34, farmer and hunter, real estate valued at $1,500, personal estate $250
Meshacotwa, 38, female, keeps house
Pugyminesuguter, 60, female, at home
Caugajeian, 14, male, at home
Wansabin, 9, male, at home
Kaudin, 90, farmer and hunter
Margrett, 40, keeps house
Madaline, 35, at home
Louis, 20, at home, real estate valued at $700
Nocqueisi, 35, farmer, real estate valued at $700, personal estate $110
Pamequa, 23, female, keeps house
Mangun, 4, female, at home
Susan, 10/12, at home, born in Aug
Noskau, 41, hunter & work by the day, real estate valued at $500
Wabanquett, 27, female, keeps house
Thomas, 1, at home
Mary, 8, at home
Noequagegog, 6, female, at home
Angus, 4, at home
Kamaniskom, 60, farmer, real estate valued at $600, personal estate $100
Nockenuqua, 45, female, keeps house
Sebequa, 70, female, keeps house, real estate valued at $400
Megequa, 23, female, at home
Petwayvdin, 2, male, at home
Quanger, 50, female, keeps house, real estate valued at $200
Benaysey, 25, male, works for his mother on farm
Meekinae, 37, male, farmer, real estate valued at $1,000, personal estate $150
Chebinbishboqua, 38, female, keeps house
Fisher, Charles, 80, farmer, real estate valued at $1,100, personal estate $250
Shawnoweceme, 5, male, at home
Pemamgoqua, 100, female, keeps house
Wabiskan, 60, farmer, real estate valued at $500, personal estate $100
Megenequa, 70, female, keeps house
Nesegoshegee, 50, farmer, real estate valued at $450
Mesonkee. 25. male, at home
Banbedine, 23, male, at home
Wanegesuck, 65, farmer, real estate valued at $400
Wasach, 50, female, keeps house
Sawinenay, 13, male, at home
Wabinasay, 8, male, at home
Pum, 30, farmer, real estate valued at $200
Sebalagoqua, 15, female, keeps house
Meme, 28, farm laborer
Angeline, 40, keeps house, real estate valued at $500
Nebaonoquet, 5, male, at home
Cetonaquett, 36, farmer, real estate valued at $500, personal estate $150
Tokey, 27, female, keeps house
Nootagesuck, 12, male, at home
Kenagjohn, 10, male, at home
Oblisgay, 8, male, at home
Wabegagkick, 6, male, at home
Anaggern, 2, male, at home
Pa ma say, 35, farmer, real estate valued at $1,100, personal estate $150
Waainden, 20, female, keeps house
Cheengwanoqut, 1, male, at home
William, 4, at home
Kawbayabin, 50, female, at home
Nopinequa, 40, female, at home, real estate valued at $300
Legustria Sawaynqua, 100, female, at home, real estate valued at $500
On 20 Aug 1870 Louis Fatsho and Madeline welcomed a daughter Ke-wa-ge-wah-no-qua
1870 annuity roll
Traverse band, page 46
Transcribed by Larry
Wykoff, 2017, from microfilms held at the National Archives,
Washington, D.C
# Name
men/women/children/total amount received
1 Tay baw se ke
zhick, Chief 1/0/1/2 $ 30.60
2 Waw bose
1/1/5/7 $107.10
3 O ge daw quot
1/1/5/7 $107.10
4 Waw be
skaw 1/1/1/3 $ 45.90
5 Aken
1/1/3/5 $ 76.50
6 O ge maw ke ge do
1/1/5/7 $107.10
7 Aw waw ne ke
zhick 1/1/2/4 $ 61.20
8 Francis Aw waw
naw quot 1/1/1/3 $ 45.90
9 Enos O ge maw ke
ge do 1/1/2/4 $ 61.20
10 Naw we go zhe go
1/0/0/1 $ 15.30
11 Baw pe tway, or
Peter White 1/0/1/2 $ 30.60
12 Naw sho ge shay
1/1/0/2 $ 30.60
13 Kin ne she way
1/0/0/1 $ 15.30
14 Ke me waw nish
cum 1/1/1/3 $ 45.90
15 Me ke noc
1/1/1/3 $ 45.90
16 Naw o quay ke
zhick 1/1/2/4 $ 61.20
17 O me me
1/1/1/3 $ 45.90
18 Charles Fisher
1/0/1/2 $ 30.60
19 Saw gaw che way
o say 1/1/2/4 $ 61.20
20 Key way din
1/1/0/2 $ 30.60
21 Pay paw me say
1/1/1/3 $ 45.90
22 Pe may naw go
quay 0/1/0/1 $ 15.30
23 Joseph
1/0/0/1 $ 15.30
24 O saw waw naw me
quay 0/1/0/1 $ 15.30
25 Margaret Key way
din 0/1/0/1 $ 15.30
26 Naw scaw
1/1/4/6 $ 91.80
27 O chick e saw
0/1/0/1 $ 15.30
28 No pe me quay
0/1/1/2 $ 30.60
29 Se bee quay
0/1/0/1 $ 15.30
30 May yaw waw che
won 0/1/0/1 $ 15.30
31 Pay me key
0/1/0/1 $ 15.30
32 Ne so kat
1/0/0/1 $ 15.30
33 Go bay aw baw no
quay 0/1/0/1 $ 15.30
34 Pe naw see
1/1/0/2 $ 30.60
35 Louis Ke shaw
taw 1/1/1/3 $ 45.90
Total: 26 Men; 28
Women; 41 Children; 95 total people $1,453.50
Catherine Kitoniquent, daughter of Susan and Kitoniquent, was born 20 Mar 1871.
Alfred Mark, son of Peter and Ann, was born 2 Aug 1871.
1871 saw a long, dry, summer. On 8 Oct fires started though out the states of Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. While the Chicago fire is the most well known, the fire in Peshtigo, Wisconsin (which spread to Menomonee, Michigan) was the most destructive. Closer to home fires raged in Port Huron, Holland and Manistee.
Patents for 80 acre
parcels were issued on 26 Jun 1872. The following men received land
in Milton township.
Ahn-waw-tin-no-quay
– section 1
Ash-quay-go-nay-be –
section 2
Charles
Ching-waw-naw-quam – section 12
He-way-ten –
section 13
Kay-me-waw-nish-skung
– section 12
Ke-ne-she-way –
section 13
Me-ke-noe- section
24
Me-shaw-quet-o-quay
- section 12
Me-she-make-ne-go-quay
– section 13
Nah-ah-quay-tin-o-quay
– section 11
Naw-aw-quay-ge-zhick
- section 13
Stephen
Nay-yay-do-shing – section 1
No-pe-me-quay –
section 11
O-che-gance –
section 12
O-ge-she-ah-bah-no-quay
– section 12
O-ge-tah-nah-o-ge-tah-quet
– section 13/14
O-saw-waw-non-quay –
section 13
Oge-maw-ge-ge-toe –
section 24
John Pay-pah-me-say-
section 11
Pay-shaw-bun-o-quay
– section 13
Pe-taw-waw-no-quet –
section 13
Antione Saw-gaw –
section 12
Shaw-bone-dung –
section 13
David Skah-bose –
section 12
George
Tah-bah-se-ke-zhick – section 12
Waw-be-shaw –
section 12
Waw-say-ge-zhick –
section 2
Those who received
patents on 15 Aug 1872 are:
John Aken –
section 2
John Kemiwauishkaug
– section 2
David Sha-be-ko-aw
- lot in section 35
On 10 Oct 1872 Jacob Knociqugesic was born to Martin Knociqugesic and Wah-bon-a-quah
15 Nov 1872, Solomon Miller was born to James Miller and Margaret
Feb 1873, Osaw-was-now-ne, female, died of old age.
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 26 Mar 1873
"We-Qua-Gah-Mog is name of the little Indian village at the north end of Elk Lake, better known as Indian Town. This is the headquarters of the Indians of this section who own most of the land there abouts, and have made considerable improvements thereon. They have a church with a fair membership, and are in the main quiet and inoffensive, and, for them, quite industrious. They have this winter cut and banked several hundred cords of furnace wood, besides many have worked for others engaged in the same business..."
Elijah Noska, son of Edward and Jane, was born 10 May 1873
12 Jun 1873 a daughter Eliza was born to David King and Mak-bath
Sep 1873, Wabouse, age 56, a fisherman, drowned in Elk Rapids.
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 15 Oct 1873
"Whiskey Again - On Monday afternoon one of our native American citizens known as 'P.M.' or Peter Mark Nah-way-ge-zic, partook of rather more 'refreshments' than was consistent with perfect temperance and sobriety, and becoming demonstrative, found himself suddenly in the hands of an officer on the way to jail. His arrest caused quite a furor among his dusky companions and some of the more villainous whites standing by, and the constable became aware that he had quite a job on hand. A brother of P.M.'s, Martin Nah-way-ge-zic, struck him over the head with a stave, and one of the late arrivals of Chicago "Swedes," of Irish descent, undertook to pull the officer off. The bystanders were called upon to assist, but their inclinations seemed to be to obstruct rather than promote the arrest. Mr. S.O. Whitford finally came up and the arrest was affected of both the Indians, and soon after, of the Irish intruder. These gentry were brought out next day and pleading guilty, were invited by Justice Davis, to contribute five dollars each to the library fund and "go their way to sin no more." This is the first time an officer has ever been interfered with in this place while endeavoring to perform his duty, and we hope the next case of the kind will meet with much severer punishment."
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 22 Oct 1873
"Liquor Suits - Last Saturday evening was quite a loud one for this town. Drunken Indians were howling in various directions, and making night hideous with their crazy yells. One was found by the store unable to walk and was marched off to jail and another lay in Mitchell's yard beastly drunk, but with sufficient animation to do some of the 'squarest' hooting it was ever our happiness to listen to. These Indians were examined Monday before Justice Davis and their testimony led to the arrest of Tom Mitchell and James Farley. Tom plead guilty and was fined $25 dollars and cost amounting to $5, and Farley plead not guilty and asked an adjournment, which was granted for one week."
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 7 Nov 1873
"Farley paid the fine in his case of $25 and costs."
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 9 Jan 1874
"We understand the School Inspectors of Milton are about to organize a school district in the northern part of the township, to comprise the Indian village, and mainly for its accommodation,"
On 24 May 1874, John Pabomer, 36, married Therssa Footsho, 33. Ceremoney was performed by Rev. N.M. Steele. Witnesses were James Miller and David Shonaboquam.
8 Jun1874, Mary, daughter of Martin Na-qua-ge-shig and Shi-geh was born
Twins - a son and a daughter, where born 15 Jun 1874 to Pe-wa-we-cum and Mary.
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 3 Jul 1874
The Indians of We-quay-ga-mog are receiving much praise for the excellent highway work they have recently done on the road between their village at the head of Elk Lake, and Joe Paradies' place. In fact the She-mo-ke-men of that Town are up beat. Good for the Indians. Let the Whites now emulate the example set them by their Red Brethren and give us a good road the whole length of the Township on the east side of Elk Lake."
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 3 Jul 1874
"Evidences of Reform - Bill Burke's Saloon turned into an Auction Clothing Store. The Wholesale Liquor Store, that was to have been, still unoccupied and waiting for the storm to blow over. Hussey's turned into a Harness Shop and Dwelling. Hi Robinson's bar emptied, house occupied as a private dwelling, and Hi retired to the rural life of a Granger. Dan McKinzie absent and not accounted for. Farley suspended for good behavior. Streets and public places quiet and orderly. Indians industriously improving their highways and farms. Everybody running his own machine except, Sam."
Joseph Was-a-gum, born 10 Aug 1874, son of Joseph and Lucy.
On 21 Aug 1874 Te-wa-we-cum, son of Te-wa-we-cum and Mary, died at the age of 2 months, 6 days.
12 Oct 1874, a son John was born to James Miller and Margaret.
Peter Tolsho, son of Lewis and Madeline, was born 4 May 1875
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 4 Jun 1875
"Pa-Boni-Sa, brother to the Indian Chief of We-Qua-Go-Mog, the Indian chief residing at Indian Town we believe, has been unable to walk for two years, on account of rheumatism. His legs from their protracted disease are so thin as to be scarcely larger than a mans arm."
John Pabamecy, died 3 Nov 1875 at age 30. He was son of Quan-a-ge-naby and Wa-bin-a-quay
David Mark, son of Peter Mark, a fisherman, and Shebahtegoqua was born 11 Nov 1875
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 1 Jan 1876
"The family of Kewadin, living at Indian Town, made over thirty pounds of maple sugar during the recent 'soft' weather. Sugar making in winter is quite a common thing in this region we are informed."
10 Jul 1876 Jacob Naw-aw-quay-ge-gisk, son of Martin and Obemaquay, was born
On 3 Sep 1876, John, son of James Miller and Margaret, died at the age of 1 year, 3 months, 21 days.
Peter Wahbasah, 28, born Milton, married Mary Bighorn, 30, born Canada on 11 Nov 1876.
Mary Ann Miller, daughter of James and Margaret, was born 8 Dec 1876. While Peter Ogecatoniquet, son of Gabral and Susan, was born 10 Dec 1876.
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 12 Jan 1877
"Peter Martin, an Indian, better known as 'P.M.', cut his leg not long ago and attempted to cure it by applications of kerosene oil, pounded cedar bark or leaves, and other Indian remedies. Instead of affecting the cure, however, they irritated the wound, which is now so bad that it is though amputation will be necessary."
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 19 Jan 1877
"Ben Fisher, an Indian, was caught by Charles Hurlbut last Saturday in the act of stealing a hat. He was intoxicated at the time, and was taken to the jail and locked up. Ben seems to be a bad Indian, and is evidently working for a second term in the House of Correction. The same day someone stole a 50 pound sack of flour belonging to Hi Robinson, and Lute Derusha lost a lot of pork and other goods lately in a similar way."
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 30 Mar 1877
"Fifty Indians have signed the pledge (Temperance) in this county."
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 20 Apr 1877
"Five members were added to the Indian Temperance club at We-qua-gah-mug Wednesday evening. One member who had broken the pledge was voted out of the club, but re-instated by a unanimous vote on expressing penitence. He confessed that Newton coaxed him into Pearl's hotel and gave him whisky. The club added an amendment to their constitution and by-laws fining every member who violates the pledge the sum of $5."
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 15 Jun 1877
"A sturgeon of immense size was speared in the Intermediate river today by Peter Wabesca, an Indian. It is the first sturgeon ever caught in these waters. It weighed 175 pounds, was six and a half feet long and measured 18 inches across the back of its head."
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 3 Aug 1877
"The big snake seen of Ke-wa-dins place, which killed four of his pigs and made a path trough his garden as big as a man's body, and did many other astonishing things, turns out to be a big humbug."
12 Aug 1877 as son was stillborn to Peter and Margaret Kewadin.
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 17 Aug 1877
"The Indians are holding a camp-meeting near Indian Town. It commenced last Wednesday afternoon."
30 Oct 1877, Benjamin Noska was born to Edward and Annie.
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 16 Nov 1877
"Ben Fisher was knocked down by three Indians last Sunday night, who took the boots off his feet and left him to wander home barefooted."
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 8 Feb 1878
"Old Kewadin, or Northwind, broke through the ice on Round Lake lately and came near drowning"
Ben Fisher, 25, died on an Elk Rapids roadside on 26 Mar 1878.
Ben's death was reported in The True Northerner of 12 Apr 1878
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 9 Aug 1878
"A few days ago a conceited fish hawk overrating his strength pounced down upon the head of Mrs. Fisher, an old Indian woman upwards of a 100 years old, with the intent to carry her off. She putting up her hand to frighten off the bird. He fastened one of his claws in her hand lacerating it fearfully, holding on to the hair of her head with the other. Her cries brought assistance and the bird was dispatched."
10 Aug 1878 Henry Tubstigesic, son of George and Sarah was born.
Additional land purchases - Peter Mark Nah-we-ke-zhick (9 Sep 1878) – section 1
12 Sep 1878 James Ketoniquet was born to Gaberal and Sarah
Additional land purchases - Jacob Allen (6 Nov 1878) – section 1
On 1 Dec 1878, Lilly Ann Miller, daughter of James Miller and Margaret, was born.
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 14 Feb 1879
"On last Monday word was received by Pros. Att'y Leavitt that an Indian had been found dead near the residence of Geo. Goodhew. The inquest revealed the fact that the Indians name was Pa-bah-me-sa, of Pine River, and that he came to his death by exposure to cold while intoxicated on cider..."
[George Goodhew lived in Elk Rapids Township, outside the village.]
On 16 May 1879, Louis, son of Louis Age-doh-nah-gu-gok and Mary, died at the age of 7 months, 4 days.
From the Traverse Bay Progress - 15 Aug 1879
"The Indians encamped on the beach north of the steamboat dock turn an honest dime several times per day by canoeing out after hats lost by ladies and children while fishing."
copyright (c) 2020 Vicki Wilson
