Thomas Wezoo

Thomas Wezoo was born 17 Dec 1840 in Michigan (date from his death record), son of Louis/Sidone Wezo/Motay.

From Wesaw family

He enlisted during the civil under the spelling Wesaw.

Wesaw, Thomas. Enlisted in company K, First Sharpshooters, Sep 1864 at Van Buren, for 1 year, age 22. Mustered Sept. 24, 1864. Discharged.

The 1870 Federal Census of Wayland, Allegan county, Michigan, shows Thomas Wezo, age 25, laborer; wife Sophia is age 20, daughter Addie is age 2.

Thomas married Rose (Rosa) Johnson, date unknown. She is also called Josette and Lucy, having one name on a child's birth, another on the same child's marriage and another on the same child's death. The exact number of children is also unknown, with some children having birth certificates but no deaths, some having death certificates with no birth recorded.

The family is still living in Wayland, Allegan county in the 1880 Federal Census. Thomas Weaso is 38, wife Rose is 26, daughters Adda is 12, Eunice is 7, Mary is 3, Martha is 10 months and son Dewit is 5.

A daughter Mary was born 12 Sep 1883 in Allegan county. Her parents are Thomas and Josette.

On 30 Sep 1884 Thomas Wezoo filed for a pension based on his civil war injury.

In 1890 Thomas Wezoo is living in Athens, Calhoun county.  States he served from September 1864 to September 1865 and that he suffers from a gunshot wound on the left side.

1891 sees two of Thomas' children dying. Charly died 18 Jul 1891 at age 1, while married older sister Eunice died six weeks earlier, on 4 Jun 1891 at age 16.

A daughter Lottie was born 4 May 1885 to Thomas and Jasett.

The Marshall Daily Chronicle of 18 Jun 1888 tells that Thomas Wezoo with be making his home at Indian Town this summer.

Daughter Mina died 4 Mar 1895 at age 6. Her parents are listed as Thos. and Roselle.

City directory of 1897 for Athens, Calhoun county shows Thomas having a value of $500.

Daughter Lucy is born in 1897, exact date was not given. Her parents were listed as Thomas and Rosa.

Also in 1897, on 27 Nov, daughter Agnes, age 16, is married to Stephen Pamp.

The 1900 census of Athens Township, Calhoun, Michigan has: Thomas Wego, 58, married 26 years, owns free farm, can read, write and speak English; Rose, wife, 45, 6 children born, 3 children living, can speak English; daughters -  Mary, b. Apr 1878; Elizabeth, b. Oct 1891; Lucy, b. Feb 1898.

The Marshall News of 2 Nov 1900 tells of a group of men, including Thomas Wezoo, going to Coldwater on land business.

On 2 Jun 1904 in Athens, Calhoun County daughter Mary was married to Henry Bozielle. Record gives Mary's parents of Thomas and Lucy.

Thomas and family appear on the 1904 roll of Potawatomies referred to as the Taggart roll.
#17, Thomas Wezoo, 65,
#18, Rosa, wife of #17, 60
#19, Elizabeth, daughter of #17, minor
#20, Lucy, daughter of #17, minor
#21, Mary Bazil, daughter of #17, 30.
All reside in Athens and receive #287.98. Willet M. Albertson is financial guardian for the minor girls.


Marshall News, 18 May 1905 tells of Thomas being hurt on his horse.

A second pension card shows Thomas receiving a pension for injury.

From the Marshall Daily Chronicle of 20 Jul 1907 it is learned that daughter Mary is ill and then passed.

Mary death was recorded as 15 Jul 1907. Her death lists her parents as Thomas and Rosa.

Thomas and family were picking berries in Vicksburg according to the Marshall Expounder of 7 Aug 1908.

In the same issue talks for the upcoming fair and the Natives who will be camping there.

Thomas was photographed several times and the photos were published as postcards. The two below were taken by J.A. Little, with a copyright date of 1909, but most likely taken September 15-18 of 1908 as mentioned in the newspaper above.

The first postcard says that Thomas is sitting, second from the left.

In the second postcard photo Thomas is standing, second from the right.

Marshall News 12 Nov 1909 tells that Thomas trapped and sold a big mink.

1910 Federal Census of Indian Town, Athens township, Calhoun county says Thomas is 67, been married once, for 36 years, and works as a day laborer. Wife Elizabeth Rose is 53, married once, for 36 years, 6 children born, 2 children living; daughters Elizabeth, 18 and Lucy, 12. The entire family can speak English and is full Potawatomi.

The Marshall Evening Statesman of 13 Mar 1912 tells that Lucy is no longer a minor.

The following postcard photos were taken before 1915 (based on postmark on one of the cards), photographer unknown.

The book The People Of The Tree Fires, page 59 identifies the people as follows:

Back Row from left: Unknown Church Pastor, Steven Pamp, George Pamp, Phineas Pamp, Thomas Weezo, Frank Pamp, Austin Mandoka, Sam Mandoka, Frank Bailey.

Front Row from left: Lucy Weezo, Lucy Bailey, Emma Bailey, Mary Pamp, Sara Meline and Mrs. Thomas Bailey.

Its caption reads " A Gathering At The Indian Church In Athens In The Early 1900's.

While not identified, the same people (wearing the same clothing) are featured on the second postcard.

Death certificate shows Thomas Wezoo died 17 Dec 1918 of old age. He is widowed, age given as 78 years, 7 months, 5 days, occupation given as old soldier

From the Battle Creek Enquirer 22 Dec 1918 page 16

Thomas is buried in the Indian Cemetery, Athens township, Calhoun county.

Wife Rosa died 26 Jan 1918 in Athens, Calhoun county. Her birth date is given as 15 Mar 1858.

Daughter Lucy married George Whitepigeon on 15 Feb 1919 in Montery township, Allegan county.

Lucy died on 30 May 1933 in Salem, Allegan county.

Agnes Wezoo Pamp married John Paul on 16 Oct 1934. Her parents are Thomas and Rossetta.

Agnes died on 19 Sep 1936 in Montpilier, Williams county, Ohio. She is buried in the Indian Cemetery at Athens, Calhoun county.

Thomas left grandchildren and their descendants to remember and honor his life and service.

Copyright (C) 2017 Vicki Wilson