Leon Otashquabona

Leon Otashquabono was said to be born 6 Jan 1842 in Canada, the son of Matihagina and Ching buqua.

[Photo from the files of the Burton Library, Detroit, Michigan. Date taken unknown. Note his Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) hat and medal. He belonged to post 119,  the Baxter post of Charlevoix The post organized in 1883, was named for General Henry Baxter of the 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry and was disbanded in 1910.]

Leon O-tash-qua-bon-o, Little Traverse. Enlisted in company K, First Sharpshooters, Aug. 22, 1863, at Northport, for 3 years, age 23. Mustered Oct. 21, 1863. Promoted Corporal July 3, 1865. Mustered out at Delaney House, D.C., Jul 28, 1865. Died April 3, 1902, at Harbor Springs, Mich.

Leon was mustered in on 21 Oct 1863 at Camp Douglas in Chicago where Company K spent seven months guarding confederate prisioners. 

[Service records will be added here once obtained.]

Leon mustered out on 28 Jul 1865 at Delaney House in Washington, D.C. He then returned to Michigan on the steamer Morning Star.

On 7 Sep 1865 in Emmet county, Leo Odashkwabano, age 22, marred Mary Ann Giwaise, age 20. Both listed Little Traverse as home. The ceremony was performed by Seraphim Zorn, Catholic priest. Witnesses were Daniel and Philomene Nisawakwad, also of Little Traverse.

1865 Annuity roll - under Chief Paul Shaw way nay se

#65 Leon Tush quay aw baw no, 1 man, 1 woman, no children, received $8.00

A son was born about 1866.

1866 Annuity roll - under Chief Paul Shaw way nay se

#51 Leon Tush quay aw baw no, 1 man, 1 woman, 1 child, received $11.22

1867 Annuity roll - under Chief Paul Shaw way nay se

#50 Leon Tush quay aw baw no, 1 man, 1 woman, 1 child, received $10.71

1868 Annuity roll - under Chief Paul Shaw way nay se

#43 Leon Tush quay aw baw no, 1 man, 1 woman, 1 child, received $47.55

Mary Ann died 31 Jan 1869 at the age of 23 in Little Traverse. She was married, daughter of Louis and Lucy Kiwese. Cause of death was influmation of lungs from cold.

1870 Annuity Roll - under Chief Daniel Ne-saw-waw-quot

#42 Leon Tush quay aw baw no, 1 man, no women, 1 child, received $30.00

The 1870 Federal Census found Leon and his son living with Mary Ann's parents in Little Traverse, Emmet, Michigan.

Kewasa, Louis, 53, farmer, owns real estate valued at $440, personal estate valued at $160

    Lucy, 45, keeps house

    Margaret, 11, at home

Otashquabano, 4, male

    Leo, 26, farmer laborer, owns real estate valued at $100

Kewasa, Joseph, 27?, farm laborer

1870 Federal Census - agricultural schedule

line 29, Kewaesa, Louis

10 acres improved, 110 acres wooded; $440 value of farm; $25 value of implements

2 horse, 1 milch cow, $150 value of livestock

20 bushels of wheat, 40 bushels of corn, 50 bushels of oats.

On 7 May 1871 Leon was married to Mary Ann Kabaashqua Wemickwase in Charlevoix. He is 28, occupation farmer. She is 27. Ceremony was performed by Father Zorn and witnessed by Basil and Mary Migsawbe.

Homestead certificate #3097 dated 9 Sep 1878 gives Leon the NE 1/4 of section 15, township 34, range 7 (Hayes township, Charlevoix county).

Charlevoix county tax records - Hayes township

1878 - Otaskawbano, Leon, NE 1/4 section 15, township 34, range 7, 160 acres, no value given for land. Value of personal $4.00, total value $4.00 School district 1, state tax 44 cents, county tax, $2.80, township tax $3.20, school tax $10, total $16.44, paid 12 02

Abstract of title - Charlevoix county, Hayes township - section 15, township 34 range 7

Line 2 - United States to Leon Otish-quay-yaw-bam, patent, 9 Sep 1879, homestead, liber 4 page 465, all of the NE 1/4 of section 15, township 34, range 7.

Line 3 - Leon Otish quay yaw bam & wife to George & John Saunby, warrenty deed, for $300. 12 Nov 1878, liber 3 page 494, E 1/2 of the NE 1/4

Daughter Maggie was born on 26 Dec 1878 in Hayes. Her last name was given as Leon.

Line 10 - Leon Otish qua baw no & wife to Ellen J. Eaton, warrenty deed, for $500, 26 Nov 1880, liber 6 page 346, W 1/2 of the NE 1/4 - also on line 29, liber 18, page 257.

Charlevoix county tax records - Hayes township

1879 - Ote squabano, Leon, W1/2 of NE 1/4 section 15, township 34, range 7, 80 acres valued at $190. . School district 1, state tax 38 cents, county tax, $1.52, township tax $1.52, school tax $4.94 total  $9.36.

Value of personal $30, state tax 6 cents, county tax 24 cents, township tax 24 cents, school tax 78 cents, dog $1. total $2.32. Taxes paid Feb 28 except dog.

Index of Mortgages - Charlevoix county

Feb 1880 Otashquabana, Leon & wife, mortagors to Lydia & Rachel S. Smith, mortgagees, liber 4, page 127, W 1/2 of NE 1/4 section 15, township 34, range 7. Discharged

1880 Federal Census - Hayes, Charlevoix, Michigan

Otoshkonobono, Leon, 36, farming

Mary A., 36, wife, keeping house

Philomen, 10, son

Rosa, 7, daughter

Stephen, 5, son

Mary M.,1, daughter 

1880 Federal Census - Agriculture schedule - Hayes, Charlevoix, Michigan, 5 Jun 1800

line 9, Otshbonobono Leon, tilled 3 acres, wood land 37 acres

value of farm $200, [as written], value of equipment $25, value of live stock $160

cost of building/repairing in 1879 $10

estimated value of production $80

grass land - 1 acre mown

poultry - barn yard 8, other 4, eggs in 1879 - 30 dozen

corn - 1 acre, 25 bushels

wheat - 1 acre, 20 bushels

maple - sugar 300 lbs., molassas 15 gallons

potatoes - 2 acres, 80 bushels

value of forest products sold $50

Charlevoix county tax records - Hayes township

1880 - Otesquabano, Leon W 1/2 of NE 1/4 section 15, township 34 range 7, 80 acres, valued at $450. School district 1, state tax 18 cents, county tax $1.80, township tax $1.35, school tax $3.15, total $6.48.

Personal valued $75, state tax 3 cents, county tax 30 cents, township tax 22 cents, school tax 53 cents, total $1.08. Taxes paid Feb 26/81

Index of Mortgages - Charlevoix county

Nov 1880 Otashquanbane, Leon & wife from Lydia & RAchel S. Smith, liber 4 page 127, discharge of mortgage.

Sep 1882, Otashquabono, Leon & wife to Luna H. Green, liber 4, page 593, lot 1 block, village of Ironton

Aug 1883 Otash qua bono, Leon & wife from Luna A. Green, liber 4 page 593, discharge of mortgage.

On 27 Apr 1882 L. Otashquabono purchased from Thomas C. Bird & wife, Lot 1 Block 4 in the village of Ironton, for $18. Recorded in Charlevoix county land records book 8 page 609

On 9 Nov 1885 Leon applied for a pension.

[Pension records to be added here when received.]

The following newspaper articles show some of the hardship and sorrow endured by Leon and his family.

4 Feb 1886 Charlevoix Journal

The daughter of Leon Otashquabono (Indian) died Friday night. The ladies aided the family in arrangements for the funeral, the expense of which was borne by the G.A.R. Leon having been a sharpshooter during the war, and is a member of the post just established.

4 Apr 1887 Charlevoix Sentinel 

Much sympathy is felt here for Leon Otashquabuno (Indian) who last Friday buried his 16 year old daughter, as this is the fifth child he has lost in a short time with consumption.

4 May 1887 Charlevoix Sentinel 

The father of Leon Otashquabono’s wife, an ancient Indian being about a century in years died at Leon’s house last week and was buried on Sunday.

The 1890 Veterans Census finds Leon living in Eveline township, Charlevoix county.

In 1895 at Ste Croix, Wikwmikong, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, after the publication of banns, Francois Shigwadja, son of Louis Shigwadja and Catherine Lange married Sophie, daughter of Leon Otushkqayono of L'arbre Croche, Michinga and Marie Anna Wimigwans. [Record page 227 Drouin Collection for Ste. Croix, Wikwemikong]

The 1900 Federal Census for Eveline Township, Charlevoix county has Leon Otasquabono, born Jan 1842, age 58, married 27 years, born Canada, father born Canada, mother born Michigan, occupation wood chopper, came to US in 1850, naturalized citizen, owns house. Marion Otasquabono, wife, born Jan 1842, age 58, married 27 years, born Canada, father born Canada, mother born Michigan. Marion says she gave birth to 3 children, 1 living. Also in the household are Francis Shiwaga, son-in-law, born Feb 1872, age 28, married 3 years, occupation wood chopper, to US in 1896,born Canada, parents born Canada; Sophie Shiwaga, daughter, born Oct 1875, age 24, 1 child born, 1 child living, born in Michigan, parents born in Canada; and Rose Shiwags, granddaughter, b. Apr 1890, age 1/12, born Michigan, father born Canada, mother born Michigan. (If age is really one month Rose was born in 1900 not 1890.)

Leon died 3 Apr 1902 in Harbor Springs, Emmet county. His death certificate says he was born 6 Jan 1842 in Canada, the son of Matihagina and Ching buqua. Leon's wife is living and he was the parent of one child who is deceased.

Leon is buried at Holy Childhood of Jesus Cemetery in Harbor Springs. He has two monuments, a tombstone and a zinc angel.

From The Independent Democrat of 11 Apr 1902

On 5 May 1902 Leon's widow, Mary, applied for a pension. She received $8 per month until 19 Apr 1908, $12 per month until it was increased to $20 on 8 Sep 1916. Additionally increased to $25 per month on  6 Oct 1917 and $30 per month 1 May 1920.

The 1910 Federal Census has Marian Otashquabona living in Readmond Township in Emmet county. She is 69 years old, widowed, mother of 7 children, none living. Occupation is given as pensioner and she lives in a rented house.

In 1920 Mary Ann Otashquobona is still living in Readmond Township, but she has aged 21 years in the 10 year period, now giving her age as 90. Her occupation is now listed as none.

Mary died on  25 Feb 1924 in Cross Village, Emmet county, age given as about 90. Instead of cause of death the following is written, "Could get no facts concerning this woman. People she stayed with were not relatives and seem to known nothing of her." Burial is given only as Cross Village.

....

Copyright (C) 2017 Vicki Wilson

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