Kay-wis

The first record found naming Kay-wis is the 1855 land allotment. He received the N1/2 of the NE 1/4 of section 33, of T16N R16W - 80 acres. [This is in Mason county.]

"Shay quay naw was the chief of the band known as the Thornapple River Band. This band was located prior to the 1836 treaty, at the village known as 'Middle Village' in Barry County. The population in 1836 was 106. After 1836 this village was move to the north side of the Thornapple River near Thornapple Lake and lands were purchased there by members of the band. Shay quay naw remained chief of this band until 1859 when Aish quay o say became the chief, and he was still listed as chide in 1872. The population of the band in 1855 is 115. This probably represents the total of this band and the other Thornapple River band under Chief Maish ke aw she which were sometimes combined under one of the chiefs on the payment rolls. The actual population for this band was probably closer to 50."

"This band remained on the land they purchased until they removed to their 1855 reservation. Shay quay naw and about one half of his band took their allotments in Crystal Township and the
remainder, except one, took theirs in Elbridge Township." [Information from Larry Wykoff.]

The 1857 annuity roll has Kay wis listed as #12, 1 male, 1 female, 1 child, receiving $9.48, under chide Shay Quay Naw.

1858 annuity roll -  Kay wis - 1 male, 1 female, 2 children, receiving $16.84. Still under Grand River chief Shay quay naw.

1859 annuity roll - Kay-wis, #9, 1 male, 1 female, 2 children, receiving $5.48. Now under chief Aish quay o say.

The 1860 Federal Census, Indian Reservation, Oceana county, Michigan shows Ka-wis, age 35, with Ka Ka Qua, age 30 and daughters, An na to qua, age 5 and Mish Kosh sequa, age 2

1861 annuity roll - Grand River Ottawas received two payments this year under different treaties.
Kay wis, #8, 1 male, 1 female, 3 children, receiing $23.10, under Aish quay o say.
Kay wis, #8, 1 male, 1 female, 3 children, receiing $13.64, under Aish quay o say.

1864 annuity roll, Kay wis, #4, 1 male, 1 female, 3 children, receiving $17.10, under Aish quay o say.

1865 annuity roll, Kay wis, #4, 1 male, 1 female, 4 children, receiving $29.40, under Aish quay o say.

1868 annuity roll, Kay wis #2, 1 male, 1 female, 4 children, receiving $95.10, under Aish quay o say

1870 Annuity Roll line 3, page 56A Kay wis family as consisting of 1 man, 1 woman and 4 children, receiving $91.80. (Children Mary, Maggie and Joseph were born before 1870, if William is actually born in 1872 and/or counted with his mother, who is the other child?)

The 1907 Durant Roll Field Notes show Kay-wis (his name underlined to show deceased). His unnamed wife is listed as dead. Listed children are Mary, age 60, married Charles Genereaux; Maggie, deceased, married William Micko; Joe Kay-wis/Joe Smith, 41, married Sarah Fitch Anderson; and William Kay-wis Smith, 36, married to Mary Joe.

The Durant Roll Field Notes give Waw-saish-caw-no-quay as William's mother. She is deceased. Under husband is lightly written Kay-wis. (On the 1870 annuity roll she is #16 page 52, 0 men, 1 woman, 2 children, receiving $45.90. - Unanswered questions are who is the other child, if William is one of the two, or who are the two children if William is actually born in 1872 and not one of the counted children.)

"Sometime around 1850 a number of members from Caub mo say's Flat River band moved further up the Flat River into Montcalm County. They purchased lands in Douglass Township and formed a new band under Chief Shaw qawa baw no. In 1853 there were 84 members in this band which increased to 129 in 1855. He was listed as the chief of this band in 1865 and in 1866. Aish ke baw gosh was the new chief and was still isted as chief in 1872. This band took their allotments near Caub ma say's band in Elbridge, Crystal and Custer townships." [Information from Larry Wykoff.]

CHILDREN

Mary Kaywis married first to John David and had two children: Joe David (also called Joe John) was born Jan 1884 in Elbridge, Oceana county and died before 1910; and Nancy McDagnott. John David died 6 Mar 1906)

Mary next married George Peters and had daughter Martha Mary Peters born 1 May 1893 in Mason county, died 10 Jun 1913 in Mason county.

Mary lastly married Charles Generaux on 10 Nov 1906 in Freesoil, Mason county.

---

Maggie died before 1907, married William Micko/Elliott

---

Joseph was born Aug 1863. He was married on 14 Aug 1892 in Reed City to Sarah Fitch. Sarah was born 16 Dec 1879. They were the parents of eight children: Solomon (1893-1975); Willie (1895-?); Albert (1898-1983); Delia (1903-1916); Allie (1905-?); Harry (c1907-?); Antwine (1909-1912) and Stella (1912-1912). Sarah died 20 Dec 1912 in Brown, Manistee county.

Joseph married second to Ellen Generau on 21 Nov 1913 in Manistee. They had one child, Louis (1914-1980).

The picture below is of Joseph and his wife. Whether this is Sarah or Ellen is unknown.

---

William has his own blog post here.