Dominic Windigowish was said to be born in 1819. He was most likely born in the L'Arbre Croche area. Other spellings include Wendagowish, said to mean "Good for nothing giant". It is believed that his father's name was Neas, and it's possible that Mitchell and Elizabeth are his siblings. It is sometimes unclear whether it was Dominic or his father that was being talked about.
From Tales of Michigan by Constance M. Jerlecki In "The Life of a Pioneering Missionary" she shows Rev. George Smith coming to Michigan and how he became acquainted with the Natives in 1834. "...a delegation of Ottawa and Ojibwa Indians, under the leadership of Chiefs Shinekosche and Waukazoo, arrived Middle Village, in Emmet County, in search of a new missionary."
"By the spring of 1839, the population of the colony had grown to 300 persons. On April 13 of that year, George Smith and a group of Indians departed on a survey trip...resulted in the decision to settle on the shore of the Black River..."
Land Record - 10 Jun 1839, Peter Wakazoo to Mitchel Windagowish.
1839 Annuity Roll - L'Arbre Croche band under Ogemaw Ininee
#16 Windigo wish, one man, no woman, 2 children, received $26.52
Daughter Mary/Marie/Tibagijigokwe was said to be born in Apr 1840. [Age 17 when married in 1857].
On 10 Aug 1841, Neas Wendegowish received: 1) certificate 4000 for 65 16/100 acres in section 4, township 4 north, range 15 west, Allegan county; 2) certificate 4001 for NE1/4 of the SE1/4 in section 5, township 4 north, range 11 west; 3) certificate 4002 for the W1/2 of the SW1/4 of section 34, township 5 north, range 11 west.
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From Rev. George Smith's diary:
03 Feb 1841 - students included Dominic, Mitchell and Elizabeth Windigowish.
17 Mar 1841 - Dominic came fo me to go and see Petowekeshki
23 Apr 1841 - Dominic and Poaneshing came for tools to make a coffin. Petowekeshik died.
10 Jan 1842 - Mr Martin sold to the Indians the job of opening the road from here 3 1/2 miles west to the town line. Dominic took it at 20 dollars.
28 Feb 1842 - list of scholars who have attended this winter Mitchell Weendegowish, Elizabeth Weendegowish, Sophia.
The 1842 Census of Native Americans in Michigan - The Late Wings Band, Shaw won nig go na bee (Chief)
#12 Win de go wish, 1 male 10 to 40; 1 male under 10; 1 female 10 to 40; 1 female under 10. Total of 4 persons in family
From Rev. George Smith's diary:
24 Dec 1844 - Indians had a council at schoolhouse, formed a temperance [society]. Also petitioned the legislature that their lands be taxed and for the rights of citizenship.
31 Dec 1844 - Dominic took [one of the] petitions to Singapore.
13 Jun 1845 - Dominic went to Newark with three letters.
1845 Annuity Roll - Late Wings Band - Chief Show won nay gon a bee
#22 Wen do go wish, one man, one woman, two children, received $35.84
From Rev. George Smith's diary:
19 Aug 1846 - sent 5 pills to Wendagowish's mother.
1846 Annuity Roll - Late Wing's Band - Chief Shaw won nay gon nay bee
#22 Ween do go wish, one man, one woman, two children, received $33.66
1847 Real Estate Tax Assessment, Manilus township, Allegan, Michigan
Wendegowish NW1/4 of NW1/4 of section 4, township 4 north, range 15 west, 26.65 acres valued as $27
1847 Annuity Roll - Late Wings Band - Chief Sha won a gon a bee
#16 Win do go wish, one man, one woman, no children, received $8.14
With the influx of Dutch settlers in the Old Wing Mission area, Chief Peter Waukazoo felt it best to move his band, eventually picking Leelanau county as their new home.
From Rev. George Smith's diary:
07 Feb 1848 - Petition to the legislature to empower the widows here and others to sell their land, included Wendagowish.
22 Feb 1848 - All Indians moved to their sugar camps yesterday.
25 Feb 1848 - Went to Pendunwan's and Wendagowish's to see what should be done with the oxen; Wendagowish is to buy some corn tomorrow with a little common fund in his hads for oxen.
19 Mar 1848 - Only 2 Indians, Mitchell and Wendagowish, came to meeting.
18 May 1848 - talks of a trip north - Wendagowish and family and 1 boat.
20 May 1848 - Went to Grand Rapids. Wendagowish, Mitchell and company with me.
28 May 1848 - Rev. Smith does not want to travel on the Sabbath. He talked with Wendagoiwsh, who said when we were on a journey and it was fair wind, it was right to go.
12 Jun 1848 - company, including Wendagowish, stopped at Onomunese's village.
1848 Annuity Roll - Late Wings Band - Chief Sha won a gon a bee
#16 Win de go wish, one man, one woman, no children, received $20.00
From Rev. George Smith's diary:
12 Oct 1848 - Wendagowish visited Rev. Smith
25 Feb 1849 - Wendagowish visited Rev. Smith
5 Apr 1849, Dominic Wiendagowish of Allegan County, Michigan purchased the NE1/4 of the SW1/4 of section 28, township 32 north, range 11 west, Leelanau county.
On 24 Apr 1849, Dominic Weendigowish of the county of Allegan, sold to Albert S. Gort, for $20, four acres off the east end of the south half of the NE1/4 of section 4, township 4 north, range 15 west.
Daughter Madeline was said to be born c1848-1850.
From Rev. George Smith's diary:
25 Jul 1849 - the Catholics are doing all they can to break up our mission. Wendagowish and his company are deep in the plot. They have talked the pagan Indians into confusion; the priest is setting them on.
1849 Annuity Roll - Black River band - Chief Peter Waw kay zoo
#27 Win de go wish, one man, one woman, three children, received $46.10
1850 Annuity Roll - Black River Band - Chief Peter Waw kay zoo
#2 Win de go wish, one man, one woman, three children, received $44.75
1853 Annuity Roll - Black River Band - Chief Peter Waw kay zoo
#2 Win de go wisk, one man, one woman, three children, received $45.05
Son Michael was born 8 Dec 1854. He was baptized 13 mar 1855 at the Catholic Church in Eagletown, Leelanau, Michigan. His mother was given as Josepha Awagnes.
1855 Annuity Roll - Black River Band - Chief Peter Waw kay zoo
#4 Dominick Win dego wish, one man, one woman, four children, received $49.92
Tract book - 1855 land allotment
#38 Dominck Wee-day-go-wish, S1/2 of NW1/4 of section 17, township 31 north, range 11 west.
1856 Annuity Roll - Chief Peter Waw ka zoo
#231 Dominic Win de go wish, one man, one woman, four children, received $31.68
1857 Annuity Roll - Grand Traverse Band - Chief Peter Waw kay zoo
#3 Dominicke, one man, one woman, four children, received $30.36
Daughter Marie Tibagijigokwe, age 17, daughter of Dominic Windogowish and Josette Awagins, was married 11 Nov 1857 at the Catholic Church in Eagletown, Leelanau, Michigan to Peter Nockwechkam [Ance], son of John Baptist Ens and Theresia Midokwe.
Grandson Simon Ance, son of Peter Ance and Mary Windigowish, was born 8 Nov 1858
1858 Annuity Roll - Chief Peter Wawkay zoo
#5 Win de go wish, one man, one woman, three children, received $21.05
1859 Annuity Roll - Cheif Peter Wawkayzoo
#2 Win de go wish, one man, one woman, four children, received $29.82
Son Francisus was born 15 Sep 1859, and baptized 22 Sep 1859 at the Catholic Church in Eagletown. Parents given as Dominic Windigowish and Josette Awagins, residing at Cat head.
1860 Federal Census, Leelanau township, Leelanau, Michigan
Windego wish, 41, farmer, real estate valued at $175, person estate valued at $65, born in Michigan, cannot read or write
Losett Windego, 40, female, born in Michigan, cannot read or write
Mardonen, 11, female, born in Michigan, attended school
Joseph, 8, male, born in Michigan, attended school
Michan, 6, male, born in Michigan, attended school
Benoswa, 1, male
Grandson Peter Ance, son of Peter Ance and Mary Windigowish, was born 4 Jul 1861.
1861 Annuity Roll - Chief Waw say quo um
#41 Win de go wish, one man, one woman, three children, received $23.10
Granddaughter Mary Ann Ance, daughter of of Peter Ance and Mary Windigowish, was born 12 Jul 1862.
A second son named Franciscus was born 14 Feb 1863, baptized 24 May 1863 at the Catholic Church in Eagletown. Parents given as Dominic Windigowish and Josette Awagnis of Cat head.
Granddaughter Philomena Ance, daughter of Peter Ance and Mary Windigowish, was born 7 Nov 1865.
1865 Annuity Roll - Chief Waw say quo um
#16 Win de go wish, one man, one woman, three children, received $20.00
Granddaughter Sophia Chippewa, daughter of Joseph Chippewa and Madeline Windigowish, was said to be born 15 Mar 1866. [Age 6 on 1870 census.]
1866 Annuity Roll - Chief Waw say quo um
#10 Win de go wish, one man, one woman, three children, received $18.70
Granddaughter Susan Chippewa, daughter of Joseph Chippewa and Madeline Windigowish, was born 1867 [Age 3 on 1870 census.]
Grandson John Chippewa, son of Joseph Chippewa and Madeline Windigowish, was born 25 Sep 1867 [Not on 1870 census.]
1867 Annuity Roll - Chief Waw say quo um
#11 Win de go wish, one man, one woman, three children, received $17.85
1868 Annuity Roll - Chief Waw say quo um
#12 Win de go wish, one man, one woman, three children, received $79.25
Grandson Peter Chippewa, son of Joseph Chippewa and MadelineWindigowish, was born c1868 [Age 2 on 1870 census.]
Grandson Joseph Ance, son of Peter Ance and Mary Windigowish, was born 2 Mar 1869.
1870 Federal Census - Leelanau township, Leelanau, Michigan
Widigwish, Dominik, 46, farmer, real estate $500, personal estate $200
Wahgis, 46, female, keeping house
Francis, 7, male, at home
Sophia, 5, female, at home [This was probably granddaughter Sophia Chippewa, daughter of Madeline]
[Josette was living in 1863 when Francis was born, by 1870 Dominic's wife was Susan/Wahgis. No death record for Josette has been found.]
1870 Federal Census - farm schedule
#15 Dominik Widigwish, 20 acres improved, 20 acres woodland; 1 horse, 2 swing, value of livestock $125; 65 bushels Winter Wheat; 40 bushels Indian Corn; 40 bushels Oats
1870 Annuity Roll - Chief Waw say quo um
#12 Win de go wish, one man, one woman, two children, received $61.20
Granddaughter Elizabeth Chippewa, daughter of Joseph Chippewa and Madeline Windigowish, was born Dec 1870.
Grandson Michael Ance, son of Peter Ance and Mary Windigowish, was born 1 Mar 1872.
Granddaughter Angeline Chippewa, daughter of Joseph Chippewa and Madeline Windigowish, was born 20 Mar 1872.
10 Jun 1872 - Dominic received title to his 1855 allotment land.
Grandson Philip Chippewa, son of Joseph Chippewa and Madeline Windigowish, was born in 1873.
On 30 May 1873 Dominic was witness at the wedding of Charles Gawitagijig and Elizabeth Madagami.
1874 Property tax - Leelanau township, Leelanau, Michigan
Windogowish, Dominick -
1) S1/2 of NW1/4 of section 17, T31N, R11W, 80 acres, valued at $171.20; state tax - 21 cents, county - $1.28, township tax - $1.94, school tax - $2.83, total $6.21
2) Lot 26 in Louis Village, section 28, T32N, R11W, 7 acres valued at $21.40; state tax - 3 cents, county tax - 15 cents, township tax - 25 cents, school tax - 36 cents, total 79 cents
3) Lot No 1 in section 32, T32N, R11W, 36.70 acres valued at $74.90; state tas - 10 cents, county tax - 53 cents, township tax - 83 cents, school tax $1.24; total $2.70
4) Value of personal estate $30 - state tax - 4 cents, county tax - 21 cents, township tax - 35 cents, school tax 50 cents, total $1.10
Granddaughter Madeline Ance, daughter of Peter Ance and Mary Windigowish, was born 13 Mar 1875.
1875 Property tax - Leelanau township, Leelanau, Michigan
Windogowish, Dominick -
1) SW1/4 of NW1/4, section 17, T31N, R11W, 40 acres valued at $85; state tax - 6 cents, county tax - $1.02, township tax - 68 cents, school tax - $1.56, total $3.32
2) Lot 2 Loui Village, section 28, T32N R11W, 7 acres valued at $22; state tax - 2 cents, county tax - 27 cents, township tax - 18 cents, school tax - 41 cents, total 88 cents
3) Lot 1, section 32, T32N, R11W, 36.70 acres valued at $75; state tax - 6 cents, county tax - 90 cents, township tax - 60 cents, school tax - $1.38, total $2.94
4) Value of personal estate $30 - state tax - 3 cents, county tax - 36 cents, township tax - $24, school tax - 55 cents, total $1.18
1876 Property tax - Leelanau township, Leelanau, Michigan
Windogowish, Dominick -
1) SW1/4 of NW1/4, section 17, T31N, R11W, 40 acres valued at $80; state tax - 9 cents, county tax - 72 cents, township tax - 66 cents, school tax - $1.20, total $2.67
2) Lot 1, section 32, T32N, R11W, 36.70 acres valued at $75; state tax - 9 cents, county tax - 68 cents, township tax - 62 cents, highway tax - 38 cents, school tax - $1.12, total $2.89
3) Lot 20 Cat Head Village, section 28, T32N R11W, 7 acres valued at $20; state tax - 3 cents, county tax - 18 cents, township tax - 17 cents, school tax - 30 cents, total 68 cents
4) NE1/4 of SW1/4, section 28, T32N, R11W, 40 acres valued at $100; state tax -11 cents, county tax - 90 cents, township tax - $83, school tax - $1.57, total $3.34
5) Value of personal estate $40; state tax - 15 cents, county tax - 36 cents, township tax - $33, school tax - 60 cents, total $1.34
20 Oct 1877 Dominic sold 7 acres of land in the SW corner of Lot 2 section 28, T32N R11W; also Lot number4 of Cat Head Village in said Lot number 2 of section town and range as above, to Henry C. Gagnon for $40
20 Oct 1877 Dominic and wife Susan mortgaged to Henry C. Gagnon for $65 the NW1/4 of section 17, T31N R11W, containing 40 acres of land.
On 14 Nov 1877 Henry C. Gagnon assigned the mortgage to Johnson Goodman and Co.
Granddaughter Bernardina, daughter of of Peter Ance and Mary Windigowish, was born 18 Nov 1877.
1877 Property tax - Leelanau township, Leelanau, Michigan
Windogowish, Dominick -
1) SW1/4 of NW1/4, section 17, Township 21 north, range 11 west, 40 acres valued at $80; state tax - 14 cents, county tax - 80 cents, township tax - 37 cents, school tax - $1.76, total $3.17
2) Lot 1, section 32, Township 32 north, range 11 west, 36.70 acres valued at $75, state tax - 13 cents, county tax - 75 cents, township tax - 34 cents, school tax $1.15, total $2.87
3) NE1/4 of SW1/4, section 28, township 32 north, range 11 west, 40 acres valued at $100; state tax - 17 cents, county tax - $1, township tax - 46 cents, school tax - $2.20, total $3.83
4) personal estate valued at $40; state tax - 17 cents, county tax - 40 cents, township tax - 18 cents, school tax - 88 cents, total $1.53
On 19 Feb 1878, Dominic purchased the SE1/4 of the NE1/4 of section 9 in T30N, R11W, containing 40 acres, for $100 from Paul Naw-gaw-ne-saw-bow-me and his wife Mary Ann.
The land purchase wasn't recorded until 5 Jul 1883
On 5 Apr 1878 (recorded 11 Jul 1878) Dominic received the patent for the NE1/4 of the SW1/4 of section 28 in township 32 north, range 11 west, containing 40 acres.
However Dominic had sold the NE1/4 of the SW1/4 of section 28 in township 32 north, range 11 west, containing 40 acres. to John Kehl for $200, recorded 11 Feb 1878
1880 Federal Census - Leelanau township, Leelanau, Michigan
Windagowish, Dominique, 55, hunter
Susan, 54, wife, keeping house, cannot read, cannot write
Francis, 17, son
Grandson Joseph Chippewa, son of Joseph Chippewa and MadelineWindigowish, was born c1881.
1881 Land Map
D. Windigowish, 40 acres, section 9
Grandson John Ance, son of Peter Ance and Mary Windigowish, was born 15 Apr 1882.
1883 Property tax - Suttons Bay township, Leelanau, Michigan
Windagowish, Dominique - SW1/4 of NW1/4 of section 17, township 31 north, range 11 west, 40 acres valued at $150; state tax 0 35 cents, county tax - $1.07, township tax - 50 cents, highway tax - 75 cents, school tax - 84 cents, total $4.51 paid
Son Frank [Franciscus Sagwese], age 21, of Northport, married Sophie, age 16, daughter of Eduard Ido-kamigo and Maria Kageia on 16 Feb 1885. Ceremony was performed by Rev. Ignatius Mrak [Catholic Priest]
On 16 Sep 1885, Dominic sold the SW1/4 of the NW1/4 of section 17, township 31 north, range 11 west to Wm Gill, for $25 with interest at 7% for ----- payable annually two years from date.
1885 Property tax - Suttons Bay township, Leelanau, Michigan
Windigowish, Dominick -
SE1/4 of NE1/4, section 9, township 30, range 11, 40 acres, valued at $120. School district 6. State tax - 33 cents; county tax - 70 cents; township tax - 57; highway tax - 60 cents; school tax - $1.08; total $3.28 paid
1886 Property tax - Suttons Bay township, Leelanau, Michigan
Windigowish, Dominic -
SE1/4 of NE1/4, section 9, township 30, range 11, 40 acres, valued at $120; state tax - 17 cents; county tax - 76 cents; township tax - 43 cents, highway tax - 60 cents; school tax - $3.84; total $5.80
Granddaughter Bernardina Ance, daughter of Peter Ance and Mary Windigowish, died 30 Apr 1888.
Granddaughter Louisa Ance, daughter of Peter Ance and Mary Windigowish, was born 11 Jun 1888. Sadly she died 11 Sep 1888.
1888 Property tax - Suttons Bay township, Leelanau, Michigan
Windigowish, Dominick - SE1/4 of NE1/4, section 9, township 30, range 11, 40 acres, valued at $125. School district 7. State tax - 22 cents; county tax - 92 cents; township tax - $1.25; highway tax - 63 cents; school tax - $2.87; total $5.89 paid
Grandson Dominic Windigowish, son of Frank Windigowish and Sophie Idokamigo was born c1889.
On 19 May 1891, Dominic was witness to the marriage of James Kokoch and Annie Wakazoo in Northport.
Granddaughter Madeline Ance, 16, daughter of Peter Ance and Mary Windigowish, married Francis Yannot, 21, son of Joseph Yannot and Theresa Wassaqua on 18 Oct 1892 in Suttons Bay. Ceremony was performed by Fr. H. Ruessmann, Rector.
1894 Michigan State Census - Pashabatown [Peshawbestown], Leelanau, Michigan
Windegoish, Dominuk, 84, husband, married,
Wagnese, 78, wife, married, number of children born (3), number of children living (3)
Son Frank, age 32, laborer, was married to Mary Peshaba, 28, daughter of Gabriel and Sophia Peshaba, on 6 May 1895 in Peshabastown. [Peshawbestown] Ceremony was performed by Bruno Torka, priest. Witnesses were Louis Stephen and Marianna Stephens of Peshabatown. Frank gave his mother's name as Mary Goshauba, this was his second marriage.
Frank's marriage record from the Catholic Church in Peshabestown. Mother's name was given as Mary Yoshauba. [Baptism record says Josette Awagnis.]
Wife Susan died 10 Apr 1895 Suttons Bay township, Leelanau, Michigan. She was married, age 74, cause of death consumption, born in Michigan, occupation house wife, parents unknown.
Dominic died 28 Jun 1895 in Suttons Bay township, Leelanau, Michigan. He was a widower, age 76, cause of death paraylsis, born Michigan, occupation farmer, parents unknown.
Catholic Church record of Susan and Dominic's deaths. While not stated, it is most likely they were buried at the church in unmarked graves.
Daughter Madeline Chippewa died 5 Jul 1901 in Leelanau, Michigan.
Son Frank died after the 1900 Federal Census, but before the Durant Roll was taken.
1908 Durant Roll Field Notes
#12 page 38
Win-de-go-wish, dead; wife dead
Child 1 - name not given, dead; spouse name not given. Their child, Dominick, 19, P.O. Sutton's Bay, see 4-42 [This is Frank]
#4 page 42
E-taw-waw-caw-me-go, dead; wife dead.
Child 1 - dead, no heirs
Child 2 - dead, no heirs
Child 3 - Thresa Comepo
Child 4 - Sophia Windogwish, dead, husband dead, their child, Dominick, 19, P.O. Sutton's Bay, see #12 p38
#15 page 42
Gabriel Pay-saw-bay
Child 1 - Mary Shawkoo, 43, P.O. Suttons Bay; 1st husband Frank Windigowish dead; 2nd husband Andrew Shawkoo, 50, just married Sept. 21/08. Her child Eli Paul, 18, P.O Suttons Bay.
Daughter Mary Ance died 28 Feb 1918. Her age was given as 78, birth as 1840, occupation as housewife. Cause of death was bronchial pneumonia, burial in Peshawbestown, informant Casper Ance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vicki Wilson
Link to Michigan Native American Ancestors facebook page.
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