John Joseph Nongueskwa 1879-1964

Photo from the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

John Joseph Nongueskwa was born 20 Sep 1879 in Burt Lake, Cheboygan, Michigan. He was the son of Moses Nongueskwa and Elizabeth Shananaquet.

1880 Federal Census - township of Burt, Cheboygan, Michigan, taken 15 Jun.

Nongueskwa, Moses, 28, laborer, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

Elizabeth, 17, wife, keeping house, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

John, 7/12, son, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

Sister Anna was born 14 Sep 1883.

Aunt Sarah Nongueskwa, 27, born Michigan, married Charles Massey, 28, born Canada, farmer on 26 Jul 1884 in Tuscarora. Ceremony was performed by Edwin H. Sager, Justice of the Peace. 

Northern Tribune - 10 Apr 1884

Uncle Paul was a constable.

Brother William was said to be born in 1885

Grandfather Louis Nongueskwa died 18 May 1886.

Grandmother Madeline Nongueskwa died 15 May 1892.

Uncle Paul Nongueskwa died 8 Apr 1900 in Burt township. He was married, age 40 years, 2 months, 13 days, son of Louis and unknown. Cause of death was grip. 

1900 Federal Census - not yet found

On 15 Oct 1900 local banker John "McGinn, accompanied by then-sheriff Fred Ming and his deputies, roused the band's 19 families from their cabins with just a few posssessions, each, doused everything in kerosene--including most of their furniture and their food stores for the upcoming winter--and set it all on fire." Chronicling the 1900 Burt Lake Burnout.

"Following the October 'Burn-Out' by McGinn, many of the families moved in with Burt Lake Band members who lived close by on Indian Trail road, just north of Indian Village. Others took up residence further west in Middle or Cross village. As time progressed, the Burn-Out familes built new homes on the land owned by the Massey and Nongueskwa families along Indian Trail (today it is Indian Road.) This area them became know as Indianville. In 1908, a second St. Mary's Catholic Church was built ther and remains active today." Burt Lake burn-out - Wikipedia

The Ann Arbor News - 10 Mar 1985 (as well as many other newspapers) ran this story of John and the burnout.

"John Nongueskwa came home from a lumbering job on a chilly October evening in 1900 to find white men pouring kerosene around the ramshackle house where his blind grandmother lived.

" 'She had no alternative (for escape), she didn't know what was happening' said the woman's great-great-granddaughter, Irene Howard."

"Nongueska (NON-gesh-kwah) had to push his way through the men torching the house. But he succeeded in rescuing the trerified woman."

"She, as well as the 60 or so other Indians living on the shores of what is now known as Burt Lake in Cheboygan County in Michiga's far northern lower peninsula, escaped with their lives. But their homes--which the Indians believed were under the direct protection of the white government - were consumed by flames."

Brother William died 2 Feb 1902 in Burt township. He was 21, occupation farmer. Cause of death was dropsy, burial in Indian Cemetery in Burt Lake.

On 9 Feb 1903, John, 23, resides in Burt Lake, born Michigan, laborer, son of Moses Nongueskwa and Elizabeth Shananaquet, married Jane/Jennie Thompson, 19, resides in Hessell, born Michigan, daughter of Thomas Thompson and Louisa. Ceremony was performed by Marian Glahn, Catholic Priest in Brutus. Witnesses were Albert and Elisa Shananaquet.

Daughter Emily was said to be born in 1904 in Burt Lake, Cheboygan, Michigan

Son Dennis Peter was born in 4 Mar 1905. [From his draft registration]

The Pellston Journal - 15 Jun 1905. Lists known members of the Cheboygan Indians. Included are John Nongueskwa; his father, Moses Nongueskwa; father-in-law Antoine Shananaquet; his father's sister,  Mrs. Eliza Moses; and Mrs. Mary Nongueskwa, wife of his father's deceased brother Paul.

Son Harry Nicholas was born 30 Aug 1906 in Burt Lake, Cheboygan, Michigan

Son William was born 17 May 1907.

1908 Durant Roll Field Notes

#2 page 31

Non-quaish-caw-waw, dead; wife dead

children:

1) Christina Nongaishcawwaw, 67, resides Harbor Springs, husband dead, children non

2) Moses Nongaishcawwaw, 60, resides Brutus, Michigan, see #3 page 31

3) Mary Cabanaw, 56, resides Brutus; husband Enos Cabanaw, 58, resides Brutus, see #33 page 31

4) Sarah Massey, 52, resides Brutus, husband Charles Massey, 49, resides Brusut, see #102 page 22; their children: 1-Henry Massey, 21, wife & child see #61 page 35; 2-Francis Massey, 19

5) Paul, dead, wife Mary Brady, 45, see #1 page 31, her 2nd husband Brady, white; her child - Mary Brady Massay, 26, resides Brutus, husband Louis Massey, 27, see #15 page 31 and #13 page 42, child 1- Lena Massey, 1, born July 1907, 2nd roll.

6) Eliza Norton Moses, resides Pellston, 42, 1st husband - separated see #36 page 32; 2nd husband Peter Moses, dead, see #61 page 35, child Mary Moses, 15.

#3 page 31

Shaw-waw-naw-naw-quot, Antoine, 87, Brutus; wife Sophia, 88

children:

1. - Mary, dead; husband, dead, see 8 p31; child James Shawwawnawsegay, 48, Pellston, 1st wife Philamon - dead, 2nd wife Rosie, his child Stephen Shawwawnawsegay, 14, see 22 p31,  #8 p31

2. - Francis Shawwawnonquot, 60, see 43-32

3. - Isaac Shawwawnonquot, 58, see 29-31

4. - Susan Parkey, 48, Brutus; husband Joseph Parkey, 44; see 45-21; her children

    1) Thomas Parkey, 25, Cheboygan, wife Josephine, 22, see 29 p31, children see 29 p31

    2) Annie Boda, 23, Brutus; husband John Boda, 23, white; child Barnard Boda, born March 5, died Mar 6/08

    3) Edmund Parkey, 18, Brutus

    4) Charles Parkey, 16, Brutus

    5) John Parkey, 8, Brutus

5. - Eliza Hamlin, 46, Brutus; 1st husband Stephen Shaw, dead, see 3-28; child Amos Shaw waw, 24 Brutus; 2nd husband William Hamlin, age 40, Brutus, see 40-15 & 16-31 chilren of 2nd marriage:

    2) Annie Hamlin, 14, Brutus

    3) William Hamlin, 12, Brutus

    4) Mary Hamlin, 10, Brutus

    5) Agnes Hamlin, 18, child by 1st wife, Genoa School, NE

6. - Elizabeth Nonquaishcawwaw, 44, Brutus; husband Moses Nonquaishcawwaw, see 2-31; child 

    1) John, 29, Brutus, wife Jennie, 25, see 11-15, OK from Snow Island; Emma, 5; Daniel, 3; Harry, 2; William born May 1907

    2) William, 21, - dead years ago.

7. -adopted child - Josephine Shawwawnonquot, 6, Brutus, father dead, mother Sarah Shawwawnawsegay or Sarah Moses, see #8 p31

   

#11 page 15

Way-we-gaw-nay-be or John Smith, 73, see 8-15; wife dead

children:

1) Harriet Baker Belongea, 51, husband William Belongea, 56, Pine River, see #17 page 3; their children: Franke, 22, John, 19, Mike, 17, Agens, 11

2) Louisa Louis, 48, Pine River; husband Charles Louis, 45, see #6 page 12; their children: 1-Jennie Nongaishcawnaw, 25, husband John Nongaishcawnaw, see #3 page 31; 2-Eliza Mindoskung, 18, Pine River, husband John Mendoskung, 49, see #3 page 8, child Noah born March 25 1908; 3-Mary Louis Wawsaykezhick, 17, husband John, see #16 page 12; 4-Joe, 15, 5-Louise, 12; 6-Harriet, 10; Frank, 6

3) Margaret Smith, 45, 1st husband George Bolton, separated, Canadian; 2nd husband Pete Taylor, Cap Cooker; her child Dan Bolton, 21, single

4) Rosie Jake, 30, husband James Jake, see #10 page 11; their children: 1-Peter, 15; 2-Jonas, 10; 3-Mary Jane, 8; 4-Sam, 7; 5-Elizabeth, 6.

Petoskey News-Review 7 Aug 1970

Daughter Lucy was born 18 Jul 1910 [from her death certificate]

Son William died 8 Mar 1910. His birth was given as 17 May 1908, age 1 year, 10 months, 4 days. Cause of death was tuberculosis following whooping cough. Burial was Indian Village, undertaker Frank Shananaquet.

1910 Federal Census - Burt township, Cheboygan, Michigan

house 17 family 17

Nongueskwa, Moses, head, 65, married once, married 33 years, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, farmer at general farm, full Ottawa

Elizabeth, wife, 48, married once, married 33 years, 3 children born, 1 child living, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, basket maker at home, full Ottawa

Agnes, granddaughter, 6, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, full Ottawa

house 18 family 18

Nongueskwa, John, head, 30, married once, married 8 years, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, laborer at shingle mill, full Ottawa

Jennie, wife, 28, married once, married 8 years. 5 children born, 4 children living, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, basket maker at home, full Ottawa

Emma, daughter, 6, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, full Ottawa

Dennis, son, 5, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, full Ottawa

Harry, son, 3, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, full Ottawa

Lucy, daughter, 4/12, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, full Ottawa

Photo said to be mother Elizabeth Shananaquet Nongueskwa from Ancestry.com

Son Freddie was born 14 May 1911. [From his death certificate]

Daughter Lucy died 18 Jul 1911. Her birthdate was given as 7 Jan 1910, age 1 year, 6 months. Cause of death was uremic poisoning, with measles as contributory cause. Burcial was in Burt township.

Grandfather Antoine Shananaquet died 30 May 1912. His age was given as 98, widowed, parents unknown, burial Burt Lake.

Son Freddie died 15 Jun 1912. His birthdate was given as 14 May 1911. Cause of death bronchitis, burial Burt township.

Cheboygan Democrat - 26 Jul 1912 - tells of John and his mother being paid for work done.

Son Martin was born 2 Apr 1913. Sadly he died 29 Sep 1913 at age 5 months, 26 days. Cause of death was bronchitis. 

Daughter Anna was born 5 May 1914

Grandmother Sophia Shananaquet died 26 Jun 1914. Her birth was given as 10 Apr 1810, her age as 104 years, 2 months, 27 days. Her parents were John Senogoby and Mary Kewaymoka. Cause of death was senility, burial in Burt township.

Daughter Rosanna Elizabeth was born 2 Feb 1916 in Burt Lake, Cheboygan, Michigan

Son Patrick was born 5 Oct 1917.

Father Moses died  20 Feb 1918 in Burt, Cheboygan, Michigan. His age was given as 73, parents as Lewis Nongueskwa and Mary Madeline Wending. Cause of death was bronchitis, burial in Burt township. Informant was son John. [Burial was at St. Mary's Indian Cemetery #2]

Petoskey News-Review - 26 Feb 1918

On 12 Sep 1918 John registered for the draft. He gave his birth date as 20 Sep 1880 [yet he was listed in the 1880 census]. He was a farmer, nearest relative was wife Jennie. John was described as medium height and weight, with black eyes and hair.

The Cheboygan Democrat - 10 Jan 1919

The Petoskey Evening News - 27 Jan 1919, tells of John claiming the 50 cent bounty on one weasel on 24 Dec 1918.

The Cheboygan Democrat - 30 May 1919

Daughter Dorthie Margret was born 4 Jun 1919 in Burt township. Mother Jane's place of birth was given as Snows - Market Island.

1920 Federal Census - Burt township, Cheboygan, Michigan, taken 10th,12th, 13th January

Nongueskwa, Lizzie, head, owns farm, 57, widow [John's mother]

Dile, Julia, border, 31

Eileen, border, 6

Eleanor, border, 4

Nongueskwa, John, head, owns farm, 40

Jennie, wife, 38

Emma, daughter, 16

Dan, son, 14

Harry, son, 13

Annie, daughter, 8

Roseanna, daughter, 5

Moses, son, 3 2/12

Margreat, daughter, 7/12

Daughter Melvina was born 8 Jun 1921 in Brutus, Cheboygan, Michigan.

Son Thomas was said to be born 8 Nov 1921 in Brutus, Cheboygan, Michigan [This is five months after his sister's birth.]

On 4 Oct 1922 daughter Emily, 19, married Edward Mondosking, 19, son of Mike Mondosking and Emma Andres, at Hay Lake, Sugar Island. Ceremony was performed by Wm. F. Gagnieur, Indian Missionary. Witnesses were Charles Edwards and Lena Mendosking. 

Cheboygan Democrat - 15 Mar 1923

Cheboygan Democrat 28 Nov 1923

Cheboygan Democrat - 16 Feb 1924

Cheboygan Democrat - 24 Apr 1924

Cheboygan Democrat - 16 Apr 1925

Cheboygan Daily Tribune - 13 Feb 1926

Cheboygan Daily Tribune - 24 Feb 1927, tells of son Daniel being the guest of Moriey I. Riggs on his visit to his parents.

Cheboygan Daily Tribune - 30 Mar 1928. John ran for constable.

Cheboygan Daily Tribune - 19 Mar 1929

John's wife Jane received help - $10

Petoskey Evening News - 13 Nov 1929 

[Unknown if this was John's mother, aunt, or someone else.]

Son Harry, 21, was married to Leona Casper, 16, daughter of unknown and Jennie Kewtchic, on 27 Nov 1929 in Petoskey. Ceremony was performed by Rev. Aubert Keuter, Catholic Indian Missionary. Witnesses were William J. Casper and Irene Parker.

Son Daniel, 24,  was married to Helen Gablow, 23,  daughter of John Gablow and Sisie Batic, on 28 Nov 1929 in Burt Lake. Ceremony was performed by Rev. Aulred Keuter, O.F.M. Catholic Indian Missionary. Witnessess were Harold and Mrs. Harold Nongueskwa of Petoskey.

1930 Federal Census - Clark township, Mackinac, Michigan, taken 10 Apr 1930

Nongueskwa, John, head, owns real estate valued at $500, 55, married 1st at 23, laborer at common labor.

Jane, wife, 52, married 1st at 20

Annie, daughter, 16

Rosanne, daughter, 15

Patrick, son, 13

Margaret, daughter, 11

Malvina, daughter, 9

Thomas, son, 7

Nongueskwa, Daniel, son, 25, married 1st at 24, laborer at common labor

Helen, daughter-in-law, 24, married 1st at 23

Daughter Rose, 21, married Chester Dashner, 23, son of Charles Dashner and Maude Boda on 20 Oct 1937 in Burt Lake Church, Cheboygan, Michigan. Ceremony was performed by Fr. Emeran Fox. O.F.M., witnesses were John and Helen Dashner of Cheboygan County. 

Daughter Anna died 18 Apr 1939 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan. Her birthdate was given as 5 May 1914, birth place at Burt Lake, Cheboygan, Michigan. Parents were listed as John Nongueskwa, born in Burt Lake and Jane Tomaswrs? born in Les Cheneaux, Mackinac. Informant was husband, William Andrews. Cause of death was acute appendicitis with paralytic ileus and generalized peritonitis. Burial was in Hessel.

The Republican-News and St. Ignace Enterprise - 25 May 1939

Petoskey News-Review - 24 Jun 1939

Son Harry and his wife were members of the wedding party when Myrtle Laslie married Francis Carroll.

1940 Federal Census - Clark, Mackinac, Michigan

Nonguskwa, John, head, 64, forman Michigan art craft

Jane, wife, 61

Patric, son, 23, new worker

Margaret, daughter, 20, housework at private home

Melnina, daughter, 18

Thomas, son, 17, new worker

Andrews, James, son, 8, [should be grandson, the four Andrews are the children of deceased daughter Anna.]

Anna, granddaughter, 6

Catherine, granddaughter, 5

Nellie, granddaughter, 4

Son Patrick registered for the draft on 16 Oct 1940. He gave his birth as 5 Oct 1917 in Cheboygan county. Person who will always know your address was listed as Mr. John Joseph Nongueskwa, father of Cedarville. Employer was CCC - Camp Round Lake F-35, St. Ignace, Mackinac, Michigan. Patrick was described as 5'10", 150 lbs, brown eyes, black hair, dark complexion. 

CCC was Civilian Conservation Corp. 

Son Dennis Peter also registered for the draft on 16 Oct 1940. He gave his birthdate as 4 Mar 1905 in Cheboygan County. Person who will always know his address was wife Ellen Mary. He was self-employed. Dennis was described at 5'10", 150 lbs, brown eyes, black hair, dark brown complexion.

Son Harry Nichols also registered for the draft in 1940. While the form was not dated, he gives his age as 34 and birthdate as 30 Aug 1906, in Cheboygan. The person who will always know his adddress was wife Leone Sarah. Employer was Petoskey Portland Cement Company in Petoskey. Harry was described as 5'8", 155 lbs, black eyes and hair, dark complexion.

Daughter Margaret, 21, was married 23 Oct 1940 in Burt Lake to Garland Martell, 21, son of Charles Martell and Mary Shanaquet. Ceremony was performed by Fr. Emeran Fox. Witnesses were Chester and Rosanna Dashner [Margaret's sister and brother-in-law]

Daughter Malvina/Melvina, 19, married Henry Vertz, 21, son of Fred Vertz and Augustus Pepki on 15 Dec 1940 in Trout Lake, Chippewa, Michigan. Ceremony was performed by Ralph E. McCarry, Justice of the Peace. Witnesses were Mildred Andrews and Laurel Henry.

Wife Jane died 6 Oct 1941 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan. Her birth was given as 17 May 1885 in Clark township, Mackinac County, Michigan. Age was 56 years, 4 months, 19 days, occupation housewife. Parents were Tom Solis of Canada and Louise Smith. Cause of death was spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, burial at Indian cemetery in Hessel.

The Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie - 8 Oct 1941 had told of Jane's illness.

Son Thomas Joseph registered for the draft on 16 Feb 1942 in Chippewa county. He gave his address as Cedarville, Mackinac, Michigan, birthdate as 8 Nov 1921 in Brutus. His father John was the person who would always know his address. Employer was (brother-in-law) Henry Vertz of Trout Lake, Chippewa, Michigan. Thomas was described at 5" 9 1/4', 150 lbs. brown eyes, black hair, dark complexion.

On 27 Apr 1942 in Cedarville, Michigan, John registered for the draft. He gave his birth as 20 Sep 1877 in Cheboygan county, name of person who will always know his address as Edward Dutcher, postmaster of Cedarville. Name of employer was Henry Paufuine(?). John was described as having brown eyes, gray hair and a dark complextion.

Son Patrick enlisted on 8 Jun 1943. He was assigned as a Private First Class to Company B, 48th Armored Infantry Battalion, 7th Armored Division.

Son Patrick died 21 Dec 1944 near St. Vith, Belgium, at the Battle of the Bulge. 

Son Patrick's name was included in the 1944 list of deaths.

Detroit Evening Times - 2 Jan 1945

The Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie - 14 Feb 1945

The Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie - 25 May 1945

Son Thomas Joseph, 25, machinist, born Burt Lake, resides East Lansing, son of John and unknown, not married before, married Helen Dawn Marten, 31, inspector, born St. Johns, resides East Lansing, daughter of Charles Pratt and Clara Adams, married three times before. The ceremony took place on 8 Jun 1946 in Detroit, Wayne, Michiga and was performed by Judge James M. Jeffries. Witnesses were Dennis and Jean Mongueskwa of Detroit.

Petoskey News-Review - 8 Dec 1947

Northern Michigan Review - 11 Dec 1947

On 15 Jan 1948 John applied for a upright marble military headstone for Patrick. 

Patrick was buried at St. Mary's Indian Cemetery #2 in Burt Lake.

Northern Michigan Review - 22 Jan 1948

The Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie - 23 Aug 1949

The Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie - 31 Aug 1950

The Sault News - 5 Jun 1957 - tells of son Tom's family from Lansing visiting daughter Malvina's family.

The Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie - 17 Aug 1957

Tells of grandson, Steven Schwartz, being lost. 

The Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie - 2 Jan 1958 - tells that John entered the Straits Memorial Hospital on 28 Dec 1957.

The Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie - 19 Oct 1963

Tells of John's grandson, Henry R. Vertz, death and funeral.

John died 9 Oct 1964 in Lansing, Ingham, Michigan. 

Sault Ste. Marie News - 10 Oct 1964

John was buried next to Jane in the Old Indian Misson Cemetery in Hessel, Mackinac, Michigan.

Son-in-law Claude Brooks died 23 Feb 1970

The Flint Journal - 22 Dec 1985 - tells of son Thomas finally being award the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service in Germany in World War II.

The Kalamazoo Gazette - 8 Dec 1991

Copyright (c) 2025 Vicki Wilson

Link to Michigan Native American Ancestors facebook group

David Bennett 1867-1936

David Bennett was said to be born 6 August 1866 in Isabella county, Michigan, the eldest child of Peter Bennett and Priscilla Ashquab. Date from his death certificate.

Peter, age 20, and Priscilla had been married just 9 1/2 months earlier, on 22 Oct 1865 at the Mission School House. Ceremony had been performed by George Bailey, Minister of the Gospel, with C. F. Rodd, Martha Rodd, and Lyman Bennett as witnesses.

1865 Annuity Roll - Chief S.D. Simonds

#35 - Peter Bennett, one man, one woman, no children, received $18.38

1866 Annuity Roll - Chief S.D. Simonds

#24 Peter Bennett, one man, one woman, one child, received $27.99

The 1868 Gruett Roll lists Jackson Pay-baw-maw-she, died 1866

O-ge-maw-quay, wife

Lyman Bennett

Petter Bennett, 22, married Precilla, 1 child, David 1 yr.

Sister Julia was said to be born in 1868

Brother John was said to be born in 1871

Sister Jane was born 10 Dec 1873 in Isabella county

Sister Doll was said to be born 24 Apr 1876

Sister Julia died 21 Aug 1876 and brother John died a week later on 28 Aug 1876, in Isabella county. Cause of death was bilious fever. Julia was age 8, John age 5.

Sister Doll died 29 Apr 1877, cause unknown. Her age was 1 year and 5 days.

Mother, Priscilla, died in Nov. 1879.

1880 Federal Census - Mortality Schedule, Isabella, Michigan

Bennett, Priscilla, 29, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, occupation keeping house,  died in Nov 1879 of consumption.

1880 Federal Census - Isabella, Isabella, Michigan

Chipway, male, 60, farmer

William, 26, son, farmer

Caw ga yah, 26, wife, keeping house

Chipeway, Watson, 24, son, farmer

Esh queb, Lewis, 16, adopted son

----- Martha, 14, daughter

Bennett, David, 13, no relationship given, farmer

Peter Bennett, 38, widower, farmer, born in Michigan, parents born in Michigan.

The agriculturial schedule showed Peter owning 10 acres tilled, 25 acres woodland and 5 acres unimproved, with a value of $700. His tools were valued at $10, livestock at $100. Estimated value of 1879 production was $60. Peter owned 2 horses, had 4 acres of wheat which produced 60 bushels.

Daniel's father, Peter, 36, born Midland,  married Lucy Petahbun, 16, born Saginaw on 16 Oct 1880. Ceremony was performed by Jonas Henry, minister with Henry Peters and Mrs. Jane Peters as witnesses. [Daniel was only two years younger than his step-mother]

Half-brother Joseph was born 15 Aug 1881

Half-sister Martha was born 8 Jun 1884. 

Sadly Martha died 10 days later, on 18 Jun 1884. Cause of death was diptheria.

Half-brother Joshua was born 27 Jul 1886.

Half-brother Isaac was born 10 Apr 1889. 

Sadly Isaac died just 10 days later, on 20 Apr 1889, of unknown causes.

1890 Federal Census Special Schedule - Surviving Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines, and Widows, etc.

Line 28, Bennett Peter, Private,  Independent Battery, 9th Regiment Ohio Cavalry. Enlisted 10 Dec 1863, discharged 27 Jul 1865. Served 1 year 7 months 17 days. Address Whiteville, Michigan, disability incurred - broken rib and arm fracture.

On 26 Jun 1892 in Isabella township, David married Betsy Smith, the daughter of William Smith and Elizabeth Williams.

Isabella County Enterprise - 1 Jul 1892

Half-sister Jennie was born 26 Jul 1892

Son John was born 20 Mar 1893

Sadly baby John died 10 Apr 1893

Half-sister Nancy was born 1 Jan 1894.

Son Peter was born 3 Jan 1895 in Isabella, Michigan

Half-brother Joseph died 20 Dec 1895 of consumption.

Daughter Delia was born 30 Jul 1897

Half-sister Sarah was born 6 Sep 1896

There is also a birth record for Sarah born on 6 Sep 1897.

1900 Federal Census - Nottawa township, Isabella, Michigan

Bennett, David, born Aug 1867, age 32, married 6 years, farmer, Native name Kaz baz no ding

Betsy, wife, born Mar 1878, age 22, married 6 years, 4 children born, 2 children living, Native name Nay we daj be sheqa quay

Peter, son, born Jan 1895, age 5, Native name Bennett, Peter

Delia, daughter, born Jul 1897, age 2. Native name Waw saz zaw

Daughter Helen was born 28 Aug 1900

Daughter Dolly was said to be born in April 1904

Half-sister Nancy died on 1 Jan 1907 of tuberculosis.

1907 Register of Puplis at Mount Pleasant Board School

Bennett, Nancy, Chippewa, daughter of Peter Bennett, address Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, age 13, admitted 1 Sep 1905, sent home ___ sickness Dec 1907.

Bennett, Julia, Chippewa, daughter of Peter Bennett, address Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, age 17, admitted 1 Sep 1905

Son James was born 29 Dec 1907 (from his death certificate)

1908 Register of Puplis at Mount Pleasant Board School

Bennett, Julia, Chippewa, daughter of Peter Bennett, address Mt. Pleasant, age 18, admitted 1 Sep 1908 for 3 years.

Son Charles was said to be born 24 Aug 1910 in Deerfield, Isabella, Michigan, but was 8 months old on 1910 census. 

1910 Federal Census - Deerfield township, Isabella, Michigan

Smith, William, head, 75, widowed, farmer on general farm, full Ottawa/Chippewa

Jeliorie, daughter, 30 divorcedservant at lumber camp, full Ottawa/Chippewa

Julia, daughter, 28, widowed, housekeeper for private family, full Ottawa/Chippewa

Adam, son, 27, laborer at odd jobs, full Ottawa/Chippewa

Louisa, daughter, 19, full Ottawa/Chippewa

Bennett, David, son-in-law, 43, married 18 years, laborer at odd jobs, full Ottawa/Chippewa

Betsy, daughter, 38, married 18 years, 6 children born, 6 children living, full Ottawa/Chippewa

Peter, grandson, 15, full Ottawa/Chippewa

Delia, granddaughter, 12, full Ottawa/Chippewa

Ellen, granddaughter 10, full Ottawa/Chippewa

Dottie, granddaughter, 7, full Ottawa/Chippewa

James, grandson, 4, full Ottawa/Chippewa

Charles, grandson, 8/12, full Ottawa/Chippewa

1910 Federal Census - Isabella township, Isabella, Michigan

Bennett, Peter, head, 65, married twice, married 31 years, farmer, general farm, full Chippewa

Lucy, wife, 47, married once, married 31 years, nine children born, 4 children living, half Chippewa

Joshey, son, 23, 7/8 Chippewa

Julia, daughter, 19, student, Mt. Pleasant School, 7/8 Chippewa

Sarah, daughter, 13, 7/8 Chippewa

Elsie, daughter, 6, 7/8 Chippewa

1912 Register of Pupils at Mt. Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School

Bennett, Sarah, Chippewa, daughter of Peter Bennett, adddress Mt. Pleasant, age 15, admitted 1 Sep 1910 for 3 years.

Bennett, Helen, Ottawa-Chippewa-Pottawatomie, daughter of David Bennett, address Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, full blood, age 12, admitted 1 Sep 1911 for 3 years

Daughter Clara was born 3 Aug 1912

1912-1913 Register of Pupils at Mt. Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School

Bennett, Sarah, Chippewa, daughter of Peter Bennett of Mt. Pleasant, 16, admitted 1 Sep 1910 for 3 years

Bennett, Helen, Ottawa-Chippewa-Pottawatomi, daughter of David Bennett, address Mt Pleasant, 13, admitted 1 Sep 1911 for 3 years

Bennett, Elsie, Chippewa, daughter of Peter Bennett, address Mt. Pleasant, age 8, admitted 1 Jul 1912 for 3 years

* Bennett, Dolly, Chippewa, daughter of David Bennett, address Mt. Pleasant, age 8, admitted 1 Jul 1912 for 3 years, died 11 Apr 1913

Daughter Dollie died 10 Apr 1913 at the Indian School Hospital. Her birth was given as Apr 1904, occupation as school girl, parents Devid Bennett and Betsey Smith. Cause of death was measles, burial in Two Rivers. Informant was Helen Bennett.

Son Peter, 19, was married to Alice Fronsway, 18, daughter of Levi Fronsway and Lucy Jacobs on 10 Aug 1913 in Deerfield, Isabella, Michigan. It was the first marrige for both. Ceremony was performed by Henry E. Ward, Justice of the Peace. Witnesses were Thomas Yabr ba and Adam Smith.

Daughter Louise was born 1914

1914-1915 Register of Pupils, Mount Pleasant Indian School

Bennett, Delia, Chippewa, parent David Bennett, Mt. Pleasant, age 15, admitted 1 Sep 1913 for 3 years

Bennett, Sarah, Chippewa, parent Peter Bennett, Mt. Pleasant, age 18, admitted 1 Sep 1913 for 3 years.

Bennett, Helen, Chippewa, parent David Bennett, Mt. Pleasant, age 15 admitted 1 Sep 1914

Daughter Delia, 18, married Lee Ott, 29, son of Marcus Otto and Mary Nottawaw on 23 Oct 1915 in Mt. Pleasant, first marriage for both. Ceremony was performed by Cyrus E. Russell, Justice of the Peace. Witnesses were Simon Peters and Louisa Smith.

1915-1916 Register of Pupils, Mount Pleasant Indian School

* Bennett, Delia, Chippewa, daughter of David Bennett, address Mt. Pleasant, 17, admitted 1 Sept 1913. home 30 Sep 1915

Bennett, Sarah, Chippewa, daughter of Peter Bennett, address Mt. Pleasant, 18, admitted 1 Sep 1913

Bennett, Helen, Chippewa, daughter of David Bennett, address Mt. Pleasant, 16, admitted 1 Sep 1914

Son Stanley David was born about 1916

Half-brother Joshua died 18 Oct 1918 of pneumonia. His birth was given as 27 Jul 1886. Burial was in Rosebush cemetery.  

Daughter Helen, 20, married James H. Peters, 33, son of Henry Peters and Martha Thomas, on 12 Nov 1919 in Mt. Pleasant. It was her first marriage and his second. Ceremony was performed by James E. Ryan, Justice of the Peace. Witnesses were Michael and Eliza Neyome.

1920 Federal Census - Isabella, Isabella, Michigan

Bennett, David, head, 54, farmer on general farm

Betsey, wife, 50

James, son, 12

Charles, son, 10

Louise, daughter, 6

Stanley D. Son, 5

Daughter Delia, 22, was married to Walter Chippewa, 27, son of William Chippewa and Mary Simon, on 23 Jan 1921 in Mt. Pleasant. It was her second marriage, his first marriage. Ceremony was performed by Fred Russell, Justice of the Peace. Witnesses were Perry Thompson and G. B. Richmond.

 

Grandson Lawrence Bennett died 7 Dec 1923. His birth was given as 2 Apr 1919, son of Peter Bennett and Alice Fromaway. Cause of death was obstruction of bowels. Burial was at Rosebush. Informant was Peter Bennett.

Isabella County Enterprise - 2 May 1924

Son James died 11 Jan 1925 in Isabella, Isabella, Michigan. His birth was given as 29 Dec 1907. Cause of death was pulmonary tuberculosis. Burial in Rosebush. Informant David Bennett.

Daughter Clara, 18, married Lawrence Nahgahgwon, 23, son of Dan Naghahgwon and Martha Squanda on 15 Aug 1929 in Sand Lake, Iosco, Michigan. Ceremony was performed by Rev. Simon Grinskey, Minister of the Gospil. Witnesses were Mrs. Simon Grinsky and Mrs. Whitney Alberts. 

1930 Federal Census - Isabella, Isabella, Michigan

Bennett, David, head, 63, first married at 26, full blood Chippewa, laborer at odd jobs

Betsey, wife, 52, first married at 16, full blood Chippewa

Peter, son, 35, first married at 19, full blood Chippewa, laborer at odd jobs

Alice, daughter in law, 35, first married at 18, full blood Chippewa

Florence, granddaughter, 16, full blood Chippewa

Russell P., grandson, 2 10/12, full blood Chippewa

Georgeanna, grand daughter, 1 2/10, full blood Chippewa

Charles, son, 20, first married at 20, full blood Chippewa, laborer at odd jobs

Rose, daughter in law, 18, first married at 18, full blood Chippewa

David died 9 Sep 1936 in Nottawa, Isabella, Michigan. He was married to Betsey, birth date given as 6 Aug 1866, son of Peter Bennett and Percilla Asquab. Cause of death was tuberculosis of lungs, burial in Rusebush. Informant was Charles Bennett.

He was buried in an unmarked grave at the Woodland Cemetery in Rosebush.

Copyright (c) 2025 Vicki Wilson

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