Friday, August 14, 2026

She-ka-gaw / Lydia Anderson



Photo of Lydia - dated and location unknown.

She-ka-gaw / Lydia Anderson was born c1834, the daughter of Quis mo qua and Mesh was ha / Blue Eyes Anderson. 

Brother Aish-ke-baw-go-we-quot / Peter was born about 1844, based on age on 1880 census and first marriage; his age was exaggerated by the time of his death. 

Brother Ne-gaw-naw-quot / Jacob was born between 1849 and 1855, based on census, marriage and death records. 

Lydia married David Smith. Story on Ancestry says she was given to David as a teenager in 1845 in Coopersville, Michigan. If she was a teenager then she would have been born earlier. If married/given in 1845, why nine years until the birth of her first child.


Daughter Martha Caroline was said to be born 1 Sep 1854 in Grand Haven, Ottawa, Michigan. 

1857 Annuity Roll - Chief Ne gaw be

#5 Quay saw mo quay, no men, one woman, two children, received $15.18 [If the children are Peter and Jacob, where are Lydia and Martha?]



A story shared on Ancestry says "David, her common law husband, stole a neighbor's oxen then fled to Crow Wing, MN. Changed his name and died in prison there. Lydia was Indian so had no rights to his farm. She was forced to move in with her mother at Battle Point, then met George."  No sources were given for the story. 

1858 Annuity Roll - Chief Ne gaw be

#4 Quay saw mo quay, no men, one woman, four children, received $21.05 [Would the children be Peter, Lydia, Jacob, and Lydia's daughter Martha?]


Daughter Sarah Elizabeth was said to be born in 1859


1861 Annuity Roll - Chief Ne gaw be

#6 Mrs. David Smith,  no men, 1 woman, 2 children, receiving $13.86 and $10.23





1864 Annuity roll - Chief Pay quo tusk


#9 Mrs David Smith, no men, 1 woman, 2 children $10.26

[Transcription only]


1865 Annuity Roll - Chief Pay quo tusk

#7 Mrs. David Smith, no man, 1 woman, 2 children, receiving $14.70
#13 Mrs. David Smith's infant no man, no woman, 1 child, receiving $4.90





Lydia married George Armstrong

Son George was born 1 Jan 1865


1866 Annuity Roll - Chief Pay quo tusk

#5 Quay sais mo quay, no men, one woman, two children, received $11.22

#6 Mrs. David Smith, no men, one woman, two children, received $11.22




1867 Annuity Roll - Chief Pay quo tusk

#5 Mrs David Smith, one woman, three children, received $14.28

#7 Quay saw mo quay, one woman, two children, received $10.71



1868 Annuity Roll - Chief Pay quo tusk

#5 Mrs. David Smith no men, 1 woman, 3 children, receiving $63.40
#7 Quay-se-mo-quay no men, 1 woman, 2 children, receiving $47.55





1870 Annuity Roll - Chief Pay quo tusk

#5 Mrs. David Smith no men, 1 woman, 3 children, receiving $61.20
#7 Quay se mo quay no men, 1 woman, 2 children, receiving $45.90


Son Thomas was born 24 Sep 1871 in White River, Muskegon


1880 Federal Census - White River Township, Muskegon, Michigan

427/439 Armstrong, George, white, 35, farmer, born Canada, parents born England

Lydia, 34,  Indian, wife, keeping house, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

George, 1/2, 15, son, works on farm, born Michigan, father born Canada, mother born Michigan

Thomas, 9, son, at school, born Michigan, father born Canada, mother born Michigan


429/ 441 Robinson, Leonard, white, 29, sailor, born Michigan, mother born Michigan

Martha, Indian, 19, wife, keeping house, born Michigan, parents born Michigan [Martha was actually 26]

Minnie, 1/2, 8, daughter, at school, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

Sarah, 1/2, 4, daughter, at home, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

Leonard, 1/2, 3, son, at home, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

Fredrick, 1/2, 7 months, born November, son, at home, born Michigan, parents born Michigan


1890 Federal Census  - White River township, Muskegon, Michigan - Special Schedule

line 8, George A. Armstrong, private, company G, 8th Michigan infantry, enlisted 15 Dec 1864, discharged 26 Jul 1865; served 8 months, 12 days; post office - Montague, Michigan; disability incurred - gun shot wound; discharged by reason of disability.


Husband George Armstrong died 19 Dec 1895 in White River Township, Muskegon, Michigan. His age was given as 62 years, 10 months, 11 days, cause of death was Bright's Disease and Dropsy, place of birth was Canada, occupation was farming, parents were given as unknown Armstrong and Gome Armstrong, both of New York. 


He was buried at Mouth Cemetery, White River Township, Muskegon, Michigan



In 1896 Lydia applied for a widow's pension.


1900 Federal Census - White River Township, Muskegon, Michigan

120/121 Henry Bell and family

Armstrong, Lydia, no relationship given, Indian, birth month unknown, born 1837, age 63, widowed, 4 children born, 4 children living, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, can not read, can not write, can not speak English, 


1908 Muskegon City Directory

Armstrong Lydia (wid George), bds Thomas Armstrong

Armstrong Thomas, saloon, Ferry nr Bridge, res Meade cor Knudsen




1908 Durant Roll Field Notes

#5 page 58A

Mrs. David Smith or Mrs. Lydia Armstong, 79, P.O. Montague, Mich

1st husband white (Smith)

2nd husband Geo. Armstrong, dead (white)

child 1 - Sarah Robinson, 51, P.O. Montague, husband Mack Robinson (white); 

their children: 

    Geo Robinson 22, P.O. Montague, wife white - no children; 

    Edna Robinson, 16; 

    Evaline Irene, 10; 

    adopted child, Wm. Robinson, 12 see #3/59

child 2 - Martha Robinson, 49, P.O. Montague, Mich; husband white; 

their children: 

    Lizzie Keho, 32, Chicago, Ill - 531 E 50 Place, husband white, child James Keho born 1 Dec 1907;

     Fred Robinson, single, 29, P.O. Montague, Mich; 

    Oliver, single, 27, P.O Montague; 

    Jerome, 27, wife white, 27, child 1 - Oliver Robinson Jr., 6, Elenor, 4, Mary, born Mch 1908; 

    Lydia, single, 25, P.O. Montague; 

    Margaret, Aley, 22, P.O. Montague; husband white, no child

    Jessie Robinson, 15, single

child 3 - George Armstrong, 43, Shattack, Okla; wife white

their children:

    Gertrude, 18, single

    Lydia, 13

    Dora, 12

    Elizabeth, 10

    Eddie, 8

    Esther, 4

 Over was not microfilmed - would be about Thomas Armstrong and family





#7 page 58A

Quay-se-mo-quay, dead

Child 1 Pete Anderson, see #13/55

Child 2 Jacob Anderson see #14/58

Child 3 Mrs. David Smith #5/58 1870 roll




#13 page 55

Aish-ke-baw-go-me-quot or Peter Anderson, age 70, P.O. Chief Lake, Mich

1st wife not named, dead

2nd wife not named, dead

3rd wife Alice Anderson/Wonquay, 52

by 2nd wife - child 1 Mary (Anderson) Hennesay, 20, P.O. Muskegon, 136 Wood ave; husband white; children Ed, age 9; Susie, age 12, Thomas, age 5

child of 3rd wife by #18 page 55 ; Sarah Smith, 30, P.O. Chief Lake; husband, Joe Smith #2, 41, son of #3 p56, P.O. Chief Lake, see #18/55; children - Solomon, 13, John, 8, Delia, 4, Allie (m), 2.



14-58A

Ne-gaw-naw-naw-quot of Jacob Anderson, 60 P.O. Elk Rapids

1st wife Sarah Aiken, dead

2nd wife, dead

3rd wife, Stella Anderson, 56, P.O. Elk Rapids, an Indian of Cross Village band - see #15/20

child by 1st wife - Edward Anderson, 32, P.O. Elk Rapids; wife Thersa (Roundsky) Anderson, 26, grand dau of #6 p. 44

their children:

    Eddie, 8

    Lucy, 6

    Thomas, 5

    Lizzie, 1, [born] Sept. 28, 1907, 2nd roll




1910 Federal Census - Montague township, Muskegon, Michigan

54/50 Armstrong, Thomas, head, 38, married once, married 6 years, born Michigan, father born Eng Canada, mother born Michigan, speaks English, occupation Saloon at retail, can read, can write, owns free house

Martha, wife, 35, married once, married 6 years, 2 children born, 2 children living, born Iowa, father born Wisconsin, mother born Iowa, speaks English, can read, can write

George, son, 5, born Michigan, father born Eng Canada, mother born Iowa

William, son, 1, born Michigan, father born Eng Canada, mother born Iowa

Lydia, mother, 78, widowed, 4 children born, 4 children living, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, speaks English, can read, can write





Lydia died 4 May 1917 in Montague, Muskegon, Michigan



Lydia was buried at Mouth Cemetery, White River Township, Muskegon, Michigan



Montague Observer - 10 May 1917








Friday, July 31, 2026

Mike Williams c1855-1922




Mike Williams was born c1855 in Harbor Springs, Emmet, Michigan. His mother was Theresa Mwaw-ke-we-naw. His father was said to be William Blackbird [from Mike's death certificate.]


Theresa chose the following land in the 1855 allotment 

W1/2 of the SW1/4 of section 33, Township 36 North, Range 6 West, 80 acres. [A woman receiving 80 acres meant she was the head of a family]

Tract book - Theresa was #537

 

Theresa's father, Paul, chose the W1/2 of the NE1/4 of section 29, Township 36 North, Range 6 West, 80 acres.

Mary Mwaw ke we naw chose the E/12 of the NE1/4 of section 29, Township 36 North, Range 6 West, 80 acres.


1856 Annuity roll - Chief Paul Shah-wah-nay-se / Little Traverse Band

#550 Paul Mah ke we nah, 1 man, no women, 1 child, received $10.56

#552 Mary Mah ke we nah, no men, one woman, 1 child, received $10.56

#553 Theresa Mah ke we nah, no men, one woman, 1 child, received $10.56




1857 Annuity Roll - Chief Shaw waw nay se

#46 Paul Mwaw ke ne naw, one man, no women, one child, received $10.12

#48 Mary Mwaw ke we naw, no men, one woman, 1 child, received $10.12

#49 Therese, no men, one woman, 1 child, received $10.12



1858 Annuity Roll - Chief Shaw waw nay se

#44 Mwaw ke we naw, one man, no women, no children, received $4.21

#46 Theresa, no men, one woman, one child, received $8.42





1859 Annuity Roll - Chief Paul Shaw waw say se

45 Mwawke we naw, one man, one woman, two children, received $19.88 [There's no separate entry for Theresa, so it is probable that she and Mike are counted in the family of father Paul.]



1860 Federal Census - Little Traverse Township, Emmet, Michigan

Paul Ma Ke we naw, 63, male, farmer, $132 value of real estate, $50 value of personal, born Michigan

Theresa, 27, female, $100 value of real estate, born Michigan

Mack Ma Ka ta ben asy, 4, male, born Michigan


Sister Cynthia Smith was said to be born 10 May 1860 [From her death certificate; she was not in the 1861 annuity roll]


1861 Annuity Roll - Chief Paul Shaw waw nay se

#43 Paul Mwaw ke we naw, one man, no women, one child, received $9.24

#44 Theresa Mwaw ke we naw, no men, one woman, one child, received $9.24




1865 Annuity Roll -  Chief Paul Shaw waw nay se

#43 Theresa Mwaw ke we naw, no men, one woman, two children, received $12

#60 Paul Mwaw ke we naw, one man, no women, one child, received $8




1866 Annuity Roll - Chief Paul Shaw waw nay se

#44 Theresa Mwaw ke we naw, no men, one woman, two children, received $11.22

[Paul was not listed]




1867 Annuity Roll - Chief Paul Shaw way nay se

#45 Theresa Mwaw ke we naw, no men, one woman, two children, received $10.71



1868 Annuity Roll - Chief Paul Shaw waw nay se

#40 Theresa Mwaw ke we naw, no men, one woman, two children, received $47. 55




1870 Annuity Roll - Chief Daniel  Ne saw waw quot

#39 Theresa Mwaw ke we naw, no men, one woman, two children, received $45.90





1870 Federal Census - Little Traverse, Emmet, Michigan

Mwa kewena, Theresa, 46, farm laborer, value of real estate $100, born Michigan

Charles, 50, cripple, value of real estate $100, born Michigan

Mareo, 13, at home, born Michigan

Ceata, 6, born Michigan

[Theresa with her children Mike and Cynthia. Charles connection to the family is unknown.]




Sister Cynthia Smith married John Shomin on 28 Jul 874 in Cross Village, Emmet, Michigan


Mike married Sophia Nawagesick. She was said to be born in Mar 1862, the daughter of Stephen Nawagesick and Lizzie/Catherine.


Son John (also called William John) was said to be born 17 Sep 1881, however he was one year old in the 1880 census.


1880 Federal Census - Friendship, Emmet, Michigan

68/68 Shawin, John, 34, farmer, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

Cinthia, 16, wife. keeping house, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

Paul, 3, son, at home, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

69/69 Mike, Tinnas, 44, keeping house, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

William, 23, son, farmer, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

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

John, 1, son, at home, born Michigan, parents born Michigan




Son Thomas was born 6 Jan 1883


1884 property tax shows Mike Williams owning W1/2 of the SW1/4 of the SW1/4 of section 33, Township 36 North, Range 6 West, 20 acres, valued at $90. Taxes totaling $2.75 were paid 30 Sep 1886.


Son Paul was born 1887 [1900 census] or 1889 [Durant Roll Field Notes]


Son Wallace was born 4 Aug 1889 in Harbor Springs, Emmet, Michigan



Daughter Mary was born 27 Sep 1893 in Friendship township, 



Son James was born in 1895.


Sister Cynthia was married 19 Sep 1896 to Bazil Meshekey.


Son James died 25 Aug 1897 in West Traverse township, Emmet, Michigan at age 2 years of colon inflammation. Parents were given as Mike and Mary Williams.





1900 Federal Census - West Traverse township, Emmet, Michigan

Williams, Mike, head, born Mary 1858, 42, married 22 years, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, Ottowa, father Ottowa, mother Ottowa, 1/4 white, not living in polygamy, taxed, citizenship not aquired by allotment, fixed dwelling.

Sophia, wife, born Mar 1860, 40, married 22 years, 8 children born, 5 children living, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, Pottowattomi, father Pottwattomi, mother Pottwattomi, full, not living in polygamy, taxed, citizenship not aquired by allotment, fixed dwelling.

Pomes, son, born Jan 1885, 15, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, Ottowa, father Ottowa, mother Pottwattomi, 1/8 white.

Pion, son, born May 1887, 13, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, Ottowa, father Ottowa, mother Pottwattomi, 1/8 white.

Wallace, son, born Jul 1890, 10, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, Ottowa, father Ottowa, mother Pottwattomi, 1/8 white.

Mary, daughter, born Nov 1892,7, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, Ottowa, father Ottowa, mother Pottwattomi, 1/8 white.

Tracy, mother, born Nov 1837, 62, widowed, one child born, one child living, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, parents born Michigan, Ottowa, father Ottowa, mother Ottowa, taxed, citizenship not aquired by allotment, fixed dwelling.

Shomon, Paul, grandson, born __ 1891, 9, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, parents born Michigan, Ottowa, father Ottowa, mother Ottowa, 1/16 white



An unnamed son died 9 Mar 1901 in West Traverse township, Emmet, Michigan at the age of 1 day. Cause of death was not given. Parents were Mike Williams and Sophy Nagossek.


1908 Durant Roll Field Notes

#39, page 32

Theresa Mwaw-ke-we-naw, 74, Harbor Springs

child 1 - Mike Williams, 53, Harbor Springs

        wife Sophia, 48, Ind, see #5/25

        John Willliams, 29, Harbor Springs

        Thomas, 25, In N. O. Army in Philippines

        Paul, 23, Harbor Springs

        Wallace, 18, Harbor Springs

        Mary, 15, Harbor Springs


child 2 - Cynthia Mishekey, 45, Harbor Springs

        1st husb dead (Shomin)

        2nd husband Bazil Meshekay, 56, Harbor Springs, see #23/32

        children 

            1) Joe Shomin 28, wife Louisa O-saw-waw-naw-quot, 21, see #50-29

            2) Wm. Shomin, 21, Harbor Springs, Mt. Pleas. Sch

            3) Paul Shomin, 16, Harbor Springs, Mt. Pleas. Sch

            4) Lena, 15, Harbor Springs, Mt. Pleas. Sch

        Bazil's children by his 1st wife were Mary Mishekey, 30; Wm. Mishekey, 25; James Mishekey, 22;         Louis Mishekey, 18; and Hattie Mishekey, 16

    child of Cynthis and Bazil - Clarence Mishekey, 9, Harbor Springs


#5 page 25

Stephen Waw-we-ke-zhick, dead; wife dead

child 1 - dead, no heirs

child 2 - dead, no heirs

child 3 - Sophia Williams, 48, Harbor Springs, see #30 p. 32



1910 Federal Census - West Traverse township, Emmet, Michigan

Williams, Mickel, head, 54, married once for 34 years, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, speaks English, farmer on general farm, full Ottawa

Sophia, wife, 48, married once for 34 years, 9 children born, 5 children living, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, full Ottawa, speaks Indian

John, son, 32, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, speaks English, lumberman at lumber woods, full Ottawa

Thomas, son, 26, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, speaks English, soldier in U.S. Army, full Ottawa

Paul, son, 21, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, speaks English, lumberman at lumber woods, full Ottawa

Wallace, son, 18, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, speaks English, lumberman at lumber woods, full Ottawa

Mary, daughter, 16, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, speaks English, full Ottawa

Mwakowenaw, Treasa, mother, 78, widowed, 2 children born, 2 children living, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, speaks Indian, full Ottawa



Sister Cynthia died 8 Jun 1911 in West Traverse township, Emmet, Michigan. Her age was given as 51 years, 1 month, 20 days, birth date as 1 May 1860, birth place as Harbor Springs. She was married. Her parents were given as John Smith, born in Mackinac, and Terressa, born in Harbor Springs. Cause of death was heart disease, burial in Lakeview Cemetery, Informant was Baszil Mishekey (husband).




Son Wallace, 23 was married 24 Jun 1912 in Middle Village to Rosanna Francis. 22, daughter of Joseph Francis and Mary Waydash. Ceremony was performed by Innocent Schlueter, Catholic Priest. Witnesses were Lizzie Keway and John Kinoshemeg.




Son Thomas, 30, was married 9 Sep 1913, in Petoskey, to Marcelena Francis, 22, daughter of Moses Francis and Mary Peters. Ceremony was performed by Aaron B. Keriegen, Justice of the Peace. 


Daughter Mary, 21, was married on 12 Jun 1915 in Petoskey to Henry Alworden, 41, son of John Alworden and Mary Houge. It was his second marriage. Ceremony was performed by W. R. Montgomery, Justice of the Peace.


Mother, Theresa Moquina Williams died 4 Apr 1915 in West Traverse, Emmet, Michigan. Her birth was given as Sep 1932, age as 82 years, 7 month. Her parents were Paul Moquina and Sebaqua. Cause of death was penumonia (lober), burial in Lakeview Cemetery. Informant was John Williams.



Sons John and Wallace both served in the Great War as shown on the Michigan Census of World WAr I Veterans with Card Index 1917-1919




Son John, 37, was married 16 Jun 1919 in Burt Lake, Cheboygan, Michigan, to Louisa Wason, 30, daughter of Paul Wason and Jane Norbert (?). Ceremony was performed by Rev. Donotheus Philipp, Indian Missionary. Witnesses were Moses Gibson and Elizabeth Norbert. [Entry was crossed out because the book was for Emmet county and the marriage took place in Cheboygan county.]



1920 Federal Census - West Traverse township, Emmet, Michigan

Williams, Michael, head, owns home, no mortgage, 64,  born Michigan, parents born Michigan, farm laborer, working out

Sophia, wife, 61, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

Leonard, grandson, 3 0/12, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, laborer, working out

Thomas, son, 35, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, laborer

Wheeler, Jesse, granddaughter, 7, born Michigan, parents born Michigan


Williams, Wallace, head, rents, 28, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, laborer, working out 

Rose, wife, 28, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

Charles, son, 6, born Michigan, parents born Michigan




1920 Federal Census - Friendship township, Emmet, Michigan

Williams, John, head, owns home, 38, can read and write, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, laborer at lumber camp

Lorene, wife, 31, can read and write, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

Wasson Paul, father in law, 57, cannot read and write, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, farm labor on farm

Wasson, Jane, mother in law, 50, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, canot read and write



Mike Williams died 11 Sep 1922 in West Traverse, Emmet, Michigan.


Daughter Mary was divorced 7 Apr 1924 in Luce, Michigan





Wife Sophia died 6 Jan 1927 in West Traverse, Emmet, Michigan



1930 Federal Census - Friendship Township, Emmet, Michigan

Williams, John W., head, value of home $1000, does not own a radio, lives on a farm, 49, married at 38, did not attend school in 1929, can read and write, born Michigan, parents born Michigan, farmer, owner, worked yesterday, veteran

Louisa, wife, married at 30, did not attend school in 1929, can read and write, born Michigan, parents born Michigan

Robert C., son, 8, attended school in 1929, can read and write, born Michigan, parents born Michigan



Daughter Mary died 22 Oct 1934 in Harbor Springs, Emmet, Michigan. Her birth was given as 4 Sep 1893, age as 41 years, 28 days. Her husband was Stanley Grey, parents were Mike Williams and Sophia. Cause of death was arcinomatosis, primary in cervix uteri. Burial was in Lake View cemetery. Informant was Stanly Grey.




Son Wallace died 28 Jul 1937 in Wayne county, Michigan. His birth was given as 4 Aug 1889, age as 47 years, 11 months, 24 days, occupation was laborer. Parents were Mike Williams and Sophie. Cause of death was carbuncle of neck, burial in Petoskey. Informant was "deceased (on admission to hospital)".


1940 Federal Census - Friendship township, Emmet, Michigan

Williams, John, head, 59, born Michigan, lived in same house in 1935, farmer on farm.

Robert, son, 18, born Michigan, lived in same house in 1935



Son John died 4 May 1945 in Petoskey, Emmet, Michigan. His name was given as William John Williams, birth as 11 Sep 1880, age as 64 years, 7 months, 23 days. His birthplace was West Traverse Township, occupation was farmer on his own farm. Parents were Michael Williams and Sophia Nawagesik. Cause of death was coronary thrombosis, burial was in Lakeview cemetery. Informant was Mrs. Mary Mattick (Niece).


Petoskey News Review  - 7 May 1945


Petoskey News Review - 11 May 1945


Son Thomas died 11 May 1947 at the T.C. State Hospital in Traverse City, Grand Traverse, Michigan. His with was given as 6 Jan 1883, age as 64 years, 4 months, 5 days. He was widowed, occupation carpenter, trapper, laborer. Parents were Mike Williams and Sophia. Cause of death was general paresis, burial in Lake View cemetery. Informant was T. C. State Hospital Records








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copyright (c) 2026 Vicki Wilson