It is not known exactly when Nah-we-ke-zhick, later known as Peter Mark, was born. Although there were claims he was 106 when he died in 1926, he was most likely born between 1842 and 1845. His father was Pay-shaw-naw-quo-um, while his mother's name is unknown at this time. Nah-we-ke-zhick was said to be born at Old Mission. Pay-shaw-naw-quo-um purchased land in Milton township, Antrim county in 1850, and took his 1855 land allotment in Leelanau county, but it is not known if he or his children lived there or they stayed in Antrim county.
Annuity rolls do not help in determining Nah-we-ke-zhick's age or that of his siblings who were later called Martin, Joseph, and Mary. In 1836 Pay-shaw-naw-quo-um has one male, one female and two children; 1839 - one male, one female and two children; 1842 census one female 10-40 and one female child under 10; 1845 - one male, one female and one child; 1846 - one male, one female and two children; 1848 - one male, one female and two children; 1850 - one male, no females and two children; 1853 - one male, no females and one child; 1857 - one male, no females and one child; 1858 - one male, no females and two children; 1859 - one male, one female and two children; 1861 - one male, one female and one child.
In 1861 Nah-we-ke-zhick's brother Martin/Naw-o-quay-ke-zhick was listed on his own, as one man, one woman, one child.
Future wife, Mary Ann Allen, was the daughter of Moses Allen Naish-Ka-Ze and Anna. Mary Ann Allen had been baptized June 1846 by Reverand Peter Dougherty at Old Mission Church. Rev. Dougherty and Chief Ahgosa's band moved to Leelanau county in the 1852, building a church and school there. Mary Ann entered the Grove Hill School in 1853 and was received as a member of the church 6 Jan 1861.
When the Civil War struck many Anishinaabek from Leelanau county joined Company K, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters. While Nah-we-ke-zhick and his brothers did not volunteer, brother-in-law Charles Allen did. Charles wrote home and three of his letters survive. He died in May of 1864 from a wound received 6 May 1864 at the battle of the Wilderness.
Nah-we-ke-zhick is a grown man by 1864 when his first child, Mary, is born. She is baptized 18 Jun 1865 by Rev. Peter Dougherty of the New Mission church of Omena.
The 1865 annuity roll shows Naw we ge zhe go #20, 1 man, 1 woman, 1 child, receiving $12.00 under Aish quay go nay be's band.
Nah-we-ke-zhick and Mary Ann's second child, son Moses, was said to be born 15 Dec 1865. However he was not enumerated on the 1866 annuity roll, so his birth was actually later.
On 20 May 1866 Nahwagezhik was baptized by Rev. Peter Dougherty of the Mission church receiving the name Peter Mark.
Nah-we-ke-zhick and Mary Ann's second child, son Moses, was said to be born 15 Dec 1865. However he was not enumerated on the 1866 annuity roll, so his birth was actually later.
On 20 May 1866 Nahwagezhik was baptized by Rev. Peter Dougherty of the Mission church receiving the name Peter Mark.
The 1866 annuity roll shows Naw we ke zho go #17, 1 man, 1 woman, 1 child, receiving $11.22 under Chief Aish quay go nay be.
Antrim county land records recorded 4 Feb 1867 show Peter Mark Nahwaygezic and Martin Nockwegezic as sole
heirs of Pashawnaquong who had purchased NW 1/4 of SE 1/4 section 2 T29N R9W (Milton township) in 1850.
While only Peter and Martin inherit the this land, there was a brother, Joseph Payshawnawquam, also called Joe Marks who inherited their father's land in Leelanau county. They also had a sister Mary/May-yaw-waw-che-won (later wife of Jacob Sogod).
While only Peter and Martin inherit the this land, there was a brother, Joseph Payshawnawquam, also called Joe Marks who inherited their father's land in Leelanau county. They also had a sister Mary/May-yaw-waw-che-won (later wife of Jacob Sogod).
Son Moses was baptized by Rev. Dougherty on 12 May 1867.
On 10 Oct 1868 a third child, a boy, was born in Milton township. Unfortunately Mary Ann died the same day.
The baby is still living when the annuity 1868 roll is paid. Peter shows as #13 (Tay Baw Se Ke Zhick's band) Naw-we-ge-zhe-goone male, zero females, 3 children, receiving $63.40.
Nah-we-ke-zhick's sister, Mary, was listed for the first time as #44 May-yaw-waw-che-won, no men, one woman, no children, receiving $15.85
On 1 Nov 1868 the baby died, at the age of 21 days. Mary and Moses are taken into their maternal grandparents' household.
Peter is alone on the 1870 Annuity Roll - #10 Naw-we-go-zhe-go one male, no females, no children, receiving $15.30.
On 1 Nov 1868 the baby died, at the age of 21 days. Mary and Moses are taken into their maternal grandparents' household.
Peter is alone on the 1870 Annuity Roll - #10 Naw-we-go-zhe-go one male, no females, no children, receiving $15.30.
His sister Mary was listed as #30 May-yaw-waw-che-won, no men, one woman, no children, receiving $15.30
He is not found on the 1870 Federal Census.
Peter meets Anna Shaw-wa-da-se, daughter of Chief Isaac Shaw-wa-da-se, and the birth of their first child, Alfred, was recorded at Antrim county as occurring 2 Aug 1871.
Newspaper article
"Oct. 15, 1873 Whiskey Again - On Monday afternoon one of our native American citizens known as "P.M." or Peter Mark Nah-way-ge-zic, partook of rather more "refreshments" than was consistent with perfect temperance and sobriety, and becoming demonstrative, found himself suddenly in the hands of an officer on the way to jail. His arrest caused quite a furor among his dusky companions and some of the more villainous whites standing by, and the constable became aware that he had quite a job on hand. A brother of P.M.'s, Martin Nah-way-ge-zic, struck him over the head with a stave, and one of the late arrivals of Chicago "Swedes," of Irish descent, undertook to pull the officer off. The bystanders were called upon to assist, but their inclinations seemed to be to obstruct rather than promote the arrest. Mr. S.O. Whitford finally came up and the arrest was affected of both the Indians, and soon after, of the Irish intruder. These gentry were brought out next day and pleading guilty, were invited by Justice Davis, to contribute five dollars each to the library fund and "go their way to sin no more." This is the first time an officer has ever been interfered with in this place while endeavoring to perform his duty, and we hope the next case of the kind will meet with much severer punishment."
(Source - Neumann, Glenn. Bay Breezes, Local History Unfolding, volume I. Elk Rapids, MI. Elk Rapids Historical Society, page 213. 1996.) [Notice how the article gives Martin the surname of Nah-way-ge-zic instead of using his own name.]
Son David's birth was given as 11 Nov 1875 on his death record - 4 Jun 1930, Acme, Grand Traverse county). Jane was said to be born Nov 1876 (from census records). No birth records found for these children.
Peter is next found in the land records when on 9 Sep 1878 Peter Mark-nah-we-ke-zhick purchased W 1/2 of NW 1/4, section 1, T29N R9W (Milton township, Antrim, MI)
He is not found on the 1870 Federal Census.
Peter meets Anna Shaw-wa-da-se, daughter of Chief Isaac Shaw-wa-da-se, and the birth of their first child, Alfred, was recorded at Antrim county as occurring 2 Aug 1871.
Newspaper article
"Oct. 15, 1873 Whiskey Again - On Monday afternoon one of our native American citizens known as "P.M." or Peter Mark Nah-way-ge-zic, partook of rather more "refreshments" than was consistent with perfect temperance and sobriety, and becoming demonstrative, found himself suddenly in the hands of an officer on the way to jail. His arrest caused quite a furor among his dusky companions and some of the more villainous whites standing by, and the constable became aware that he had quite a job on hand. A brother of P.M.'s, Martin Nah-way-ge-zic, struck him over the head with a stave, and one of the late arrivals of Chicago "Swedes," of Irish descent, undertook to pull the officer off. The bystanders were called upon to assist, but their inclinations seemed to be to obstruct rather than promote the arrest. Mr. S.O. Whitford finally came up and the arrest was affected of both the Indians, and soon after, of the Irish intruder. These gentry were brought out next day and pleading guilty, were invited by Justice Davis, to contribute five dollars each to the library fund and "go their way to sin no more." This is the first time an officer has ever been interfered with in this place while endeavoring to perform his duty, and we hope the next case of the kind will meet with much severer punishment."
(Source - Neumann, Glenn. Bay Breezes, Local History Unfolding, volume I. Elk Rapids, MI. Elk Rapids Historical Society, page 213. 1996.) [Notice how the article gives Martin the surname of Nah-way-ge-zic instead of using his own name.]
Son David's birth was given as 11 Nov 1875 on his death record - 4 Jun 1930, Acme, Grand Traverse county). Jane was said to be born Nov 1876 (from census records). No birth records found for these children.
Peter is next found in the land records when on 9 Sep 1878 Peter Mark-nah-we-ke-zhick purchased W 1/2 of NW 1/4, section 1, T29N R9W (Milton township, Antrim, MI)
Daughter Lillian was born 8 Apr 1879.
The 1880 Federal census of Milton township gives the family as P M Wab-ska-ne-guam, age 38, Anna, wife, age 28; Alfred, son, age 9; Jane, daughter age 7; David, son, age 5, and Lillie, daughter, age 0. He is listed after his brother's family - Martin Wab-ska-ne-quam, 39, Sha-ne-ah, wife, 30, John, son, 8, William, son, 6, and Susan, daughter, 5. This is the only time the name Wab-sha-ne-guam is seen.
Smallpox
Smallpox
In the fall of 1881 smallpox was brought to the area by a schooner from Chicago. Men would use canoes to transport wood and other goods from the beach to the schooners. Two Anishinaabek men were exposed to smallpox while loading the Helen Pratt and the Perry Bronson and brought the disease back to Peshabestown where it spread quickly. A man from Peshawbestown got scared and ran to Kewadin on the other side of the Grand Traverse Bay. This is where Nah-we-ke-zhick and family were living. The man stopped at several homes, including the home of Nah-we-ke-zhick's sister Mary and her husband Jacob Sogod. Grace Hooper's Pioneer Notes says a relative became sick at the Sogod house and Jacob cared for him. The book goes on to say Jacob did not become sick because he swallowed some of the fluid of the skunk mixed with herbs. Samuel Nockwegesic (son of Nah-we-ke-zhick's brother Martin) died 16 Nov 1881 from smallpox.
Murder
"10-27-82
Last Saturday night word was brought to this village that a murder had been committed beyond Indian town. The Prosecuting Attorney, who was then at Traverse City, was informed of the fact arrived about 1 o'clock; Sunday morning. In the meantime Joseph P. Mullery, Christopher Hughes and Perry Stocking started for the scene and arrested Joseph Nah-sho-ga-she, better known as Joseph Wah-be-sa, and George Ge-wa-je-wan, son of Gabriel O-ge-ta-na-quet; more commonly called Pe-ton-ne-quet, as the ones supposed to have murdered Peter Pe-dwa-we-dam, commonly called Peter Ke-wa-din and nearly murdered Peter Mark Nah-we-ge-shig, usually called P.M. From one who saw them that night we glean the following facts: It seems that the four mentioned left this place late in the afternoon of said day, considerably under the influence of liquor, and when they arrived at Banninger's they filled with three pitchers of wine. Just before leaving the house, one of the accused called some one a vile name and Ke-wa-din remonstrated with him, and this is where the quarrel of the night commenced, although we learn that there had been previous ill feeling. When they arrived just this side of Hi Robinson's place some harsh words were interchanged when the two accused took heavy clubs from the fence and knocked the two others down and commenced beating them about the heads with their clubs. Conrad Bachi, who lives near where the crime was committed, said that the Indians would pound them and then run around and whoop. Hi Robinson informs us that on Saturday night about 8 o'clock, Mary Ke-wa-din came to his house and told him that the Indians were killing her husband. Hurrying to the spot he met Wah-be-ska and Geo. Pe-ton-ne-quet, each carrying clubs, and upon going down the road some distance, found Peter Ke-wa-din and P.M. lying on the ground. Throwing the light of his lantern upon them he says he never saw such a sight. Ke-wa-din was lying in a pool of blood, and his face all covered with blood. Mr. Robinson says he went immediately for water and bathed Pe-ton-ne-quet's [sic, should be Ke-wa-din's] face, and found a fearful wound just above his right eye, the skull completely crushed in. After bathing his face he says that he lived about twenty minutes. The next morning on going to the spot he found a piece of the skull, which is now in Dr. Bailey's possession. P.M.'s wounds were of such a serious nature that he was thought to be dying several times. His skull was crushed in above his right eye, in almost the same place that Pe-ton-ne-quet's [sic, should say Ke-wa-din's] was, and it is said he cannot live. The prisoners waved examination Monday, and on Tuesday they were taken to Bellaire, where their trial will come off before the Circuit Court next December."
(Source: Neumann, Glenn. Bay Breezes, Local History Unfolding, volume II. Elk Rapids, MI. Elk Rapids Historical Society, 1997.) [Last Saturday would be 21 Oct 1882]
Son Eugene was born 4 Jan 1883.
Daughter Josephine was born 28 May 1884
Daughter Mary Ann/Marion was born in 1886
Daughter Susan was born 8 Jan 1889
On 25 Oct 1890, daughter Jane arrived at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Photo of Jane taken at Carlisle
Daughter Eliza was born 28 Feb 1891
Son William was born 1893-1894
Son Alfred was married 28 Aug 1894 in Clearwater township, Kalkaska county to Nancy Walker.
Photo of Jane and Josie taken at Carlisle
Son Francis was born 9 Nov 1895.
Daughters Lilly, age 17, and Susan, age 8, arrived at Mt. Pleasant Boarding School on 16 Sep 1895. The girls are listed as Ottawa, daughters of Peter Mark of Kewadin.
Daughter Lily arrived at Mt. Pleasant Boarding School on 1 Jul 1896. She is Ottawa, daughter of Peter Mark of Kewadin.
Daughter Josie arrived at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School on 14 Aug 1896.
Daughter Lilly was listed as departing Mt. Pleasant Boarding School on 29 Jun 1898, term expired. She was 19, daughter of Peter Mark of Kewadin, both parents were living and she was full blood.
On 2 Jun 1900 daughter Jane and Edward Anderson applied for a marriage license in Antrim county. This couple did not get married. Jane gave birth to her daughter Viola Wabose on 2 Sep 1900. Viola was said to be daughter of Frank Wabose.
The 1900 federal census of Clearwater Township, Kalkaska county gives the family as:
Mark, Peter, born Apr 1830, age 70, married 35 years, born Michigan, occupation - hunt and fish, owns not mortgaged house
Anna, wife, born Jun 1854, age 45, married 35 years, 11 children born, 10 children living, occupation - housework
The 1900 federal census of Clearwater Township, Kalkaska county gives the family as:
Mark, Peter, born Apr 1830, age 70, married 35 years, born Michigan, occupation - hunt and fish, owns not mortgaged house
Anna, wife, born Jun 1854, age 45, married 35 years, 11 children born, 10 children living, occupation - housework
Alfred, son, born Apr 1864, 36, occupation - wood cutter
Jane M., daughter, born Nov 1876, 23, occupation - make baskets
David, son, born Dec 1878, 21, occupation - wood cutter
Josephene A, daughter, born May 1884, 16, occupation - at school, attended school for 5 months
Lillie, daughter, born Apr 1882, 18, occupation - at school, attended school for 5 months
Eugene, son, born Dec 1886, 13, attended school for 5 months
Susie, daughter, born Jan 1888, 12, attended school for 5 months
Marion, no relationship given, born Nov 1890, 9, attended school for 5 months
Eliza, no relationship given, born Feb 1892, 8, attended school for 5 months
Francis H., son, born Sep 1896, 3
1) Alfred has a birth certificate and was not born in 1864. However if the question was when was your first child born, Peter's oldest, Mary Allen, was born in 1864.
2) Anna gave birth to 11 children with only 10 living. The missing child, named William was born between Eliza and Francis (based on the listing of the children on the Durant Roll Field Notes below) and passed before 1900.
3) Alfred was not actually living at home. He was married and had children.
4) Lillie was not actually living at home. She was married and had a child.
5) Josie was not actually living at home - in 1900 she was in school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Daughter Rosie was born 27 Jun 1900
Son Moses Allen died 21 Mar 1901 in Leelanau County. It is not known what became of Moses' sister, Mary.
Prior to 1905 (the date on the postcard) the following picture was taken of Peter and Anna.
Anna dies in Clearwater township on 25 Aug 1906.
The Durant Roll Field Notes, #10 page 46
Naw-we-go zhe go or Peter Mark, 78, lives Kewadin or Rapid City, wife dead
Children:
1 Alfred Mark, 34, Bradley, Mich, wife Nancy Mark nee Walker, see 12/53
2 Jane (Mark) Waboose, see #2 p. 46; husband Frank Waboose, died Mch 29/07
3 David Mark, 30, Rapid City, not married
4 Lillie Mark King, 26, Rapid City, husband Moses King, 34, see #13 p 42, grandson of Mrs. David King, see 3/46; children: Beatrice King, 9; Lucius King, 6; George King, 2; Joshua King, born Oct 23, 1907; Leander King, 3, died Sep 1/07
5 Josie Mark, 24, 2235 N 33d St, Philadelphia, Pa, not married
6 Eugene Mark, 22, Pellston, Mich
7 Susie Mark Ance, 20, husband Casper Ance 8/42, Rapid City - Alden, Mich
8 Marian Mark, 18 see #6 p 46, Rapid City, separated from Thomas Ogemawkee-ge-do
9 Eliza Mark, 16, Rapid City, husband Joe Blackman, 26, see 17-41, child: Mary Blackman born Mch 28 Apr 28, 1908
10 Wm Mark
11 Francis Mark, 12, Chilocoo, Okla Ind Sch
12 Rosie Mark, 9, Chilocoo, Okla Ind Sch
The 1910 census of Clearwater Township finds P.M. living with daughter Lily, 29 and son-in-law Moses King, 32 and their children Lucius, 7, George, 5, Joshua, 3 and Amelia, 0.
The Traverse City Police Records 1911-1916, page 116, states that on August 8 (year unknown) "arrested Peter Mark for DD [drunk and disordery]. Put him in coop to sober up and let him out to leave town."
1912 Tax Records of Clearwater township show Peter owning land in the south 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 8.
The Philadelphia Inquirer of 10 Apr 1913 tells of Robert Piper and Josephine Mark's marriage license.
1917 Tax Records
1920 Federal Census - Clearwater township, Kalkaska county - P.M. is living alone.
The following appears in the Battle Creek Enquirer on 4 Jan 1925 and mentions P.M.'s sister Mary Sogod.
P.M. died in Solon township, Leelanau county (visiting?) on 14 Jun 1926. While his age is given as 106 he was most likely in his mid 80s. He is buried at the Kewadin Indian Mission cemetery.
His obituary appeared in the The Kalkaska Leader and the Kalkaskian, June 17, 1926.
The Traverse City Record Eagle published on 27 Jun 1927 and 27 Jun 1928 the story of gold having been buried by Native Americans on the farm land now owned by John Steiner. While this is after Peter's death below are excerpts that mention not only Peter but his sister Mary Sogod.
The following was said about Mary:
Newspaper Notice
The Leader and the Kalkaskian, 24 Oct 1957
Notice to Peter Mark and/or heirs of the sale of 1 acre, section 8, T28N R8W for $2.80 tax owed for 1953. Sold to Gerald L. and Juanita Urick.
Peter was photographed many times.
Additional photos of PM and family
FAMILY LINKS
Children:Mary Allen
Moses Allen
baby boy
Alfred Mark
Jane Mark
David Mark
Lillian Mark
Eugene Mark
Josephine Mark
Marian Mark
Susan Mark
Eliza Mark
Francis Mark
Rosie Mark
Father:
Pashawnaquong
Siblings:
Martin Noonday
Joe Marks
Mary Sogod
Copyright (c) 2016 Vicki Wilson
Eugene Mark
Josephine Mark
Marian Mark
Susan Mark
Eliza Mark
Francis Mark
Rosie Mark
Father:
Pashawnaquong
Siblings:
Martin Noonday
Joe Marks
Mary Sogod
Copyright (c) 2016 Vicki Wilson
Updated June 2025
The news article mentioned " His skull was crushed in above his right eye, in almost the same place that Pe-ton-ne-quet's [sic, should be Ke-wa-din's] was, and it is said he cannot live. " and the scar / depression in his skull is visible in P.M.'s photos late in his life.
ReplyDeleteThis is my grandfather and his kin. Hey papa!
ReplyDelete