Joseph was born around 1856 the son of Francis Okenotego and Catherine.
The family would have ties to St. Ignatius church in Emmet for many years.
The 1860 Federal Census, La Croix township, Emmet county lists
Ogenotego, Francis, 30, farmer, born in Wisconsin
Catherine, 35, born in Michigan
Mary, 14, born in Michigan
Agnes, 12, born in Michigan
Christina, 10, born in Michigan
Leon, 6, born in Michigan
Joseph, 4, born in Michigan
The 1861 Annuity Roll has #42 O ke no te go, 1 man, 1 woman, 4 children, receiving $32.34 under Chief Paul Shaw waw nay se.
The 1865 Annuity Roll has #39 Catherine O ke no te go, no men, 1 woman, 2 children, receiving $12, under Chief Paul Shaw waw nay se.
1868 Annuity Roll has #18 Cath. O ke no te go, no man, 1 woman, 3 children, receiving $63.40 under Chief Naw o ge maw
1870 Annuity Roll has #18, Cath O ke no te go, no man, 2 women, 2 children, receiving $61.20 under Chief Naw o ge maw. [The second woman could be daughter Agnes who would be over age 18].
The 1870 Federal Census, Little Traverse township, Emmet county
Meshenene, Louis, 50, farmer, real estate valued at $600, personal estate $250, born in Michigan
Kinadigo, Catherine, 45, keeping house real estate valued at $450, born in Michigan
Agnes, 18, born in Michigan
Leo, 16, born in Michigan
Joseph, 14, born in Michigan
Meshenene, Mary A., 100, born in Michigan
Francis O ke no te go received the N 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of section 6 in T36N R6W consisting of 80 acres, dated 13 Jan 1872.
Map of where land was located
The 1880 Federal Census finds Catherine and her sons in Friendship township, Emmet county. [The census taker was real creative with the spelling, and only Louis has added 10 years.]
Michsinnie, Louis, 60, farmer
Catherine, 50, sister
Canotico, Joseph, 18, son
Canotico, Laong, 22, son
Joseph married(?) Mary, and their son, Lozen, died 18 Nov 1882 in Readmond township, Emmet county. His age and cause of death are unknown.
Joseph and Mary lost a second child, Anna, on 3 Sep 1885 in Readmond township, Emmet county. She was 2 years old.
What became of Mary is currently unknown.
On 15 Jan 1891 Joseph, age 20, married Sarah Nodegwasaw, age 18, daughter of Benj. Nodegwasaw and Mary Ann Blackman. Joseph's parents are given as Francis Kenotego and Catherine Mitchell. Ceremony was performed by Servatinis Altwicks, Catholic Priest, in Harbor Springs.
Daughter Addie died 15 Apr 1892 at age 8 months, cause unknown.
Son Edward was born 15 Oct 1893 [date from his death record]
Son Albert was born 15 Jun 1896 [date from his death record]
Son Louis/Lewis was born Apr 1898 [date from 1900 census, also given as 1 Apr 1897, 2 Apr 1900 and 15 Oct 1899 in other records.]
The 1900 Federal Census of West Traverse township, Emmet county lists:
Francis, Joseph, head, born Jun 1863, age 37, married 9 years, farmer, rented farm
Sarah, wife, born Jun 1872, age 28, 4 children born, 3 children living
Eddie, son, born Nov 1893, age 6
Albert, son, born Jun 1896, age 4
Lewis, son, born Apr 1898, age 2
Catherine, mother, born 1818, age 81, widow, 1 child born, 1 child living
all are listed as born in Michigan, full Ottawa, live in fixed (not mobile) home.
Daughter Mary was born about 1901
Son Solomon was born 2 Jun 1904 in Good Hart, Emmet county. [Date from his social security application, draft registration says 2 Jun 1905]
Edward and Louis attended boarding school in Mt. Pleasant [source Register of Pupils]. They arrived on 30 Aug 1905 for a period of 3 years. Perhaps they went home for the summer as they arrive again on 30 Aug 1906.
Son Elias was born 24 Dec 1907. [date from death record.]
Daughter Agnes was born 11 Aug 1908 [from Durant field notes, her obit gives 11 Aug 1911, but she is listed on the 1910 census]
On 6 Nov 1908 Amab Lavake, William Prout and Alfred Shampine of Beaver Island were caught in a terrible storm and stranded in their 28-foot, gasoline-powered boat, off the shore of Good Hart and Cross Village. A day later, Joseph Kijigobinessi, 37 and Joseph Okenotego, 53 noticed the men's plight, called for a rescue tug, and built a fire on the beach as a signal. The next day, when no rescue tug came the men took Kijigobinessi's boat and with some difficulty rescued the three men.
[Account of Native American hero]
Fire on the shore of near Middle Village (current photo)
Kijigobinessi and his boat
Accounts of the rescue appear in the books "The Indians of Hungry Hollow" by Bill Dunlop and Marcia Fountain-Blacklidge, "The Place Where the Crooked Tree Stood" by Jane Cardinal and Connie Cobb, and "The Indian Drum" by Edwin Balmer and William MacHarg.
1908 Durant roll field notes
page 28 #18 - lists Joseph's mother and siblings
Catharine Oke-no-tego, 90, Middle Village/Good Hart
child 1 - dead
child 2 - Leo Francis, 60, Suttons Bay
1st wife - Madeline - dead; child Wm O-genotego/Wm Francis, 27, Cross Village, see 3/20
2nd wife - Philamon (P. Ance), 44, see 8-42
child 3 - Joe Francis, 50, Good Hart/Middle Village, see 8-20
page 20 #8 lists the family of Joseph's wife, Sarah.
Naw-do-way-qua-saw - dead
wife Mary Ann Agosa, 60, Cross Village
child 1 - Sarah, 35, Good Hart, see 3-41
husband Joseph Francis, 46, or Joe Oke-no-te-go, see 18/28
Ed, 15
Albert, 13
Louis, 9
Mary, 7
Solomon, 4
Eliza, 2 [Elias]
Agnes b. 11 Aug 1908
child 2 - Angeline Aniwaskey, 29, Austin's Bay
husband Wm Aniwaskey, see 13-40
child 3 - Peter Agosa, 28, Beaver Island
wife Susan nee Wah-be-minkee 10-38
child 4 - George Agosa, 26, Cross Village
child 5 - Philamon Meangwa or May-on-go-we, 24, Cross Village
husband Joseph, 28 - see 49-29
Cecilia Warren 5
Benjamin Warren 1, b. May 1907
page 41 #3 gives the parents of Sarah's mother
Pay-baw-saw - dead
wife - dead
child 1 - Mary Agosa, 60, Cross Village
1st husband - dead
2nd husband - dead
daughter Sarah Francis - see 8-20
husband Francis, Joe
daughter Angeline (Troshe) Anawasky - see 8-20
2nd husband Wm Anawasky, 31, see 13-40
children by 1st husband - Edmund Troshe, 14; Mary, 3
child 2 - blank
child 3 - Andrew Tabasaw
wife dead
son Enos, 28, Suttons Bay
son Bennett, 20, Suttons Bay
child 4 - Mary Ann Nadowegesa, 47, Suttons Bay
husband - dead (brother of the husband of sister Mary)
son Frank, 24
daughter Rosie, 17
child 5 - Sophia
husband - dead
son Antoine Chippeway, 23, see 19-41, wife is Susan Yanot
son John Chipppeway, 20
The 1910 Federal Census, taken 21 Apr, shows the family living in Friendship township, Emmet county.
Francis, Joseph, 46, married once - 19 years, farmer on general farm
Sarah, wife, 37, 8 children born, 7 children living, basket maker - works on own account
Edward, son, 16
Albert, son, 14
Lewis, son, 11
Mary, daughter, 9
Solomon, son, 7
Elias, son, 4
Agnes, daughter, 1 year 8 months
Oknotogo, Catherine, mother, 101, widow, 6 children born, 2 children living
all are listed as born in Michigan, full Ottawa, Joseph, Sarah and Catherine only speak Indian.
[Note that Catherine has aged 20 years since the last census instead of 10 years and 11 years since the Durant Roll instead of 2 years.]
On 8 Aug 1910 son Eddie dies in Friendship township, Emmet county of TB.
Eddie is buried at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Good Hart.
Son Albert died 11 Jan 1911 in Friendship township of "supposed consumption real cause not known." His occupation was given as "school at Mt. Pleasant."
Albert was buried at St. Ignatius in Good Hart.
Daughter Alice was born 21 Oct 1911. [Date from death record]
Mother Catherine died 31 Mar 1912 in Friendship township, Emmet county. Her age listed as 103, name as Cathelene Ottentego
Joseph and Sarah with children Mary and Louis in back; Elias, Alice, Agnes and Solomon in front, based on ages [Elias and Solomon might be switched]
In 1914 the Andrew Carnegie Hero Fund Foundation was contacted about the rescue of 1908. The families of Joseph Kjigobinessi and Joseph Okenotego [Francis] received $500 and gold medals.
From the Charlevoix Courier, 1 May 1914
Joseph and Sarah proudly show off his medal.
Carnegie Annual Report published 1915
page 29
In her book "When Michigan was Young" Mrs. Ethel Rowan Fasquelle told the story of "Joe Francis, Hero" as chapter twenty-one. [Link to the chapter at HathiTrust.]
Daughter Catherine was born 15 Aug 1915 [date from death record]
On 12 Sep 1918 son Louis registered for the draft. He gave his birth as 15 Oct 1899, relative as Sarah Francis, mother. He was described as medium height, slender build, brown eyes and black hair.
Daughter Mary was married on 28 Jul 1919 in Good Hart to Thomas Assinaway. Ceremony was performed by Rev. Philipps, pastor of Good Hart Church.
The 1920 Federal Census of Friendship township, Emmet county
Francis, Joseph, owns free home, 62, laborer at lumber camp
Sarah, wife, 47
Louis, son, 23, laborer at lumber camp
Mary, daughter, 19
Solomon, son, 16
Elija, son, 14
Agnes, daughter, 12
Alice, daughter, 9
Catherine, 6
Daughters Agnes, age 12, Alice, age 10, and Catherine, age 6, are also listed in the 1920 Federal Census of Holy Childhood School, Little Traverse township, Emmet county.
Son Louis is mentioned in The Petoskey Evening News, 14 Mar 1923, along with fellow fishermen Joseph Chingwa, Samuel Evans, William Gablo and William Kopequat, as being caught by breaks in the ice.
Sons Solomon and Louis saw some excitement when confronted by a pair of timber wolves.
The Petoskey Evening News, 14 Jul 1924, tells of the brothers along with friends Benjamin Warren and Louis Chingwa, encountering the wolves, running back to the Francis home and arming them selves with a shot gun, ax and clubs. After one wolf was shot by Solomon the other ran away.
Son Louis was married 26 Jan 1925 in Petoskey, Emmet county to Victoria Meongwa Coby. Ceremony was performed by William Montgomery, Justice of the Peace. From liber 4 page 77
Son Elias died 7 Nov 1926 in Good Hart, Friendship township, Emmet county of pneumonia. His age is given as 18 years, 10 months, 14 days which would make his birth 24 Dec 1907.
Son Solomon (Sol), 23, married Lena Chingwa, 17, daughter of William Chingwa and Mary Chippewa on 6 Sep 1927 in Emmet county, liber 4 page 78. Ceremony performed by Father Aubert Kenter, Catholic Indian Missionary.
Daughter Alice married John Tepakeyah on 13 Aug 1928 at Bay Shore, Charlevoix county.
Daughter Agnes Sarah, age 19, married 12 Aug 1929 in Middle Village to Charles F. Mann, age 25. Ceremony was performed by Father Aubert Kenter, Catholic Indian Missionary. From liber 4 page 165.
The 1930 Federal Census of Friendship township finds Joseph living with son Solomon and family.
Francis, Solomon, head, no radio, does not live on farm, 25, married at 23, laborer on farm andfishing
Lena, wife, 20, married at 17
Rose, daughter, 10/12
Tepaykeyoh, Alice, sister-in-law, 19, married at 18
Tepaykeyoh, John, son, 10/12
Francis, Joseph, father, 67, married at 30
Sarah, mother, 57, married at 20
Catherine, sister, 16
Son Louis is found living in Cross Village township, Emmet county in the 1930 Federal Census.
Francis, Louis, no radio, not living on farm, 30, first marriage at 23
Victoria, wife, 32, first marriage at 25
Albert, son, 4 years 6 months
Grace, daughter, 2 years, 6 months
Christina, daughter, 6 months
Negonquam, Angeline, grandmother, 70, widowed, first marriage at 14
Daughter Agnes is found living with her husband's family in the 1930 Federal Census of Bliss Township, Emmet county.
Mann, Wilson, J., head, 66, married at 33, farmer
Tidilla L., wife, 57, married at 24
Charles F., son, 26, married at 25
Agnes, daughter-in-law, 19, married at 19
Nellie, neice, 14
Francis, Suzanna, lodger, 4 years 1 month [Is she Agnes' child?]
Baker, William P. cousin-in-law, 73, divorced
Daughter Catherine died 1 Sep 1930 in Friendship township, Emmet county, of TB.
Joseph's brother, Leo Francis, died 23 Dec 1931 in Suttons Bay, Leelanau county at age 78. His parents are given as Frank Francis and Catherine O'Kintego.
Wife Sarah's half-brother, Joe died 17 Mar 1939. His obit appeared in the Petoskey Evening News on 18 Mar 1939.
The 1940 Federal Census finds the family still in Friendship township, Emmet county.
Francis, Solomom, head, 33, lived in same house in 1935, laborer in lumber mill
Lena, wife, 30
Rose, daughter, 10
Ethel, daughter, 9
Mary, daughter, 6
Albert, son, 4
Ione, daughter, 2
Billie, son, 4/12
Francis, Joseph, head, 81, lived in same house in 1935
Sarah, wife, 67
Louis, son, 43, carpenter at building
Daughter Mary died 27 Apr 1940 in Cross Village
The Petoskey Evening News, 9 Sep 1940, tells of an auto accident that put Joseph's wife Sarah and son Louis in the hospital.
Son Solomon registered for the draft on 16 Oct 1940. He gave his birth as 2 Jun 1905, nearest relative as wife Lena. He was described at 5'9", 136 lbs., Indian, with brown eyes, black hair and dark brown complexion.
On 16 Feb 1942 son Louis registered for the draft. He gave his birth as 2 Apr 1900, relative as Mrs. Sarah Francis of Good Hart. He was described as Indian, brown eyes, black hair, light brown complexion.
Joseph died 24 May 1942 at Good Hart, Emmet county. His birth is given as 24 Jul 1852, age 89 years, 10 months.
Joseph was buried at St. Ignatius Cemetery.
Son Louis enlisted in the U.S. Army on 27 Oct 1942 in Kalamazoo. He is listed as, 5 foot 7 inches, 128 pounds, separated with dependents.
Louis was discharged from the Army on 8 Apr 1943. [From his tombstone application]
From the Northern Michigan Review, 29 Aug 1946
Sarah's home was destroyed by fire on 7 Aug 1951. The Petoskey Evening News tells of the Red Cross asking for help for Sarah.
Neighbors soon helped to build a new house for her according to the Emmet County Graphic, 23 Aug 1951
On 16 Apr 1952 the Petoskey Evening News told of the passing of Joseph and Sarah's grandson Pvt. Julius Tepakeyah..
Daughter Alice died 15 Jun 1954 in West Traverse township, Emmet county.
Petoskey Evening News 25 Apr 1956 tells of Sarah petitioning in the estate of George Agosa.
Victoria, the wife of son Louis, died 8 Oct 1958. Her obit was printed 9 Oct 1958, The Petoskey News-Review
Daughter Agnes married Steven Shananaquet on 20 Jun 1963 in Cheboygan.
Picture of Sarah later in life.
Sarah died 10 May 1961 at Harbor Springs. Her obit was printed in the Petoskey News Review, 11 May 1961.
Son Louis died 19 Jul 1961 at his home in Middle Village, Emmet county.
Petoskey News-Review 20 Jul 1961
Louis is buried at St. Ignatius cemetery.
Louis' daughter applied for a military headstone for him. On the application his birth was given as both 1 Apr 1897 and 2 Apr 1900.
The 16 Sep 1961 issue of the Herald-Press of St. Joseph, Michigan, tells of Solomon being interviewed by Emily F. Chapman on 5 Sep 1961.
The Petoskey News-Review, 1 Feb 1977, tells of Solomon being beaten by his son.
8 Aug 1977 - Petoskey News-Review - Solomon Francis, 1,000th persons to register with the nutrition program.
5 Nov 1981 - Petoskey News-Review - at St. Ignatius cemetery.
Daughter Agnes died 2 Jul 1982 in Petoskey. Her obit was printed on 6 Jul 1982 in the Petoskey News-Review
Picture of Agnes posted by reenaking46 on Ancestry
A poem about Joseph was written for son Solomon's 80th birthday and appeared in the Petoskey News-Review, 12 Jun 1984
Joseph's bravery was celebrated with a ceremony in 1987.
Petoskey News-Review 15 Jun 1987
Son Solomon was injured in an auto accident - Petoskey News-Review 26 Aug 1988
Son Solomon died 31 Mar 1989 in Petoskey, Emmet county. From the Petoskey News Review, 3 Apr 1989
Excerpts from an article about St. Ignatius cemetery mention the Francis family. Petoskey News-Review 31 Oct 1989. [Link to full article.]
...
The family would have ties to St. Ignatius church in Emmet for many years.
The 1860 Federal Census, La Croix township, Emmet county lists
Ogenotego, Francis, 30, farmer, born in Wisconsin
Catherine, 35, born in Michigan
Mary, 14, born in Michigan
Agnes, 12, born in Michigan
Christina, 10, born in Michigan
Leon, 6, born in Michigan
Joseph, 4, born in Michigan
The 1861 Annuity Roll has #42 O ke no te go, 1 man, 1 woman, 4 children, receiving $32.34 under Chief Paul Shaw waw nay se.
The 1865 Annuity Roll has #39 Catherine O ke no te go, no men, 1 woman, 2 children, receiving $12, under Chief Paul Shaw waw nay se.
1868 Annuity Roll has #18 Cath. O ke no te go, no man, 1 woman, 3 children, receiving $63.40 under Chief Naw o ge maw
1870 Annuity Roll has #18, Cath O ke no te go, no man, 2 women, 2 children, receiving $61.20 under Chief Naw o ge maw. [The second woman could be daughter Agnes who would be over age 18].
The 1870 Federal Census, Little Traverse township, Emmet county
Meshenene, Louis, 50, farmer, real estate valued at $600, personal estate $250, born in Michigan
Kinadigo, Catherine, 45, keeping house real estate valued at $450, born in Michigan
Agnes, 18, born in Michigan
Leo, 16, born in Michigan
Joseph, 14, born in Michigan
Meshenene, Mary A., 100, born in Michigan
Francis O ke no te go received the N 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of section 6 in T36N R6W consisting of 80 acres, dated 13 Jan 1872.
Map of where land was located
The 1880 Federal Census finds Catherine and her sons in Friendship township, Emmet county. [The census taker was real creative with the spelling, and only Louis has added 10 years.]
Michsinnie, Louis, 60, farmer
Catherine, 50, sister
Canotico, Joseph, 18, son
Canotico, Laong, 22, son
Joseph married(?) Mary, and their son, Lozen, died 18 Nov 1882 in Readmond township, Emmet county. His age and cause of death are unknown.
Joseph and Mary lost a second child, Anna, on 3 Sep 1885 in Readmond township, Emmet county. She was 2 years old.
What became of Mary is currently unknown.
On 15 Jan 1891 Joseph, age 20, married Sarah Nodegwasaw, age 18, daughter of Benj. Nodegwasaw and Mary Ann Blackman. Joseph's parents are given as Francis Kenotego and Catherine Mitchell. Ceremony was performed by Servatinis Altwicks, Catholic Priest, in Harbor Springs.
Daughter Addie died 15 Apr 1892 at age 8 months, cause unknown.
Son Edward was born 15 Oct 1893 [date from his death record]
Son Albert was born 15 Jun 1896 [date from his death record]
Son Louis/Lewis was born Apr 1898 [date from 1900 census, also given as 1 Apr 1897, 2 Apr 1900 and 15 Oct 1899 in other records.]
The 1900 Federal Census of West Traverse township, Emmet county lists:
Francis, Joseph, head, born Jun 1863, age 37, married 9 years, farmer, rented farm
Sarah, wife, born Jun 1872, age 28, 4 children born, 3 children living
Eddie, son, born Nov 1893, age 6
Albert, son, born Jun 1896, age 4
Lewis, son, born Apr 1898, age 2
Catherine, mother, born 1818, age 81, widow, 1 child born, 1 child living
all are listed as born in Michigan, full Ottawa, live in fixed (not mobile) home.
Daughter Mary was born about 1901
Son Solomon was born 2 Jun 1904 in Good Hart, Emmet county. [Date from his social security application, draft registration says 2 Jun 1905]
Edward and Louis attended boarding school in Mt. Pleasant [source Register of Pupils]. They arrived on 30 Aug 1905 for a period of 3 years. Perhaps they went home for the summer as they arrive again on 30 Aug 1906.
Son Elias was born 24 Dec 1907. [date from death record.]
Daughter Agnes was born 11 Aug 1908 [from Durant field notes, her obit gives 11 Aug 1911, but she is listed on the 1910 census]
On 6 Nov 1908 Amab Lavake, William Prout and Alfred Shampine of Beaver Island were caught in a terrible storm and stranded in their 28-foot, gasoline-powered boat, off the shore of Good Hart and Cross Village. A day later, Joseph Kijigobinessi, 37 and Joseph Okenotego, 53 noticed the men's plight, called for a rescue tug, and built a fire on the beach as a signal. The next day, when no rescue tug came the men took Kijigobinessi's boat and with some difficulty rescued the three men.
[Account of Native American hero]
Fire on the shore of near Middle Village (current photo)
Kijigobinessi and his boat
1908 Durant roll field notes
page 28 #18 - lists Joseph's mother and siblings
Catharine Oke-no-tego, 90, Middle Village/Good Hart
child 1 - dead
child 2 - Leo Francis, 60, Suttons Bay
1st wife - Madeline - dead; child Wm O-genotego/Wm Francis, 27, Cross Village, see 3/20
2nd wife - Philamon (P. Ance), 44, see 8-42
child 3 - Joe Francis, 50, Good Hart/Middle Village, see 8-20
page 20 #8 lists the family of Joseph's wife, Sarah.
Naw-do-way-qua-saw - dead
wife Mary Ann Agosa, 60, Cross Village
child 1 - Sarah, 35, Good Hart, see 3-41
husband Joseph Francis, 46, or Joe Oke-no-te-go, see 18/28
Ed, 15
Albert, 13
Louis, 9
Mary, 7
Solomon, 4
Eliza, 2 [Elias]
Agnes b. 11 Aug 1908
child 2 - Angeline Aniwaskey, 29, Austin's Bay
husband Wm Aniwaskey, see 13-40
child 3 - Peter Agosa, 28, Beaver Island
wife Susan nee Wah-be-minkee 10-38
child 4 - George Agosa, 26, Cross Village
child 5 - Philamon Meangwa or May-on-go-we, 24, Cross Village
husband Joseph, 28 - see 49-29
Cecilia Warren 5
Benjamin Warren 1, b. May 1907
page 41 #3 gives the parents of Sarah's mother
Pay-baw-saw - dead
wife - dead
child 1 - Mary Agosa, 60, Cross Village
1st husband - dead
2nd husband - dead
daughter Sarah Francis - see 8-20
husband Francis, Joe
daughter Angeline (Troshe) Anawasky - see 8-20
2nd husband Wm Anawasky, 31, see 13-40
children by 1st husband - Edmund Troshe, 14; Mary, 3
child 2 - blank
child 3 - Andrew Tabasaw
wife dead
son Enos, 28, Suttons Bay
son Bennett, 20, Suttons Bay
child 4 - Mary Ann Nadowegesa, 47, Suttons Bay
husband - dead (brother of the husband of sister Mary)
son Frank, 24
daughter Rosie, 17
child 5 - Sophia
husband - dead
son Antoine Chippeway, 23, see 19-41, wife is Susan Yanot
son John Chipppeway, 20
The 1910 Federal Census, taken 21 Apr, shows the family living in Friendship township, Emmet county.
Francis, Joseph, 46, married once - 19 years, farmer on general farm
Sarah, wife, 37, 8 children born, 7 children living, basket maker - works on own account
Edward, son, 16
Albert, son, 14
Lewis, son, 11
Mary, daughter, 9
Solomon, son, 7
Elias, son, 4
Agnes, daughter, 1 year 8 months
Oknotogo, Catherine, mother, 101, widow, 6 children born, 2 children living
all are listed as born in Michigan, full Ottawa, Joseph, Sarah and Catherine only speak Indian.
[Note that Catherine has aged 20 years since the last census instead of 10 years and 11 years since the Durant Roll instead of 2 years.]
On 8 Aug 1910 son Eddie dies in Friendship township, Emmet county of TB.
Eddie is buried at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Good Hart.
Son Albert died 11 Jan 1911 in Friendship township of "supposed consumption real cause not known." His occupation was given as "school at Mt. Pleasant."
Daughter Alice was born 21 Oct 1911. [Date from death record]
Mother Catherine died 31 Mar 1912 in Friendship township, Emmet county. Her age listed as 103, name as Cathelene Ottentego
Joseph and Sarah with children Mary and Louis in back; Elias, Alice, Agnes and Solomon in front, based on ages [Elias and Solomon might be switched]
In 1914 the Andrew Carnegie Hero Fund Foundation was contacted about the rescue of 1908. The families of Joseph Kjigobinessi and Joseph Okenotego [Francis] received $500 and gold medals.
From the Charlevoix Courier, 1 May 1914
Joseph and Sarah proudly show off his medal.
Carnegie Annual Report published 1915
Daughter Catherine was born 15 Aug 1915 [date from death record]
On 12 Sep 1918 son Louis registered for the draft. He gave his birth as 15 Oct 1899, relative as Sarah Francis, mother. He was described as medium height, slender build, brown eyes and black hair.
Daughter Mary was married on 28 Jul 1919 in Good Hart to Thomas Assinaway. Ceremony was performed by Rev. Philipps, pastor of Good Hart Church.
The 1920 Federal Census of Friendship township, Emmet county
Francis, Joseph, owns free home, 62, laborer at lumber camp
Sarah, wife, 47
Louis, son, 23, laborer at lumber camp
Mary, daughter, 19
Solomon, son, 16
Elija, son, 14
Agnes, daughter, 12
Alice, daughter, 9
Catherine, 6
Daughters Agnes, age 12, Alice, age 10, and Catherine, age 6, are also listed in the 1920 Federal Census of Holy Childhood School, Little Traverse township, Emmet county.
Son Louis is mentioned in The Petoskey Evening News, 14 Mar 1923, along with fellow fishermen Joseph Chingwa, Samuel Evans, William Gablo and William Kopequat, as being caught by breaks in the ice.
Sons Solomon and Louis saw some excitement when confronted by a pair of timber wolves.
The Petoskey Evening News, 14 Jul 1924, tells of the brothers along with friends Benjamin Warren and Louis Chingwa, encountering the wolves, running back to the Francis home and arming them selves with a shot gun, ax and clubs. After one wolf was shot by Solomon the other ran away.
Son Louis was married 26 Jan 1925 in Petoskey, Emmet county to Victoria Meongwa Coby. Ceremony was performed by William Montgomery, Justice of the Peace. From liber 4 page 77
Son Elias died 7 Nov 1926 in Good Hart, Friendship township, Emmet county of pneumonia. His age is given as 18 years, 10 months, 14 days which would make his birth 24 Dec 1907.
Son Solomon (Sol), 23, married Lena Chingwa, 17, daughter of William Chingwa and Mary Chippewa on 6 Sep 1927 in Emmet county, liber 4 page 78. Ceremony performed by Father Aubert Kenter, Catholic Indian Missionary.
Daughter Alice married John Tepakeyah on 13 Aug 1928 at Bay Shore, Charlevoix county.
Daughter Agnes Sarah, age 19, married 12 Aug 1929 in Middle Village to Charles F. Mann, age 25. Ceremony was performed by Father Aubert Kenter, Catholic Indian Missionary. From liber 4 page 165.
The 1930 Federal Census of Friendship township finds Joseph living with son Solomon and family.
Francis, Solomon, head, no radio, does not live on farm, 25, married at 23, laborer on farm andfishing
Lena, wife, 20, married at 17
Rose, daughter, 10/12
Tepaykeyoh, Alice, sister-in-law, 19, married at 18
Tepaykeyoh, John, son, 10/12
Francis, Joseph, father, 67, married at 30
Sarah, mother, 57, married at 20
Catherine, sister, 16
Son Louis is found living in Cross Village township, Emmet county in the 1930 Federal Census.
Francis, Louis, no radio, not living on farm, 30, first marriage at 23
Victoria, wife, 32, first marriage at 25
Albert, son, 4 years 6 months
Grace, daughter, 2 years, 6 months
Christina, daughter, 6 months
Negonquam, Angeline, grandmother, 70, widowed, first marriage at 14
Daughter Agnes is found living with her husband's family in the 1930 Federal Census of Bliss Township, Emmet county.
Mann, Wilson, J., head, 66, married at 33, farmer
Tidilla L., wife, 57, married at 24
Charles F., son, 26, married at 25
Agnes, daughter-in-law, 19, married at 19
Nellie, neice, 14
Francis, Suzanna, lodger, 4 years 1 month [Is she Agnes' child?]
Baker, William P. cousin-in-law, 73, divorced
Daughter Catherine died 1 Sep 1930 in Friendship township, Emmet county, of TB.
Joseph's brother, Leo Francis, died 23 Dec 1931 in Suttons Bay, Leelanau county at age 78. His parents are given as Frank Francis and Catherine O'Kintego.
Wife Sarah's half-brother, Joe died 17 Mar 1939. His obit appeared in the Petoskey Evening News on 18 Mar 1939.
The 1940 Federal Census finds the family still in Friendship township, Emmet county.
Francis, Solomom, head, 33, lived in same house in 1935, laborer in lumber mill
Lena, wife, 30
Rose, daughter, 10
Ethel, daughter, 9
Mary, daughter, 6
Albert, son, 4
Ione, daughter, 2
Billie, son, 4/12
Francis, Joseph, head, 81, lived in same house in 1935
Sarah, wife, 67
Louis, son, 43, carpenter at building
Daughter Mary died 27 Apr 1940 in Cross Village
The Petoskey Evening News, 9 Sep 1940, tells of an auto accident that put Joseph's wife Sarah and son Louis in the hospital.
Son Solomon registered for the draft on 16 Oct 1940. He gave his birth as 2 Jun 1905, nearest relative as wife Lena. He was described at 5'9", 136 lbs., Indian, with brown eyes, black hair and dark brown complexion.
On 16 Feb 1942 son Louis registered for the draft. He gave his birth as 2 Apr 1900, relative as Mrs. Sarah Francis of Good Hart. He was described as Indian, brown eyes, black hair, light brown complexion.
Joseph died 24 May 1942 at Good Hart, Emmet county. His birth is given as 24 Jul 1852, age 89 years, 10 months.
Joseph was buried at St. Ignatius Cemetery.
Death notice from the Northern Michigan Review, 28 May 1942.
Son Louis enlisted in the U.S. Army on 27 Oct 1942 in Kalamazoo. He is listed as, 5 foot 7 inches, 128 pounds, separated with dependents.
Louis was discharged from the Army on 8 Apr 1943. [From his tombstone application]
From the Northern Michigan Review, 29 Aug 1946
Sarah's home was destroyed by fire on 7 Aug 1951. The Petoskey Evening News tells of the Red Cross asking for help for Sarah.
Neighbors soon helped to build a new house for her according to the Emmet County Graphic, 23 Aug 1951
On 16 Apr 1952 the Petoskey Evening News told of the passing of Joseph and Sarah's grandson Pvt. Julius Tepakeyah..
Daughter Alice died 15 Jun 1954 in West Traverse township, Emmet county.
Victoria, the wife of son Louis, died 8 Oct 1958. Her obit was printed 9 Oct 1958, The Petoskey News-Review
Petoskey News-Review, 11 Oct 1958
Daughter Agnes married Steven Shananaquet on 20 Jun 1963 in Cheboygan.
Picture of Sarah later in life.
Sarah died 10 May 1961 at Harbor Springs. Her obit was printed in the Petoskey News Review, 11 May 1961.
Son Louis died 19 Jul 1961 at his home in Middle Village, Emmet county.
Petoskey News-Review 20 Jul 1961
Louis is buried at St. Ignatius cemetery.
Louis' daughter applied for a military headstone for him. On the application his birth was given as both 1 Apr 1897 and 2 Apr 1900.
The 16 Sep 1961 issue of the Herald-Press of St. Joseph, Michigan, tells of Solomon being interviewed by Emily F. Chapman on 5 Sep 1961.
The Petoskey News-Review, 1 Feb 1977, tells of Solomon being beaten by his son.
8 Aug 1977 - Petoskey News-Review - Solomon Francis, 1,000th persons to register with the nutrition program.
5 Nov 1981 - Petoskey News-Review - at St. Ignatius cemetery.
Daughter Agnes died 2 Jul 1982 in Petoskey. Her obit was printed on 6 Jul 1982 in the Petoskey News-Review
Picture of Agnes posted by reenaking46 on Ancestry
A poem about Joseph was written for son Solomon's 80th birthday and appeared in the Petoskey News-Review, 12 Jun 1984
Joseph's bravery was celebrated with a ceremony in 1987.
Petoskey News-Review 15 Jun 1987
Son Solomon was injured in an auto accident - Petoskey News-Review 26 Aug 1988
Son Solomon died 31 Mar 1989 in Petoskey, Emmet county. From the Petoskey News Review, 3 Apr 1989
Excerpts from an article about St. Ignatius cemetery mention the Francis family. Petoskey News-Review 31 Oct 1989. [Link to full article.]
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Thank you for this. This is a piece of my family’s history my great grandfather was Solomon
ReplyDeleteMy great great grandmother is Agnes Shananaquet. She's pictured holding the quill box. I have been told and shared the story of the rescues by great great grandfather as well. Solomon was an uncle to me.
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