A Historical and Genealogical Tracing of the Descendants of Samuel C. Lasley of Mackinac Down Through George Henry Lasley of Cross Village
With Supplements of Other Related Lines if Available
Corey Lasley's Research Spanning from 2001 to 2008
Introduction
Over the years I have developed a strong drive to remember those who came before me. Up until the turn of the millennium, I had little-to-no interest in family history. It was not until late into 2001 when I re-discovered a copy of a write-up that my Dad had done in the early 1990’s on the Lasley family (going back to his great-grandfather) that an interest in me was sparked. After reading through my Dad’s write-up with great intrigue, I began to wonder about those who had came before my great-great grandfather, those who had fallen asleep long ago, and had been forgotten among the generations of their own descendants. I began to explore my options, and with great fervor, began to research every possible road I could imagine to see if I could fill the missing space of unknown ancestry, with names and information. Over time, the study of my family’s history and origins turned from a simple spark of interest, into an full fledged fire, an immense challenge that has teased my appetite for knowledge, but has given me just enough to keep me hungry for more. Despite the brick walls that I have ahead of me, I continue to search, in hopes that I can fill in more of the endless blanks that exist....
The following is a continuing compilation of my years of research into my Lasley family line, dating to the earliest known ancestors of my Lasley family branch and (with particular interest in the Native American lines). This information is presented here as is, and is a continuing work in progress that will be modified/enhanced as I learn more. I present the information for the benefit of those who may be researching this particular branch. The information here will be updated as new information is found. I greatly appreciate any information that someone may have concerning this branch, If any corrections and/or additions can be made, please correspond with me here
Current Brick Wall - Help Wanted!
The point at which I have been unable to pass is with the direct ancestry of Samuel C. Lasley. Oddly enough I have more information about him than some of my more recent ancestors (thanks to the Wisconsin Historical Collection) EXCEPT for the vital genealogical information such as: exactly where he came from, and who his father and/or mother was. Attempting to discover this potentially undiscoverable bit of information has been frustrating indeed, not only by myself, but others that I have been in contact with who have also been attempting to gain this knowledge. Samuel was a very common name among the Lasleys within the 18th and 19th centuries, which makes locating the roots of the correct Samuel almost impossible.
Paternal Descendants of Samuel C. Lasley - Help Wanted!
The following is my known hierarchy of Samuel C. Lasley's Paternal Descendants
(with the exclusion of those known to be living). I am asking for missing
persons that could expand this list, and am seeking out the aid of anyone who
may have names that could be added. Since I am a descendant of Samuel C. >
Samuel Jr. > Edward > Louis > Henry > George, this page currently focuses on
this particular line. However, I am tossing around with the idea of expanding
this family site to include other descendant lines of Samuel C. Lasley.
Current Known Paternal Hierarchy:
1. Samuel C. Lasley - 1775
2. Samuel Lasley (Jr.) - 1800
3. Francois Samuel Lasley - 1821
3. Edward Edmond Lasley – 1822
4. Therese Julia-Ann Lasley - 1848
4. Louis Lasley - 1850
5. Henry Lasley - 1876
6. Leo Lasley - 1900
6. Lloyd Lasley – 1902
6.
Melvina Lasley – 1906
6. Margaret Lasley – 1908
6. Robert Lasley - 1911
6. George
Henry Lasley - 1913
7. Living Lasley
8. Living
Lasley
8. Living
Lasley
7. Living Lasley
8. Living
Lasley
8. Living
Lasley
7. Living Lasley
7. Living Lasley
8. ME
9. Living
Lasley
9. Living
Lasley
9. Living Lasley
9. Living Lasley
8. Living Lasley
7. Living
Lasley
8. Living
Lasley
8. Living
Lasley
9. Living Lasley
7. Living
Lasley
6. Living Lasley
5. Ed Lasley - ????
5. Frank Lasley - ????
6.
Lizzie Lasley - ????
6. Mary Lasley - ????
5. Albert Lasley - ????
5. Sam Lasley - ????
5. Bill Lasley - ????
5. John Lasley - ????
6. Gordon Lasley - ????
6. Viola Lasley - ????
6. Stanley
Lasley - ????
6. John Lasley - ????
6. Evelynn Lasley - ????
6. MaryLou Lasley - ????
6. Duane Lasley - ????
6. Fremont
Lasley - ????
6. Roger Lasley - ????
5. Isadore Lasley - ????
6. Jack Lasley - ????
6. Raymond Lasley - ????
4. Catherine Lasley – 1854
4. Helena Lasley - 1856
4. Edward Lasley – 1858
4. Maria Lasley - 1860
4. Samuel Lasley - 1863
4. John Jonas Lasley – 1863
3. Catherine Lasley - 1825
3. James Lasley - 1827
3. Louis Lasley - 1830
3. John Samuel Lasley - 1832
3. William Lasley – 1833
3.
Margaret Lasley - ????
3. Almira Lasley - ????
3. Caroline Lasley - ????
2. William Lasley - ????
3. June Lasley - 1840
3. William Lasley (Jr.) - 1844
3. Peter Lasley - 1850
4. Henry John Lasley - 1875
3. Henry S Lasley - ????
2. Francis Lasley - 1812
2. George Lasley - 1808
3. George Lasley (Jr.) – 1840
3. Mary Jane Lasley - 1848
3. John Matthew Lasley - 1849
3. Samuel Reuben Lasley – 1852
3. Marcena Lasley - 1854
3. Henry Lasley - 1855
4. Henry Lasley (Jr.) – 1880
4. Ellen Lasley - 1880
4. John Lasley - 1882
Ancient History
Concerning the ancient history and roots of the Lasley family, houseofnames.com states: "The members of the current generation of the Lasley family have inherited a name that was first used hundreds of years ago by the people of the ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. The Lasley family lived in the barony of Leslie in the county of Aberdeen. The surname Lasley belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Spelling variations include: Leslie, Lesley, Lessely, Lessley, Lesslie and others. First found in Aberdeenshire where they were seated from early times."
Most sources conclude that the Lasley name is indeed of Scottish/Pictish origin and derived from Leslie. With this information we have a vague idea of the possible lineage dating back to the beginning of history. After the great Deluge described in Genesis 7, all of mankind have since descended from the 3 sons of Noah: Ham, Shem, Japheth. Japheth's first born son was Gomer (Genesis 10:2). Various writings, histories, and legends place the origin of the Pict Lineage (from which the Scotts emerged) to Gomer. Books of interest on this subject: "After the Flood: The early post-flood history of Europe traced back to Noah" by Bill Cooper; and "Forgotten History of the Western People" by Mike Gascoigne
The “Clan Leslie Society” is quite confident that the founder of the Leslie family was a nobleman (possibly Hungarian) named Bartholomew or Bartolf. It is said that he came to Scotland in 1067 and became the chamberlain of Malcolm Canmore III’s Queen. The king made Bartholomew governor of Edinburgh castle, and gave him lands in Aberdeenshire. After marrying Beatrix, the king’s sister, he established himself at Lesselyn which was in the Garioch district of Aberdeenshire, it was there that he built a castle. Lesselyn eventually became Leslie or Lesley which is the root of the various spelling variants of the name that exist today. There were two notable lines which came from the establishment of Bartholomew, one being the Leslies of Balquhain which is said to be the line from which modern day Lesiles descended. Various branches thus formed, including the Leslie branch in Ireland. The Ireland branch is considered to be the branch from which a majority of the American descendants have come. [8]
According to a letter describing pre and early Lasley history within America, a man by the name of Reverend Owen Lasley claimed that a branch of Leslies who were “devote free church people” (apparently Protestants) were exiled to Holland. Apparently Hollanders could not pronounce “Leslie” but when they said the name it sounded like “Lasley”, it was at this time that the “Lasley” variant of “Leslie” was established. By trade the Lasley’s were Boat Builders, and apparently 10 Lasley brothers migrated to America and settled in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. These 10 brothers may be the ancestors to the various Lasley branches found within the United States today. [9]
Noting what Rev. Owen Lasley claimed about the Lasley’s being free church people, an interesting bit of information elaborates further as to the early Lasley family faith. In “A Brief History of Lasley United Methodist Church 1780-1979” it is stated: "The Lasley family were among the first pioneers of Lynchburg, Va. They were leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, many of them becoming ministers, and were of English and Scotch extraction." [10]. The Lasley United Methodist Church still exists in Louisa, Virginia to this day (roughly 94 miles from Lynchburg).
Traceable Roots
Generation 1: Achaouabeme (My Great x7 Grandfather)
Achaouabemé [(possibly: "Achoabenie") / ACH-O-A-BA-ME / ACH-O-A-BO-ME] was a powerful cheif of L'Arbor Croche (in the northern most part of Michigan's lower penninsula), and could possibly have been a descendant of famous Cheif Outoutagan (Jean Le Blanc). Achaoubeme married a French Woman (who’s name and ancestry is unknown) and sometime between the years of 1750 and 1775 a son was born to them. History records that their son was a handsome and fair skinned mix-breed boy who was named Augustin Grand Blanc by his French mother, but was better known as Ash-wau-bo-may (Ash-wau-be-non, At-ta-wo-na-bi, Ala-sa-wa-po-mi, “Little Crow”, and later as "Side Looks"). [1]
Generation 2: Ash-wau-bo-may (My Great x6 Grandfather)
Ash-wau-bo-may’s first wife was more than likely an Ottawa squaw whose name and ancestry is unknown. Together they had at least 8 children just prior to the turn of the 19th century somewhere around the Michilimackinac area: E-tou-a-i-ki-si-que, A-bi-ta-go-wi-nan, We-aw-we-ning, Angeline, Angelique, Shaw-an-e-ge-sick, and two other daughters whose names are unknown.
Sometime shortly after the last child was born in what has been estimated to be 1795, Ash-wau-bo-may traveled to Green Bay with a jewish settler named Jacob Franks. It is unclear as to why Ash-wau-bo-may left for Green Bay without his wife and/or children, the reason and/or cause can only be speculated. Once there, he befriended Menominee Chief AH-KE-EN-EI-BE-WAY or “Standing Earth”, and there he made his home with the tribe. After ASH-WAU-BO-MAY rescued a Menominee maiden from a nearby band of Ojibwa who had kidnapped her while picking berries, “Standing Earth” gave ASH-WAU-BO-MAY choice of his daughters in marriage. ASH-WAU-BO-MAY chose Standing Earth’s youngest daughter WAUBENOKIEW or “Morning Star”, and together they made their home in what is now known as the town of Ashwaubenon (a corrupted version of Ashwaubomay) in Wisconsin. ASH-WAU-BO-MAY died in 1815 and was buried in Ashwaubenon. At his death, he left the large grant of land that had been given him by “Standing Earth” to three heirs (possibly 3 of his children from his marriage to Waubenokiew) via a verbal will. [7]
Generation 3: Ash-wau-bo-may's Children
SHAW-AN-E-GE-SICK (My Great x5 Uncle) became chief of the Bay-de-Noque band
Research Note:
The Bay de Noque Band?
Other Variants [Bay de Noc / Bay de Nocquet / Bay de Noque / Bay de Noquette / Bay de Noquet / Bay des Noquets] All refer to either Little or Big "Bay De Noc", both which are found at the mouth of Green Bay, located near Escanaba (Michigan) which happens to be roughly 100 miles from Ashwaubenon (Wisconsin), as well as roughly 100 miles from Mackinac. "Bay De Noc" basically means "Bay of the Noquet"; and refers to the Noquet [No 'Ke], Noukek, or simply the "Noc" people [which possibly translates to "Bear Foot"]. The Noquet people were a small Algonquin speaking tribe and lived around Big Bay de Noc and Little Bay de Noc extending across the northern peninsula of Michigan to Lake Superior. They were located and mildly documented by French settlers in the early to mid 1600's. The Noquet, never a prominent tribe, were ultimately absorbed by the Ojibwe as well as the Menominee people.
A-BI-TA-GO-WI-NAN (My Great x4 Grandmother)
It appears that Abitagowinan (most likely the youngest daughter of Ash-wau-bo-may and his first wife) gave birth to a son named Charles Alexandre on March 15th, 1818, the father’s first name is unknown, as well as Abitagowinan's relationship with him [2]. Shortly thereafter she apparently married Samuel Lasley Jr. son of voyager Samuel C. Lasley who resided on Mackinac Island. On page 148 of the Wisconsin Historical Collections volume XIX Abitagowinan is referenced as an "Outawas woman savage" having a child named Francois with Samuel "Lasselay" [2] more about
her later....
Generation 2: Samuel C. Lasley (My Great x5 Grandfather)
Samuel C. Lasley [sometimes referred to as Lashley, Lassley, Lasselay] (born in 1775) traveled (possibly) from Pennsylvania (though another source also puts Virginia into question) with his wife Rachel and two sons Samuel Jr. and William. Within the first few years of the 19th century they settled on Mackinac Island in the Michigan Territory, becoming one of the first white settlers on the island that was primarily occupied by the Ojibwa, and dominated by the fur trade. In 1808 Samuel and Rachel had another son, and named him George, and then another son was born in 1812, and his name was Francis. Samuel opened and operated a Tavern on the Island (possibly known as "Lasley Inn"), and life was peaceful until the war of 1812. During the invasion of the Island by the British, Samuel Lasley, along with Mr. Davenport, John Dousman, and Judge Abbott were captured and taken prisoner and sent to trial. At their trial the four men were given an option to pledge allegiance to Britain, where they could then stay on the island and be protected as a British citizen, or they could remain an “American” and thus be imprisoned as a POW. Davenport, Dousman, and Abbott all refused to become a British subject’s maintaining their loyalty to America, However Lasley took the oath to Britain in order to keep his freedom, family and home in tact. This decision however came back to bite him later in life, as his claim on the island was rejected [click here to view document] by the American Government later in life because he had become a British subject, and even took up arms against the American military. [6]
Research Quote:
“Lashley has been arrested and is now in confinement here he has requested permission to remain for a short time for the purpose of settling his Business here, in which request I have indulged him, he will be sent down probably in the next vessel for his trial.” W. H. Puthuff, Ind. Ag. Mackinaw, 1815 [see it]
Research Quote:
"The collection of rickety, primitive-looking buildings, occupied by the officials of the Fur Company, reflected no great credit on the architectural skill of my husband, who had superintended their construction, he told me, when little more than a boy. There were, besides these, the residences of the Dousmans, the Abbotts, the Biddles, the Drews, and the Lashleys, stretching away along the base of the beautiful hill, crowned with the white walls and buildings of the fort, the ascent to which was so steep that on the precipitous face nearest the beach staircases were built by which to mount from below." Wau-bun, the early day in the Northwest. by Mrs. John H. Kinzie, CHAPTER II MICHILIMACKINAC; "Pioneering the Upper Midwest: Books from Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, ca. 1820-1910"
Research Quote:
"Once more I land at Makinaw. The little village is quiet enough now the Indians have dispersed, and the fishermen and Frenchmen have gone off with their boats and canoes to seek for white fish and salmon. I was directed to the gate of a tavern, where they took in lodgers; entered the yard, and found two bears tightly chained near the door of this pleasant hotel. My request for a bed was treated with disdain by a fat frowsy old woman, while a stupid old boor, named Monsieur Lasley, pointed to a corner house, and signified I could get lodgings in it. This proved a stupid jest. I knocked at the door in vain; till a young woman in a neighbouring house told me, the house I knocked at was uninhabited and deserted. "What a vile, inhospitable place this is!" I exclaimed-- and the good woman, anxious to save her town from such an imputation, invited me to enter her cottage", Morleigh; "Pioneering the Upper Midwest: Books from Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, ca. 1820-1910"
Two letter summaries were found within the “Historical Essays of Sault Ste. Marie and Area”, one written by Samuel Lasley, and another written concerning Samuel Lasley. As to which Samuel Lasley they refer, is unclear, however it could be assumed that they are in reference to Samuel Lasley Sr.; Jan 11, 1827 - Lasley, Samuel, Tasqeanong, to Biddle and Mitchell, Mackinac. Telling Biddle about the seizure of all his goods, furs, provisions, and boats while he was away from his trading post. This was done by order of General Tipton for having liquor in his store. May 10, 1828 - Stevens, I.C., Indianapolis, to Biddle and Mitchell. Concerning the court case involving Samuel Lasley and the seizure of his goods.
Within my search for “Tasqeanong” mentioned in the aforementioned Jan 11th letter; I received this possibility from a northern Michigan Ottawa/Chippewa genealogy researcher (within the NISHNAWBE Mailing List):
“"Tasqeanong" is probably a variant of Tahquamenon, an Ojibwe village on Whitefish Bay at the mouth of the Tahquamenon River (where the village of Paradise is today); it is west of the Sault in modern Chippewa County, on the Superior 'bowstring.'”
According to a biography paper concerning the Ottawas “half-breed” John Rix Robinson (son of the famous fur trader Rix Robinson); Samuel and Rachel Lasley were old friends of Rix Robinson, and eventually took in Rix’s son John, who had proved to be somewhat of a problem child, for a time [11]. Rachel Lasley is specifically named as being in charge of Robinson at this time within the History of Kent County [12].
Samuel C. Lasley was nominated before the state senate along site John A. Drew to be auctioneers by Stevens T. Mason on February. 6, 1837
Research Quote:
"When my mother went up to Mackinac Island, there is a small museum in a church basement there. In it there is listed the Lasley Family Inn registry. My mother talked to one of the workers there about the book and found out that the Lasley Family used to run the inn (it is now called the Lilac Inn). She stated that for some reason all the Lasley men fell in love and married indian women." - Vicki Lasley, 2003 (Vicki is not related to this Lasley line, but passed this info on to me)
On Mackinac Island on Spring Street (Turkey Hill Road, west side, south to north) there exists the "Lasley House" which is a Two story foursquare frame house with a full-width enclosed front porch. This was most likely the house/inn/tavern of Samuel C. Lasley. The “Lasley House Register” appears to have been preserved on microform in 1968, and is avaliable at the Clarke Historical Library of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant Michigan (details).
On June 9th, 2008 a descendant of Samuel C. Lasley through his third son George, named Ginny contacted me via email and wrote that her 92 year old (as of 2008) Uncle held to a tradition of Samuel C. Lasley that is quite interesting and therefore worth mentioning. According to Ginny, this unnamed uncle claimed that two brothers, (one apparently being Samuel C. Lasley) were sent by either the King or Queen of England to America to learn the fur trade, and to take Indian wives. It was at this time that these brothers took on the name “Lasley”. The story seems to be slightly far fetched, and cannot be verified (at least not yet); with that noted, it is of course probable history, as all traditions should be considered. It does raise some questions however such as: Why would the King or Queen of England send two men to learn the fur trade in America, and why would these men be asked to intermarry with the Indians? It is however, more probable in my opinion, that if the story hints of any truth at all, that it more probably reflects tidbits of information pieced together from tradition being unchecked and passed down by word of mouth over several generations. Perhaps if this tradition reflects accurate history, it may explain why Samuel pledged an oath of allegiance to Britain during the capture of Mackinac during the war of 1812.
Samuel died at the age of 69 in 1844, and was buried in the Protestant Cemetery on Mackinac Island next to his wife Rachel who died just 1 year prior (in 1843 at the age of 70). Both of them were buried near their son Samuel Jr. who preceded them in death in 1839.
The fallen headstone of Samuel C. Lasley's grave which reads:
SAM'L C.LESLAY
DIED
Oct. 22 1844
E. 69 Years.
Note: The surname spelling on Samuel's grave is incorrect
The fallen and broken headstone of Rachel Lasley's grave which sits beside Samuel's grave, it reads:
RACHEL
Wife of
SAMUEL C LASLEY
DIED
[Unreadable due to crack]
Aged 70 years
Research Quote:
"...Last week, an article in the Mackinac Island Town Crier on the tour of Island cemeteries noted that the graves of Samuel and Rachel Lasley (1775 and 1773) are the Island’s oldest..." - Looking Back, Mackinac Island Town Crier, Compiled by Ryan Schlehuber, August 6th 2005
Generation 2: Samuel Jr. Lasley & William Lasley
William Lasley (My Great x5 Uncle)
William began trapping and trading in Mackinac but eventually moved down state to the Muskegon area. There, William met Louise Constant, the daughter of Pierre Constant and a "squaw" woman named Popamansaouekoue [4]. in 1835 they married, and together they moved to the east end of Muskegon Lake near what is now known as Croton. Being a well known Trader, William accompanied Indian representatives with other traders from the Muskegon, Grand River, Michilimackinac, Sault Ste. Marie, L'Arbre Croche, and Grand Traverse Bands and went to Washington in 1836. They traveled their to receive payment incurred by the Indians [5]. Back in the Muskegon area, William established a Trading Post in 1846. In the 1850's William Lasley opened up his house for Catholic Mass by Father Visosky before the area had a permanent church.
According to one family tree that I discovered, William and Louise had 4 children including: June (b. 1842), William Jr. (b. 1844), Henry, and Peter (b. 1850). However, according to documentation within the Michigan Historical Collections Vol 21 (pg 685), William had two named children; S. Henry Lasley (Perhaps the “S” stood for Samuel, which would make him named after his grandfather) and Rachel who was described as "a plump, fat, little girl" when she was about six years old (Rachel was most likely named after her grandmother). Perhaps “Henry” in the aforementioned family tree is the same as “S. Henry” from the MHC.
It is unknown when and where William and Louise died, however it appears that William was buried on Mackinac Island next to his Parents and brother Samuel Jr.
Research Quote:
“A small village at Bronson, now Kalamazoo, a few families in and around Grand Rapids, Ionia, Grand Haven and Saugatuck, constituted the white population in the territory lying between the Grand and St. Joseph rivers, while the whole region between Grand river and the straits a distance of 225 miles belonged to the Indians, and was an unknown land except to the few Indian traders, like Rix Robinson, Louis Campau and William Lasley (venerated names in all that region), who had operated there many years.
[pg. 320; Michigan historical collections.” [Vol. 17]]
Research Quote:
“It was difficult to get away from Muskegon by water, which could be done on small lumber vessels, occasionally to Chicago. "The first summer I was in Muskegon, H. Penoyer kept postotlice at the harbor, but that was discontinued later and there was no postoffice [pg 673] nearer than Grand Haven. When any one from Muskegon went there he brought the mail for everybody here. Sometimes Mr. Lasley would send an Indian to bring the mail. Muskegon had at that time neither law nor gospel, but the folks lived as near the golden rule as possible. The schooner "Forester" was the first vessel I remember being built on Muskegon lake. She was built in 1847 by Wm. Lasley, under the charge of Capt. McHarry.”
[pg 674; Michigan historical collections. [Vol. 21]]
Research Quote:
“…early in the morning we came to the "mouth" of Muskegon lake after traveling along the shore here, wet up to the waist-and covered with mud. That was, I believe, some thirty-six years ago. It made quite an impression on my mind, because I have never forgotten it. We went as far as where Mr. Roger's mill stood some time ago, a companion with me, and we took a little rest, which was very much needed. I could see the clusters of houses, that then formed Muskegon, but I thought that we could never reach that far. Still, after making more effort we got there at last, some time during the forenoon, and landed at the house of a friend who ought to be here today, he told me he would be here, it was Mr. Lasley. He ought to be here on the platform himself; he is certainly an old pioneer here, and if any testimony is required he is just -the man to give it. He was then a boy. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I hope you will excuse me, because my strength will not allow me to say much more. I think Mr. Lasley should favor us with a few words; he is certainly a pioneer; I think he was here before Muskegon was.”
[pg 684; Michigan historical collections. [Vol. 21]]
Samuel Jr. Lasley (My Great x4 Grandfather)
Samuel Jr. took a "squaw" wife named Abitagowinan who was the sister of Shaw-en-e-ge-sick, chief of the Bay de Noque Band of Ojibwa (Chippewa), and held a job as a clerk for the American Fur Trade Company.
Together, Samuel Jr. and his wife had 7 children [all of which names were written on the March 28, 1836 Mixed Blood Census Register, Ottawa's and Chippewa's of Michigan [3], except for Caroline]. Edward in 1822, Catherine in 1824, James in 1827, Louis in 1830, John in 1832, William in 1833, Caroline in 1836. Samuel Jr. was paid $897.20 because his children were listed on the 1836 Treaty as being 1/2 Chippewa with the given remarks “children of Samuel Lasley Jr. and his squaw wife, who is sister to Shaw-en-e-ge-sick, Chief of the Bay de Noque Band”.
It appears that on April 15th, 1821 Samuel and Abitagowinan had a child named Francois Samuel “Lasselay” who was baptized at the St. Anne du Detroit parish on August 6th, 1821. Francois’ godfather was named as Francois Paget and godmother was named as Marguerite Chauret. It is interesting to note that Abitagowinan is referred to as an “Outawas woman savage”. On that same day, Abitagowinan had another son baptized from an unknown father (perhaps from a previous marriage) who was born on March 15th, 1818 named Charles Alexandre. This seems to indicate that this boy was more than likely raised in the Samuel Lasley household.
Going back to Francois, it is curious to note that he was given the middle name of “Samuel” which seems to indicate that he was probably the first born son of Samuel and Abitagowinan. Later we find Samuel and “his squaw wife” and their children listed on the “March 28, 1836 Mixed Blood Census Register”; however Francois is not among them, rather their son Edward who was born in 1822 appears as the oldest child. This seems to indicate that Francois died sometime before the Census was taken.
Samuel died at the young age of 39, and was the first of the Lasley's to be buried on the Island (Mackinac Island's Protestant Cemetery). His headstone (the only headstone of the Lasley graves on Mackinac Island still standing as of September 2004) reads:
SAMUEL LASLEY
DIED
26th August 1839
Aged 39
Samuel is not found buried next to his wife. This is probably due to the fact that he died as young man. More than likely, Abitagowinan moved on and perhaps even remarried after Samuel’s death.
Generation 3: Edward Lasley (My Great x3 Grandfather)
Edward remained on the Island as his father (Samuel Jr.) and his grandfather had, at least for part of his life. Various census documents show that he moved from Mackinac, to Cheboygan, to La Croix (Cross Village), and ultimatly ended up on Beaver Island. Initially he was a fisherman (according to the “1850 Mackinac Census”). Edward married Herisse Beaubien. Together they had a daughter in 1844 and named her Marie Mathilde. Shortly after Marie was born something happened, and it is unclear whether Herisse died or Edward and Herisse divorced, but on December 26, 1848, Edward was remarried to a woman by the name of Therese Binette/Bennett at Ste. Anne's Parish in Mackinac.
Research Note:
Who was Threrese Bennett? On The Ottawa and Chippewa of Michigan 1870 Census, Therese is listed as "Mrs. Edward Lasley" and is identified as part of the Mackinac Tribal Band, there is no indication that she obtained this status through marriage, which may indicate that Therese was of Chippewa and/or Ottawa descent. In researching the BENNETT name in the Mackinac area during the time, the only BENNETT that could be found that had at least some information besides a name on a list was a George Bennett, who was a described as a Stockbridge Indian. Perhaps George was related Therese? In addition to this finding, there are 31 total Bennett's listed On The Ottawa and Chippewa of Michigan 1870 Census, which is further evidence that the Bennett's of the area where either Ottawa and/or Chippewa.
According to the “Helen Collar Papers”, among the Beaver Island History at the Clarke Historical Library,
Mrs. Lasley (presumably Theresa) was a squaw who worked as a midwife. According to a Lizzie Gallagher, she remembers “Mrs. Lasley being called when one of her relatives was sick. Her dark, Indian face made an impression on her as a child. She went out in the woods & gathered herbs & made medicine for the patient.”
Together they had 8 children: Therese Julia Ann (b. Dec 1848), Louis (b. Jul 1850), Catherine (b. 1854), Helena (b. Nov 1856), Edward (b. Oct 1858), Maria (b. Jan 1860), Samuel (b. Jul 1863), John Jonas (b. Mar 1870).
In 1888 Edward Lasley bought NE 1/4 Sec 20 T37 R10 from the heirs of Leatherhead Gallagher (John) which was near Head lighthouse, on Beaver Island
Edward died on July 17th, 1896 in Pea. Twp (on Beaver Island), at the time of his death his occupation was listed as a Lightkeeper, presumably for Head lighthouse. Therese's death and place of burial is unknown, however if Edward's grave can be found on Beaver Island, perhaps Therese's grave will be located along side of it.
Generation 4: Louis Lasley (My Great x2 Grandfather)
Louis, the eldest son of Edward was born in 1850 on Mackinac Island. He married Louise Bulman Robinson (born in 1854), who was the eldest daughter of Louis and Armine (Paquin) Robinson. Louise’s grandparents were the Fur Trader Frenchman Francis Robinson (possibly related to Rix Robinson) and Josette Ance the Ottawa squaw who’s father was Chief Che-by-aw-boas [aka: Misatagon Ance, Leaving Phantom] and who’s mother was the sister of Chief Petoskey.
Louis and Louise both claimed to be at least half Indian. Given the fact that both of their fathers were indeed half Indian [Lasley being ½ Chippewa, and Robinson being ½ Ottawa], however given the lacking information on both of their mothers, it can be assumed through their claims that both of their mothers were at least half Indian as well.
Louis and Louise made their home just south of Cross Village near what would later be known as “Beckons Corners”; and there they raised a family of 8 sons: Henry, Ed, Frank, Albert, Sam, William, John, Isadore. Their son Henry made his home just across the field from their home. Louise spoke fluent French, but broken English, however outside of this little tidbit, little is known about Louis and Louise Lasley, and just what type of Grandparents they were to the Henry Lasley children is unknown. Olive Luck who was the last living person at the time of interview in November of 2003, was the only living connection who personally knew Louis and Louise they were her grandparents]. Unfortunately she was unable to recall much about them, and said that there was bad blood between Louis Lasley and his son Henry. Henry was angry with his parents for consistently condemning his drinking, and because of that, the children did not see much of their paternal grandparents [despite the fact that they were within walking distance away]. However based on information provided by Leo Lasley [firstborn son of Henry], during a 1990 interview made by my father, William Lasley: Louise most likely was a caring and resourceful woman, as she tried to save her dying great grandchild who was named after her [the child of Leo and Sally Lasley] with a homemade remedy of burdocks on her head for fever.
According to the "Plat book of Emmet County, Michigan / drawn from actual surveys and the county records by P. A. & J. W. Myers." Published in 1902, Louis Lasley owned 40 acres, and his neighboring landowners included: Albert Beckon, W.R. Cole, John Keller, Andrew Keller, Thomas J. Pine, Ed Wilsey
Louis and Louise are buried in the Indian Cemetery located on Oak Drive in Cross Village Michigan. Their graves apparently were originally marked with wooden crosses that decayed long ago, thus are now unmarked, however there is a good chance that they may be buried near their son William who is also buried there.
Generation 5: Henry Lasley (My Great Grandfather)
Henry worked as an engineer in a mill in Cross Village until it closed around 1913. After that he did a variety of things such as running thrashing machines, trashing buckwheat, and oats. He also ran the engine in the mills in Harbor Springs, and was known as a good saw filer. Outside of work Henry was known as one of the best, if not the best violin players anywhere around Cross Village . He would play frequently at dances sponsored by the Oddfellows and Maccabees. His brother Frank would play the bass violin, and others would play the piano. However he was all but accommodating, and would only play what he wanted to play, not open to requests. His stubbornness made him less and less popular and demanded over the years.
Henry built a small house in the area once known as “Beckons Corners”, just off of Beckon road, and across the field from where his parents lived.
Henry enjoyed hunting, trapping, and fishing, and also mastered the art of tapping Maple trees to gather maple sugar to make homemade Maple Syrup [most likely a tradition that was passed down from his forefathers into ottawa/ojibwe. (see Maple Sugaring). Henry married Mary Kruzell who was born on July 17th, 1875 to Joseph and Josephine Kruzell [who were Polish Immigrants, information found on the " Readmond Township 1910 Census, Emmet County , Michigan ", states that they came from Germany ] They had 8 known children [Leo on December 2nd 1900, Lloyd in 1902, Melvina on November 28th 1906, Margret on March 9th 1908, Irene on March 19th 1910 [Irene died one month later], Robert on April 19th 1911, George on September 12th 1913, and Olive on April 19th 1915]. Mary also brought a daughter named Gusty/(Carrie?) into the family from a previous marriage. In recent years, Olive [Lasley] Luck, youngest child of Henry & Mary stated, that another child was born, but died shortly after birth. The baby was then buried somewhere on the Lasley property [gravesite now unmarked and unknown]. Henry along with his children that were born before 1908 including Leo, Lloyd, Melvina were all named on the 1908 Durant Roll, and Margret was later listed on the 1910 Supplemental Roll. This Durant roll was a listing of The Ottawa and Chippewa of Michigan. This roll was drawn to give those listed benefits, which were entitled to the Indians of the area.
Henry and Mary separated sometime when George and Olive were still living at home. Henry apparently had another love interest with a woman he met while working in Bliss (which never worked out), and Henry built a log cabin for himself on the opposite end of his property (corner of Island View, and State Road), where he spent the rest of his days alone.
Henry was a stubborn, short tempered, man who was an alcoholic, in fact he made his own moonshine during the prohibition period. He was known to be physically abusive toward his wife Mary when he was drunk. Leo, George, and Olive all claimed that he was not a good provider, many times leaving Mary and the children to sow and reap the crops so that they would not go hungry during the winter. Because of Henry's ways, most of his children had nothing to do with him after they left home. Jennie Lasley (my grandmother) stated that when my grandfather was a child, Henry expected dinner on the table when he returned from work, and no one was allowed to sit at the table with him nor eat until he was done and had his fill. Afterwards whatever was left of the food was to be divvied up between Mary and the children. Sometimes Mary would go hungry in order that the kids would have enough food.
Henry eventually came into needing some money, and his son George (my grandfather) was the only one of his kids still around the area, and willing to lend it to him at the time. Rather than paying George back in cash, Henry paid him back in land. It was at that time that George inherited 40 acres of property, that is owned by the Children of George today. This land most likely was first inherited or purchased by Henry from his father Louis (and may have even been owned by Louis' father Edward before that)
Henry lived to be 72 years old, and died of rheumatism of the heart in 1947. He was buried in the Cross Village (non-catholic side) Cemetery, with a small metal grave marker. His grave was initially thought to have been unmarked after I searched the cemetery several times. However in the spring of 2007; Olive Luck (his youngest daughter, the last living from that generation) directed me to his grave marker which was found just north east of Mary's grave, on the edge of the Catholic/Non-Catholic line (in a spot that I thought was considered the Catholic side of the cemetery). Mary lived more than 20 more years longer, and died on March 2nd, 1969. Mary was buried in the Cross Village Catholic Cemetery.
Generation 6: George Lasley (My Grandfather)
The following is documentation on the life of George Lasley put together by his son, and my father, William Lasley in the early 1990's:
George Lasley, the youngest son of Henry & Mary Lasley, was born in September of 1913. George attended school through the 10th grade. He was a student at Holy Cross Catholic School in Cross Village for fourth through ninth grade. Harbor Springs high school for tenth grade, and Sogonosh Valley School in Readmond Township for all the other years.
When George was about 20 years old, a government program called the WPA project was going on in Cross Village . It was a program of arts and crafts for the American Indians. George having enough Indian blood qualified for the program, in which he was involved for a few years. They made things like rustic furniture such as chairs and tables, and made quill and birch bark baskets, snowshoes, and other items.
George worked for Chauncy Bliss on Lake Shore Drive for several years building log cabins. George lived with his mother until June 23rd, 1945, when he was 31 years old. At that time he married Jennie Wrona from Larks Lake , the youngest daughter of John and Agnes [Kosiniak] Wrona, who were Polish/Austrian immigrants.
George and Jennie moved to Paradise in the Upper Peninsula for three years. There George drove a truck, hauling logs for Maple Block Company, earning 65 cents per hour. The then moved back to Cross Village into the log cabin his dad built on the corner of Island View and State Road . He continued to work for Maple Block Company, this time out of Harbor Springs. One day just two days before Christmas, his boss told him to haul a load of logs to Elmira . The roads were snowy, and he knew it would be a miserable trip, and that it would mean not making it back home for Christmas, so he quit. He later worked for Frank LuHellier hauling logs and lumber to Petoskey, Reed City , Big Rapids, Muskegon , and other places. George spent the last 19 years before retirement in road construction, working for Hodgekiss and Douma located in Petoskey. This caused him to sometimes have to travel to various places in Northern Michigan , wherever the company secured a contract. At times he would come home only on weekends.
George and Jennie had 5 sons and 1 daughter. They also had 9 grandchildren, and as of 2007, 6 great-grandchildren.
They were devout Catholics and did allot for their church, they were both socially active & respected citizens of their community, hard working, honest, caring people who raised their children to follow in their footsteps. George enjoyed Deer Hunting, Fishing, Maple Sugaring, Carpentry, Bird Watching, Gardening, and Playing Cards. Jennie enjoyed Cooking, Gardening, Canning Foods, Reading. George died in 1996; and Jennie died on September 5th, 2003 (less than one month after meeting her first great-grandchild). Both George and Jennie are buried in the Cross Village Catholic Cemetery.
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