A Child of the Sea; and Life Among the Mormons — John Shaqi
A Child of the Sea; and Life Among the MormonsWilliams, Elizabeth Whitney
History
A Child of the Sea; and Life Among the Mormons
Williams, Elizabeth Whitney
Beaver Island (Mich.); Latter Day Saints -- Michigan; Strang, James Jesse, 1813-1856
There was a large band of Indians living on Garden Island, three miles
distant north from Beaver Island. This island had been deeded to them by
the government as their own. Also another island about six miles west of
Beaver Island, called High Island. Both these Islands were fertile,
covered with heavy timber, and both afforded good fishing opportunities
with good harbors at each island. Strang's people never having seen
Indians before were naturally very timid, especially when the Indians
gathered at Beaver Harbor to sell their fish and being friendly often
called at the Chemokamon's house. The Indian being of an inquisitive
nature, wanted to see how the white brothers lived in their homes.
Strang himself said he felt none too sure of his own life when he saw so
many coming to his home, but the Indians and their squaws with their
papooses on their backs, that being the fashion of carrying their young
children, were always smiling and good natured, which very soon
reassured Strang and his people that they were friendly and meant them
no harm. At first the Mormons always kept their doors locked and barred.
Strang soon preached to them to leave their doors open to their Indian
friends, which they did with the faith that their King knew best.
[Illustration: JAMES JESSE STRANG, THE MORMON KING.]
STRANG CALLING ON US.
About the time my people came to Beaver Island the property at the Point
in Beaver Harbor was just changing hands, Mr. Alva Cable having sold his
dock and buildings to a Mr. Peter McKinley from Painesville, Ohio, who
came with his family and took possession at once, putting in a supply of
provisions for the fall trade with the fishermen.
Strang soon called on our people, and was anxious to have my father
build our home near the Mormon settlement at the harbor, promising there
would be plenty of work, as more of his people were constantly coming.
Strang was so friendly and sent many of his people to call on us. His
wife also called on us. She was a bright, sensible, noble woman, and we
found her friendship was true. My mother being a nurse, Strang told her
he would always be glad of her assistance when any of his people were
sick. Our people had never heard about Mormons before and knew nothing
about their belief or doctrine. Mother told me many times afterward it
seemed very strange to her seeing the Mormon women dressed in short
dresses with hair cut short and keeping Saturday for their Sunday. When
mother spoke to them about it they told her that King Strang had all
these revelations from God and that, he being their leader, they must
obey what he said.
FIRST SETTLERS.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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