Mason County MI

The family of Nelson Drake

The Family of Nelson Drake

The family of Nelson Drake; back to 1630, New York and Michigan pioneers, with genealogy supplement. Surnames: Allen, Barre, Bickford, Boyer, Bravender, Brosius, Brown, Christmas, Corner, Coey, Cozzi, Davis, Day, Diener, Drake, Dust, Engleberg, Fishel, Fookes, Gorton, Groce, Hawkins, Hewes, Hill, Hilton, Hirsch, Huddlestun, Kaiser, Kellogg, Langfield, Lear, Martinchak, McClellan, Point, Rae, Rayner, Ritter, Roehm, Rossi, Shilander, Smith, Soule, Stingley, Tucker, Ward, Wauvle, West, White, Wickham, and Wright.

Indians in Mason County Michigan 1850 Census

The following 75 people were identified as Indians (I) in column 6 (color) of the 1850 census for Mason County Michigan. One will note, that this does not follow the federal instructions for the census, as it was not intended that Native Americans be included in this census, but the enumerator did it anyway, and identified them with an I. Some census takers, enumerated their Native American residents with an M or B.

Indians in Mason County Michigan 1880 Census

Mason County 1880 Census Reel 0594, page 475

These 355 people were identified as Indians (I) in column 4 (color) of the 1880 census for Mason County Michigan. In order to have been enumerated they are believed to either have renounced tribal rule, and under state law, exercised their rights as citizens; or because they “mingled” with the white population of these Michigan towns were enumerated under the expanded definitions.

Indians in Mason County Michigan 1870 Census

Mason County 1870 Census Reel 0689 page 492

These 229 people were identified as Indians (I) in column 6 (color) of the 1870 census for Mason County Michigan. In order to have been enumerated they are believed to have renounced tribal rule, and under state law, exercised their rights as citizens.

Indians in Mason County Michigan 1860 Census

Mason County 1860 Census Reel 554 page 81

These 409 people were identified as Indians (I) in column 6 (color) of the 1860 census for Mason County Michigan. In order to have been enumerated they are believed to have renounced tribal rule, and under state law, exercised their rights as citizens.

Condition of the Michigan Indians in 1890

By 1890, the Michigan Indians, primarily consisting of the Chippewas, Ottawas, and Pottawatomies, faced significant challenges following decades of conflict and forced displacement. Many were relocated to reservations, with a decline in population due to disease and assimilation pressures. Despite some improvements in education and living conditions, the majority struggled with poverty and a loss of cultural heritage. While a few remained self-supporting through labor and trade, widespread issues of substance abuse and discontent highlighted the adverse effects of their changing circumstances under U.S. governance.