JOSETTE (DEROSIER)(DUVERNAY)(MOON) ROBINSON was born Abt. 1828 at Torch Lake or Lac Du Flambeau, Villas County, Wisconsin, and died 17 Apr 1904 in Elbridge, Oceana Co., Michigan. She married (1) PETER JR. DUVERNAY 24 Dec 1847 in Grand Haven, Ottawa Co., Michigan, son of PIERRE DUVERNAY and JULIA MINEDEMOEYAH. He was born Abt. 1825 in Chippewa River, Lac du Flambeau, Villas Co., WI, and died Bet. 1851 - 1858 in Michigan. She married (2) DAVID M. MOON 22 May 1858 in Grand Haven, Ottawa Co., Michigan. He was born Abt. 1819 in New York, and died 1866 in Michigan. She married (3) HENRY L. ROBINSON 30 Dec 1866 in Elbridge, Oceana Co., Michigan, son of EDWARD ROBINSON and MARY HOAG. He was born 04 Jul 1833 in Cayuga Co., New York, and died 28 Sep 1915 in Benzie Co, Michigan.
Grand Haven Tribune, 27 April 1904, p. 4:
"In the Olden, Golden Glory of Days Gone By."
The death of Mrs. Josette Robinson in the township of Elbridge, Oceana county, last week, removes from earth one who was closely associated with the early life of Grand Haven. She was a sister of John Parisien of this city and was born at Torch Lake, Wis. in 1819, and came to Grand Haven in 1835.
She, her mother and brother John, came by a Mackinaw mail boat from Torch Lake to the Soo, and down that historic and beautiful stream to Mackinac. The owner of the boat refused to send it farther and the mother purchased a bark canoe, giving in exchange for it a broad cloth shawl. The three with all their worldly belongings started for their future home paddling a canoe all the way. There were then no lighthouses in the Straits and no white settlement between Mackinac and the mouth of Grand River.
The great lake was then a stranger to line steamers and pleasure craft. The silence and sublimity of nature were the voyagers' only companions. They found on their arrival here, the Rev. WiIliam M. Ferry, Peter Duverney, and a man in the employ of Rix Robinson. The town consisted of two log houses, one standing just east of where the Riverview now is located and the other on the corner of Franklin and Water Sts. The present site of the city was covered with a dense growth of timber.
Josette married Peter Duverney and lived here with him until his death by freezing. She then married David Moon. They moved to Elbridge, where Moon died some twenty five years ago. She then married Henry Robinson, who still resides at Elbridge. She was the mother of six daughters and one son. Four girls and the boy survive.
Such in brief is the story of a long and eventful life, much of it spent in the first years of the building of Grand Haven. It compasses the early struggle, the close relations of that little handful of people, who lived for others as well as themselves, and who gave with open hand to their neighbor and friend. It was the era of hospitality and good cheer, now gone forever. There coursed through her veins the blood of that strange and picturesque race, the Chippewas. She was taught the legends of the Manton and the Indians' paradise. She imbibed the feeling of thought and action that the All Father gives to those who love the forest.
Can we not catch the subtle charm of that picture of 1835? The frail canoe, with mother and son and daughter, gliding over the rippling waters of the great lake under the powerful strokes of that young giant, who wielded the paddle. It was midsummer and the forest was in full dress. We can see the dark skinned girl, lithe and graceful as a fawn, balancing herself, corresponding with the tossing motions of the canoe. Think of the mode of travel and contrast it with the palatial steamers of today. That family was passing on to its destiny. The flashing eye of the girl reflected the light of the sunshine thrown in a hundred lines of light from the moving waters. On one side the forest primeval, its solitude tempting the toilers, while the song birds make music to which the paddle keeps time. The water reaches out to the horizon and nature is in repose; the forest and lake with the beach the dividing line. Into the beauty of this scene glides the canoe with its human freight. The language of this fast vanishing race, musical and soft as the falling dew, mingles with the fluttering of leaf and murmuring waters, as the sunshine and shadow chase each other in and out through steep and glen of woodland.
That voyage seems primitive but with what beauty and romance was it surrounded.
John Parisien still lives, an honored citizen of Grand Haven. He has measured the entire existence of this community. What mighty changes have been wrought within the life time of this man. The race from which his mother sprang has practically vanished. In its stead has appeared a restless and vigorous life, void of the beauty and the simplicity of the Chippewas but charged by the Creator with a mission of mercy to the Millions.
To you, lone survivor of that canoe voyage, be peace and contentment in the evening of your long life, is the wish of George W. McBride.
The Journal Hart, Michigan 22 April 1904 Page 1 reads:
Mrs. H. L. Robinson Dead.
She has been a resident of Oceana county for fifty years.
Josette Le Rosa was born on the southern shores of Lake Superior in the spring of 1819, and died at her home in Elbridge April 17, 1904.
She was married three times, the first husband being Mr. De Vurney, the second David Moon, and the third H.L. Robinson, who survives her.
She had six children, twenty-three grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Mrs. Robinson's mother was a genuine Chippewa and gave birth to her while the tribe was crossing Northern Michigan. Her early life is unknown and only since she was married to David Moon has any of her history been obtainable.
She was one of the earliest settlers in Elbridge, settling there about 50 years ago and she occupied with her husband the first frame house built in the township. Mr. Tennant bought the building about 35 years ago.
Her second husband, David Moon, died in 1866 and was buried in the Randell cemetery. She then married Robinson.
Perhaps no other woman of Indian blood has been more respected and generally beloved than was Mrs. Robinson. She was of a very kind disposition and her generous heart made friends for her by the score wherever she went.
A woman of no literary education, yet she possessed much wisdom. She was taught in nature's school and learned rapidly and well. The sick and suffering always desired "Grandma" Robinson as nurse, and she was never known to refuse aid whenever it was possible for her to render it. Every home in the township of Elbridge has welcomed her at their firesides and her death has caused more than usual mourning.
The funeral was held at the townhall 19 April at 2:00 pm. Rev. Bennett of Crystal officiating. A large number of friends and neighbors attended the services to pay their last tribute of respect. The floral tribute was beautiful and generously given.
The pall bearers were: Chas. Carr, Bealey Van Brocklin, Ames Bellinger, Geo. Tate, Sr., Chas. Hoffmeyer and Geo. Hull, all old neighbors of Mrs. Robinson.
Oceana County History, 1990, Vol. 1, p. 425:
On December 24, 1847 Josette DeRosier, a full blooded Ottawa Indian, married Peter C. Deverney. Peter was the son of the co-founder of Grand Haven and the marriage was performed in their Grand Haven home. The Marriage is the first recorded in the Ottawa County courthouse. They were married by Rev. William Ferry, the other founder of Grand Haven.
In 1856 Josette became part of the Indian transfer from the Grand River to their new reservation of Elbridge and Crystal Townships of Oceana County. On May 22, 1858, Josette married David Moon of Grand Haven and they had three children,, Sarah E., born April 31, 1861, Henry, born 1862, and Amanda Paulene, born May 17, 1864.
On December 20, 1866 Josette married Henry Robinson, the last of three husbands, and they had four children.
Josette served as a midwife delivering and assisting in the delivery of hundreds of babies in the wilderness of eastern Oceana County. She somehow found time to have 10 children of her own from three marriages. Towards the end of her active years she served as a midwife for pioneer Dr. Louis Munger of Hart who gave us fires-hand accounts of her tough and devoted resolve. She died in 1905.
My mother remembered her huge funeral. She was born in 1819 or 1829, whichever date from conflicting marriage certificates is correct. Her death certificate reads "Indian, 80 plus years."
The Indians called her Chippewa Que. This writer has the large original charcoal picture of her which was painted around 1850. She is buried in Elbridge Cemetery with her son Henry (Camp Houk and Hart barber) on one side and Sophia Parr, a daughter from the Deverney marriage on the other, and one other unknown to us. Submitted by Wm. Field
Children of JOSETTE DEROSIER and PETER DUVERNAY are:
i. SOPHIA DUVERNAY
ii. FRANK DUVERNEY
Children of JOSETTE DEROSIER and DAVID MOON are:
iii. SARAH ELIZABETH MOAN
iv. WILLIAM HENRY MOAN
v. AMANDA MELVINA PAULENE MOAN
Children of JOSETTE DEROSIER and HENRY ROBINSON are:
vi. MABEL JANE ROBINSON
vii. KATE BELL ROBINSON
Grand Haven Tribune, 27 April 1904, p. 4:
"In the Olden, Golden Glory of Days Gone By."
The death of Mrs. Josette Robinson in the township of Elbridge, Oceana county, last week, removes from earth one who was closely associated with the early life of Grand Haven. She was a sister of John Parisien of this city and was born at Torch Lake, Wis. in 1819, and came to Grand Haven in 1835.
She, her mother and brother John, came by a Mackinaw mail boat from Torch Lake to the Soo, and down that historic and beautiful stream to Mackinac. The owner of the boat refused to send it farther and the mother purchased a bark canoe, giving in exchange for it a broad cloth shawl. The three with all their worldly belongings started for their future home paddling a canoe all the way. There were then no lighthouses in the Straits and no white settlement between Mackinac and the mouth of Grand River.
The great lake was then a stranger to line steamers and pleasure craft. The silence and sublimity of nature were the voyagers' only companions. They found on their arrival here, the Rev. WiIliam M. Ferry, Peter Duverney, and a man in the employ of Rix Robinson. The town consisted of two log houses, one standing just east of where the Riverview now is located and the other on the corner of Franklin and Water Sts. The present site of the city was covered with a dense growth of timber.
Josette married Peter Duverney and lived here with him until his death by freezing. She then married David Moon. They moved to Elbridge, where Moon died some twenty five years ago. She then married Henry Robinson, who still resides at Elbridge. She was the mother of six daughters and one son. Four girls and the boy survive.
Such in brief is the story of a long and eventful life, much of it spent in the first years of the building of Grand Haven. It compasses the early struggle, the close relations of that little handful of people, who lived for others as well as themselves, and who gave with open hand to their neighbor and friend. It was the era of hospitality and good cheer, now gone forever. There coursed through her veins the blood of that strange and picturesque race, the Chippewas. She was taught the legends of the Manton and the Indians' paradise. She imbibed the feeling of thought and action that the All Father gives to those who love the forest.
Can we not catch the subtle charm of that picture of 1835? The frail canoe, with mother and son and daughter, gliding over the rippling waters of the great lake under the powerful strokes of that young giant, who wielded the paddle. It was midsummer and the forest was in full dress. We can see the dark skinned girl, lithe and graceful as a fawn, balancing herself, corresponding with the tossing motions of the canoe. Think of the mode of travel and contrast it with the palatial steamers of today. That family was passing on to its destiny. The flashing eye of the girl reflected the light of the sunshine thrown in a hundred lines of light from the moving waters. On one side the forest primeval, its solitude tempting the toilers, while the song birds make music to which the paddle keeps time. The water reaches out to the horizon and nature is in repose; the forest and lake with the beach the dividing line. Into the beauty of this scene glides the canoe with its human freight. The language of this fast vanishing race, musical and soft as the falling dew, mingles with the fluttering of leaf and murmuring waters, as the sunshine and shadow chase each other in and out through steep and glen of woodland.
That voyage seems primitive but with what beauty and romance was it surrounded.
John Parisien still lives, an honored citizen of Grand Haven. He has measured the entire existence of this community. What mighty changes have been wrought within the life time of this man. The race from which his mother sprang has practically vanished. In its stead has appeared a restless and vigorous life, void of the beauty and the simplicity of the Chippewas but charged by the Creator with a mission of mercy to the Millions.
To you, lone survivor of that canoe voyage, be peace and contentment in the evening of your long life, is the wish of George W. McBride.
The Journal Hart, Michigan 22 April 1904 Page 1 reads:
Mrs. H. L. Robinson Dead.
She has been a resident of Oceana county for fifty years.
Josette Le Rosa was born on the southern shores of Lake Superior in the spring of 1819, and died at her home in Elbridge April 17, 1904.
She was married three times, the first husband being Mr. De Vurney, the second David Moon, and the third H.L. Robinson, who survives her.
She had six children, twenty-three grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Mrs. Robinson's mother was a genuine Chippewa and gave birth to her while the tribe was crossing Northern Michigan. Her early life is unknown and only since she was married to David Moon has any of her history been obtainable.
She was one of the earliest settlers in Elbridge, settling there about 50 years ago and she occupied with her husband the first frame house built in the township. Mr. Tennant bought the building about 35 years ago.
Her second husband, David Moon, died in 1866 and was buried in the Randell cemetery. She then married Robinson.
Perhaps no other woman of Indian blood has been more respected and generally beloved than was Mrs. Robinson. She was of a very kind disposition and her generous heart made friends for her by the score wherever she went.
A woman of no literary education, yet she possessed much wisdom. She was taught in nature's school and learned rapidly and well. The sick and suffering always desired "Grandma" Robinson as nurse, and she was never known to refuse aid whenever it was possible for her to render it. Every home in the township of Elbridge has welcomed her at their firesides and her death has caused more than usual mourning.
The funeral was held at the townhall 19 April at 2:00 pm. Rev. Bennett of Crystal officiating. A large number of friends and neighbors attended the services to pay their last tribute of respect. The floral tribute was beautiful and generously given.
The pall bearers were: Chas. Carr, Bealey Van Brocklin, Ames Bellinger, Geo. Tate, Sr., Chas. Hoffmeyer and Geo. Hull, all old neighbors of Mrs. Robinson.
Oceana County History, 1990, Vol. 1, p. 425:
On December 24, 1847 Josette DeRosier, a full blooded Ottawa Indian, married Peter C. Deverney. Peter was the son of the co-founder of Grand Haven and the marriage was performed in their Grand Haven home. The Marriage is the first recorded in the Ottawa County courthouse. They were married by Rev. William Ferry, the other founder of Grand Haven.
In 1856 Josette became part of the Indian transfer from the Grand River to their new reservation of Elbridge and Crystal Townships of Oceana County. On May 22, 1858, Josette married David Moon of Grand Haven and they had three children,, Sarah E., born April 31, 1861, Henry, born 1862, and Amanda Paulene, born May 17, 1864.
On December 20, 1866 Josette married Henry Robinson, the last of three husbands, and they had four children.
Josette served as a midwife delivering and assisting in the delivery of hundreds of babies in the wilderness of eastern Oceana County. She somehow found time to have 10 children of her own from three marriages. Towards the end of her active years she served as a midwife for pioneer Dr. Louis Munger of Hart who gave us fires-hand accounts of her tough and devoted resolve. She died in 1905.
My mother remembered her huge funeral. She was born in 1819 or 1829, whichever date from conflicting marriage certificates is correct. Her death certificate reads "Indian, 80 plus years."
The Indians called her Chippewa Que. This writer has the large original charcoal picture of her which was painted around 1850. She is buried in Elbridge Cemetery with her son Henry (Camp Houk and Hart barber) on one side and Sophia Parr, a daughter from the Deverney marriage on the other, and one other unknown to us. Submitted by Wm. Field
Children of JOSETTE DEROSIER and PETER DUVERNAY are:
i. SOPHIA DUVERNAY
ii. FRANK DUVERNEY
Children of JOSETTE DEROSIER and DAVID MOON are:
iii. SARAH ELIZABETH MOAN
iv. WILLIAM HENRY MOAN
v. AMANDA MELVINA PAULENE MOAN
Children of JOSETTE DEROSIER and HENRY ROBINSON are:
vi. MABEL JANE ROBINSON
vii. KATE BELL ROBINSON
JOSETTE (DEROSIER)(DUVERNAY)(MOON) ROBINSON was born Abt. 1828 at Torch Lake or Lac Du Flambeau, Villas County, Wisconsin, and died 17 Apr 1904 in Elbridge, Oceana Co., Michigan. She married (1) PETER JR. DUVERNAY 24 Dec 1847 in Grand Haven, Ottawa Co., Michigan, son of PIERRE DUVERNAY and JULIA MINEDEMOEYAH. He was born Abt. 1825 in Chippewa River, Lac du Flambeau, Villas Co., WI, and died Bet. 1851 - 1858 in Michigan. She married (2) DAVID M. MOON 22 May 1858 in Grand Haven, Ottawa Co., Michigan. He was born Abt. 1819 in New York, and died 1866 in Michigan. She married (3) HENRY L. ROBINSON 30 Dec 1866 in Elbridge, Oceana Co., Michigan, son of EDWARD ROBINSON and MARY HOAG. He was born 04 Jul 1833 in Cayuga Co., New York, and died 28 Sep 1915 in Benzie Co, Michigan.
Grand Haven Tribune, 27 April 1904, p. 4:
"In the Olden, Golden Glory of Days Gone By."
The death of Mrs. Josette Robinson in the township of Elbridge, Oceana county, last week, removes from earth one who was closely associated with the early life of Grand Haven. She was a sister of John Parisien of this city and was born at Torch Lake, Wis. in 1819, and came to Grand Haven in 1835.
She, her mother and brother John, came by a Mackinaw mail boat from Torch Lake to the Soo, and down that historic and beautiful stream to Mackinac. The owner of the boat refused to send it farther and the mother purchased a bark canoe, giving in exchange for it a broad cloth shawl. The three with all their worldly belongings started for their future home paddling a canoe all the way. There were then no lighthouses in the Straits and no white settlement between Mackinac and the mouth of Grand River.
The great lake was then a stranger to line steamers and pleasure craft. The silence and sublimity of nature were the voyagers' only companions. They found on their arrival here, the Rev. WiIliam M. Ferry, Peter Duverney, and a man in the employ of Rix Robinson. The town consisted of two log houses, one standing just east of where the Riverview now is located and the other on the corner of Franklin and Water Sts. The present site of the city was covered with a dense growth of timber.
Josette married Peter Duverney and lived here with him until his death by freezing. She then married David Moon. They moved to Elbridge, where Moon died some twenty five years ago. She then married Henry Robinson, who still resides at Elbridge. She was the mother of six daughters and one son. Four girls and the boy survive.
Such in brief is the story of a long and eventful life, much of it spent in the first years of the building of Grand Haven. It compasses the early struggle, the close relations of that little handful of people, who lived for others as well as themselves, and who gave with open hand to their neighbor and friend. It was the era of hospitality and good cheer, now gone forever. There coursed through her veins the blood of that strange and picturesque race, the Chippewas. She was taught the legends of the Manton and the Indians' paradise. She imbibed the feeling of thought and action that the All Father gives to those who love the forest.
Can we not catch the subtle charm of that picture of 1835? The frail canoe, with mother and son and daughter, gliding over the rippling waters of the great lake under the powerful strokes of that young giant, who wielded the paddle. It was midsummer and the forest was in full dress. We can see the dark skinned girl, lithe and graceful as a fawn, balancing herself, corresponding with the tossing motions of the canoe. Think of the mode of travel and contrast it with the palatial steamers of today. That family was passing on to its destiny. The flashing eye of the girl reflected the light of the sunshine thrown in a hundred lines of light from the moving waters. On one side the forest primeval, its solitude tempting the toilers, while the song birds make music to which the paddle keeps time. The water reaches out to the horizon and nature is in repose; the forest and lake with the beach the dividing line. Into the beauty of this scene glides the canoe with its human freight. The language of this fast vanishing race, musical and soft as the falling dew, mingles with the fluttering of leaf and murmuring waters, as the sunshine and shadow chase each other in and out through steep and glen of woodland.
That voyage seems primitive but with what beauty and romance was it surrounded.
John Parisien still lives, an honored citizen of Grand Haven. He has measured the entire existence of this community. What mighty changes have been wrought within the life time of this man. The race from which his mother sprang has practically vanished. In its stead has appeared a restless and vigorous life, void of the beauty and the simplicity of the Chippewas but charged by the Creator with a mission of mercy to the Millions.
To you, lone survivor of that canoe voyage, be peace and contentment in the evening of your long life, is the wish of George W. McBride.
The Journal Hart, Michigan 22 April 1904 Page 1 reads:
Mrs. H. L. Robinson Dead.
She has been a resident of Oceana county for fifty years.
Josette Le Rosa was born on the southern shores of Lake Superior in the spring of 1819, and died at her home in Elbridge April 17, 1904.
She was married three times, the first husband being Mr. De Vurney, the second David Moon, and the third H.L. Robinson, who survives her.
She had six children, twenty-three grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Mrs. Robinson's mother was a genuine Chippewa and gave birth to her while the tribe was crossing Northern Michigan. Her early life is unknown and only since she was married to David Moon has any of her history been obtainable.
She was one of the earliest settlers in Elbridge, settling there about 50 years ago and she occupied with her husband the first frame house built in the township. Mr. Tennant bought the building about 35 years ago.
Her second husband, David Moon, died in 1866 and was buried in the Randell cemetery. She then married Robinson.
Perhaps no other woman of Indian blood has been more respected and generally beloved than was Mrs. Robinson. She was of a very kind disposition and her generous heart made friends for her by the score wherever she went.
A woman of no literary education, yet she possessed much wisdom. She was taught in nature's school and learned rapidly and well. The sick and suffering always desired "Grandma" Robinson as nurse, and she was never known to refuse aid whenever it was possible for her to render it. Every home in the township of Elbridge has welcomed her at their firesides and her death has caused more than usual mourning.
The funeral was held at the townhall 19 April at 2:00 pm. Rev. Bennett of Crystal officiating. A large number of friends and neighbors attended the services to pay their last tribute of respect. The floral tribute was beautiful and generously given.
The pall bearers were: Chas. Carr, Bealey Van Brocklin, Ames Bellinger, Geo. Tate, Sr., Chas. Hoffmeyer and Geo. Hull, all old neighbors of Mrs. Robinson.
Oceana County History, 1990, Vol. 1, p. 425:
On December 24, 1847 Josette DeRosier, a full blooded Ottawa Indian, married Peter C. Deverney. Peter was the son of the co-founder of Grand Haven and the marriage was performed in their Grand Haven home. The Marriage is the first recorded in the Ottawa County courthouse. They were married by Rev. William Ferry, the other founder of Grand Haven.
In 1856 Josette became part of the Indian transfer from the Grand River to their new reservation of Elbridge and Crystal Townships of Oceana County. On May 22, 1858, Josette married David Moon of Grand Haven and they had three children,, Sarah E., born April 31, 1861, Henry, born 1862, and Amanda Paulene, born May 17, 1864.
On December 20, 1866 Josette married Henry Robinson, the last of three husbands, and they had four children.
Josette served as a midwife delivering and assisting in the delivery of hundreds of babies in the wilderness of eastern Oceana County. She somehow found time to have 10 children of her own from three marriages. Towards the end of her active years she served as a midwife for pioneer Dr. Louis Munger of Hart who gave us fires-hand accounts of her tough and devoted resolve. She died in 1905.
My mother remembered her huge funeral. She was born in 1819 or 1829, whichever date from conflicting marriage certificates is correct. Her death certificate reads "Indian, 80 plus years."
The Indians called her Chippewa Que. This writer has the large original charcoal picture of her which was painted around 1850. She is buried in Elbridge Cemetery with her son Henry (Camp Houk and Hart barber) on one side and Sophia Parr, a daughter from the Deverney marriage on the other, and one other unknown to us. Submitted by Wm. Field
Children of JOSETTE DEROSIER and PETER DUVERNAY are:
i. SOPHIA DUVERNAY
ii. FRANK DUVERNEY
Children of JOSETTE DEROSIER and DAVID MOON are:
iii. SARAH ELIZABETH MOAN
iv. WILLIAM HENRY MOAN
v. AMANDA MELVINA PAULENE MOAN
Children of JOSETTE DEROSIER and HENRY ROBINSON are:
vi. MABEL JANE ROBINSON
vii. KATE BELL ROBINSON
Grand Haven Tribune, 27 April 1904, p. 4:
"In the Olden, Golden Glory of Days Gone By."
The death of Mrs. Josette Robinson in the township of Elbridge, Oceana county, last week, removes from earth one who was closely associated with the early life of Grand Haven. She was a sister of John Parisien of this city and was born at Torch Lake, Wis. in 1819, and came to Grand Haven in 1835.
She, her mother and brother John, came by a Mackinaw mail boat from Torch Lake to the Soo, and down that historic and beautiful stream to Mackinac. The owner of the boat refused to send it farther and the mother purchased a bark canoe, giving in exchange for it a broad cloth shawl. The three with all their worldly belongings started for their future home paddling a canoe all the way. There were then no lighthouses in the Straits and no white settlement between Mackinac and the mouth of Grand River.
The great lake was then a stranger to line steamers and pleasure craft. The silence and sublimity of nature were the voyagers' only companions. They found on their arrival here, the Rev. WiIliam M. Ferry, Peter Duverney, and a man in the employ of Rix Robinson. The town consisted of two log houses, one standing just east of where the Riverview now is located and the other on the corner of Franklin and Water Sts. The present site of the city was covered with a dense growth of timber.
Josette married Peter Duverney and lived here with him until his death by freezing. She then married David Moon. They moved to Elbridge, where Moon died some twenty five years ago. She then married Henry Robinson, who still resides at Elbridge. She was the mother of six daughters and one son. Four girls and the boy survive.
Such in brief is the story of a long and eventful life, much of it spent in the first years of the building of Grand Haven. It compasses the early struggle, the close relations of that little handful of people, who lived for others as well as themselves, and who gave with open hand to their neighbor and friend. It was the era of hospitality and good cheer, now gone forever. There coursed through her veins the blood of that strange and picturesque race, the Chippewas. She was taught the legends of the Manton and the Indians' paradise. She imbibed the feeling of thought and action that the All Father gives to those who love the forest.
Can we not catch the subtle charm of that picture of 1835? The frail canoe, with mother and son and daughter, gliding over the rippling waters of the great lake under the powerful strokes of that young giant, who wielded the paddle. It was midsummer and the forest was in full dress. We can see the dark skinned girl, lithe and graceful as a fawn, balancing herself, corresponding with the tossing motions of the canoe. Think of the mode of travel and contrast it with the palatial steamers of today. That family was passing on to its destiny. The flashing eye of the girl reflected the light of the sunshine thrown in a hundred lines of light from the moving waters. On one side the forest primeval, its solitude tempting the toilers, while the song birds make music to which the paddle keeps time. The water reaches out to the horizon and nature is in repose; the forest and lake with the beach the dividing line. Into the beauty of this scene glides the canoe with its human freight. The language of this fast vanishing race, musical and soft as the falling dew, mingles with the fluttering of leaf and murmuring waters, as the sunshine and shadow chase each other in and out through steep and glen of woodland.
That voyage seems primitive but with what beauty and romance was it surrounded.
John Parisien still lives, an honored citizen of Grand Haven. He has measured the entire existence of this community. What mighty changes have been wrought within the life time of this man. The race from which his mother sprang has practically vanished. In its stead has appeared a restless and vigorous life, void of the beauty and the simplicity of the Chippewas but charged by the Creator with a mission of mercy to the Millions.
To you, lone survivor of that canoe voyage, be peace and contentment in the evening of your long life, is the wish of George W. McBride.
The Journal Hart, Michigan 22 April 1904 Page 1 reads:
Mrs. H. L. Robinson Dead.
She has been a resident of Oceana county for fifty years.
Josette Le Rosa was born on the southern shores of Lake Superior in the spring of 1819, and died at her home in Elbridge April 17, 1904.
She was married three times, the first husband being Mr. De Vurney, the second David Moon, and the third H.L. Robinson, who survives her.
She had six children, twenty-three grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Mrs. Robinson's mother was a genuine Chippewa and gave birth to her while the tribe was crossing Northern Michigan. Her early life is unknown and only since she was married to David Moon has any of her history been obtainable.
She was one of the earliest settlers in Elbridge, settling there about 50 years ago and she occupied with her husband the first frame house built in the township. Mr. Tennant bought the building about 35 years ago.
Her second husband, David Moon, died in 1866 and was buried in the Randell cemetery. She then married Robinson.
Perhaps no other woman of Indian blood has been more respected and generally beloved than was Mrs. Robinson. She was of a very kind disposition and her generous heart made friends for her by the score wherever she went.
A woman of no literary education, yet she possessed much wisdom. She was taught in nature's school and learned rapidly and well. The sick and suffering always desired "Grandma" Robinson as nurse, and she was never known to refuse aid whenever it was possible for her to render it. Every home in the township of Elbridge has welcomed her at their firesides and her death has caused more than usual mourning.
The funeral was held at the townhall 19 April at 2:00 pm. Rev. Bennett of Crystal officiating. A large number of friends and neighbors attended the services to pay their last tribute of respect. The floral tribute was beautiful and generously given.
The pall bearers were: Chas. Carr, Bealey Van Brocklin, Ames Bellinger, Geo. Tate, Sr., Chas. Hoffmeyer and Geo. Hull, all old neighbors of Mrs. Robinson.
Oceana County History, 1990, Vol. 1, p. 425:
On December 24, 1847 Josette DeRosier, a full blooded Ottawa Indian, married Peter C. Deverney. Peter was the son of the co-founder of Grand Haven and the marriage was performed in their Grand Haven home. The Marriage is the first recorded in the Ottawa County courthouse. They were married by Rev. William Ferry, the other founder of Grand Haven.
In 1856 Josette became part of the Indian transfer from the Grand River to their new reservation of Elbridge and Crystal Townships of Oceana County. On May 22, 1858, Josette married David Moon of Grand Haven and they had three children,, Sarah E., born April 31, 1861, Henry, born 1862, and Amanda Paulene, born May 17, 1864.
On December 20, 1866 Josette married Henry Robinson, the last of three husbands, and they had four children.
Josette served as a midwife delivering and assisting in the delivery of hundreds of babies in the wilderness of eastern Oceana County. She somehow found time to have 10 children of her own from three marriages. Towards the end of her active years she served as a midwife for pioneer Dr. Louis Munger of Hart who gave us fires-hand accounts of her tough and devoted resolve. She died in 1905.
My mother remembered her huge funeral. She was born in 1819 or 1829, whichever date from conflicting marriage certificates is correct. Her death certificate reads "Indian, 80 plus years."
The Indians called her Chippewa Que. This writer has the large original charcoal picture of her which was painted around 1850. She is buried in Elbridge Cemetery with her son Henry (Camp Houk and Hart barber) on one side and Sophia Parr, a daughter from the Deverney marriage on the other, and one other unknown to us. Submitted by Wm. Field
Children of JOSETTE DEROSIER and PETER DUVERNAY are:
i. SOPHIA DUVERNAY
ii. FRANK DUVERNEY
Children of JOSETTE DEROSIER and DAVID MOON are:
iii. SARAH ELIZABETH MOAN
iv. WILLIAM HENRY MOAN
v. AMANDA MELVINA PAULENE MOAN
Children of JOSETTE DEROSIER and HENRY ROBINSON are:
vi. MABEL JANE ROBINSON
vii. KATE BELL ROBINSON
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