William A. Elias (1856-1929) was a teacher, interpreter and a Wesleyan Methodist missionary from Walpole Island. He was also a medicine man. Not much is written about his work but he did keep a daily journal himself. These journals total 25 in all and cover from 1884 to 1928. He came to Bay Mills in 1903 where he not only preached (in the Ojibwe language) but he also sketched the Mission and made journal entries.
Following are part of his entries, unedited and in original format.
Bay Mills Indian Mission — Oct. 5, 1903
Having a time to do a little of sight seeing around this place/vicinity, I took this opportunity to note down and sketch the scenery of the Indian town as appearances from points of view. This effort to take the view was taken by some disadvantages for not being qualified to the laws of perspection ___ taught by the master of the collegiates. ___ first view was taken south western __ Indian town. The second view was taken from the fisherman's shanty and the third view from the shore of Lake Superior and in the dia___ point in order to take this school house _____ teachers house which was peeking out on a distant behind that of Duncan Cameron's house as it is seen the 2nd view.
The opening part of the tea meeting at the hour of 8:20 a patriotic hymn was sung by the choir. Mr. Chairman was in the person of Wilbur Scribner a store keeper. He fills a position so good his quality will make things lively and agreeable. The meeting was interrupted by calling the scribbler (Elias) to give a talk on such similar occasions like this only hoping to enjoy immensely with the good times of this meeting.
Misses McKay's gave a selection of gospel song which was also well received by the congregation.
John Traump (Fraump?) was called upon to give an instrumental piece he was called back several times by the large audience with tremendous encores and finishing with a great applause.
The choir gave a hymn lately sung by the lamented President Wm. McKinley. This choir was composed by both Indians and Half Breeds. This was well applauded.
Miss Maud parish was again willed to give a song this time. She is partly Indian but she does not disown it as it is generally the case in those who are partially Indians. Andrew Waishkey declined his call and simply desired to be excused for some preparation for the occasion.
Rev. Garrett Smith was then called and sang the old time religion with such cheer ful spirit which gave a cheerful time for the audience and they demanded some more from this revered preacher of the gospel who has already labored so long in the good work for the elevation of his own people who loved him for it was so manifested by the people. He is a good speaker and called a possessing rare qualities for all the opposition of some Indians might have against him. It not avail any things to overthrow the good work he is doing for these people in every appearance of the motion _____ to the best of society. The intelligence in the residents is very remarkable considering the location of the place with its evil surroundings in its saloons robbing the people of their comfort and care. Is is shame how the saloon was established among them and within the bounds of their own reservation for the law of the United States bring severe to punish such offenses if substantiated by a proof. Bro. Garrett Smith laments encroachments of the prohibitory laws. He stands alone preaching against such liquor sale in the village of Bay Mills. Mothers of this Indian Community are suffering immensely their should be support is being squandered in this liquor den.
.............I do hope in the near future we shall have expressed the ...... for they are looking for the who was appointed by them to superintend the building of a Mission Church but to the disappointment both this ..... Rev. Garrett Smith he had not yet to any of them in announcement of his forthcoming and when the building of the church might be begun. A man from L'Anse was present at the team meeting who stated that Rev. T. C. Thomas was going to Odena and after which he would come down to Bay Mills about the church affairs for the mean time the people will look forward for his arrival. Lately the school teacher Mr. West received from Jonathan Blake ... of L'Anse the sum of twenty five dollars which will go toward church buildings fund. The project to purchase ....... From Bay Mills lumber Co. long the agreement will be consummated so that it will be into a church and in the course of time will be dedidcated by the Indians themselves. I am glad such is the enterprise in these people to build a church for themselves. May the good lord grant them a success for their spiritual encouragement and edification for they verily need a church that will give a comfort to them all for they are now worshiping in the old log church pretty badly dilapidated and is resting in the sand in danger to topple down at any moment on any one of those desparate gales that are so common in those upper .... This joyuous tea meeting reached ..... $15.00
Bay Mills Indian Mission Oct.
Col — 3.12
Wm. Kay — 1.50
Sam Sabo — 1.00
Col — 1.43
John Waishkey — 1.00
Thomas Teeple — 1.00
Daniel Cameron — 1.00
Col — 3.04
Duncan Cameron — 1.00
George Wascomb — .25
Francis Hugo — 1.00
David Marshall — 1.00
Col — .79
Mary Friday — 1.00
Col — 2.20
$22.33
Bay Mills History Department was visited by doctoral student David T. McNab of Canada in April of 2004. He was interested in doing research on James D. Cameron and before he left he shared with us these journal entries and sketches of William A. Elias.
