Notes for: Theresa Wasaquam
From the death certificate of Theresa's mother, this last name might have originally been Wa-Sa-Quam. One person from this family thinks the surname Wasaquam might be a translation of the original Native American name of one of their ancestors referring to the sound that lightning makes when it strikes water. That is uncertain, though. It needs more study.
From Find-A-Grave:
Services for Mrs. Theresa Walker, 94, one of this community's oldest residents, was held at Greensky Methodist church Saturday with the Rev. Raymond J, McBratnie officiating, A prayer service was be held at the Winchester Funeral Home on Friday.
Born in Hayes Township May 7, 1870, the former Theresa Wasaguam was married to Jackson Walker 1894 at the Greensky Indian church. He preceded her in death in 1911. She was a member of the Greensky Indian Methodist church.
Surviving are three sons, William of Muskegon, John of Chicago and Jerry of Charlevoix; three daughters, Mrs. Joseph (Irene) Compo of East Jordan, Mrs. Veronica Mitchell and Mrs. Clara Walker of Charlevoix, nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild and a brother, Andrew Wasaquam of Pellston.
Burial was in Greensky Cemetery
All the following came from Quinton and Carol Walker during a personal interview I had with them on October 9, 2022.
Jackson Walker died young and his wife Theresa became the matriarch of the family. Quinton Walker, Sr. said she ruled with an iron fist! Her last name is pronounced WASS-a-quam and spelled Wasaquam. Her children were Samuel Walker (died as an infant), William Walker, Veronica (Veron) Walker, John Walker, Jerry Walker, Irene and Clara M. Walker. Note: There is also a Frank B. Walker who was the oldest child of Jackson and Theresa Walker. He is listed in many online resources.
William (Bill) married four or five times but didn't have any children.
Veronica had two children: Ida Mae and Ralph. Ida had two kids: Michael (Mike) Mitchell (married an Irene) and a black child. The family does not know what became of that baby.
John had one son by his second wife: John, Jr. He got married twice. John, Jr. has three girls: Suzannah, Rachel, Jessica (Jessie).
Jerry never married and didn't have any children.
Clara was born February 10, 1916 and never actually married. She did have four children: Duane, Clayton, Ronald (Ronny), Elizabeth (called Judy). Judy, born May 20, 1946 had three kids: Daugherty Johnson, named after her husband Daugherty Johnson (born January 1, 1969), then Paul Johnson ( born 4/28/71) and Theresa Johnson. Ronny died when he was four years old. Clayton had a daughter: Tamora (born June 1 around 1967). Duane didn't have any children.
*****End of October 9, 2022 interview.*****