Friday, February 10, 2012

Betsy "Mojohn"




Visitors often ask about the cabin on the grounds of Mon Ami Restaurant. This cabin was the home of Betsy "Mojohn", one of the last of the Ottawa Indians. Her name reported came out the local expression for corn liquor, "John" and her desire for "more". What we do know is that "Betsy", Mary Elizabeth, married Henry Luckert on May 1, 1852 with Justice of the Peace, H.J. Miller officiating. It was known that Luckert spoke only German and we assume that Betsy did not. We also know that he did build her a 6 room, story and one half black walnut cabin. They did not remain married for long, reportedly her fondness for alcohol contributed to her temper. Betsy later married L.C. Bonnet, a tavern owner and they moved to Bogart's Corners near Sandusky. Betsy died at an advanced age in 1909 and is buried in the Bloomville Cemetery. Sources for this blog were Last of the Ottawa Indians,  Port Clinton Daily News, 7/5/1928, and A Little Log House On Catawba Island Reeks Indian Romance, The Progressive Times, 8/6/1928.


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