40. Lost White Child Found by Indians
Julia Morrison was born in her parent’s cabin along what is now Saugatuck’s Lake Street in 1846. Her parents, Stephen and Mary Elizabeth Morrison, were among the earliest settlers and had friendly relationships with the local Odawa (Ottawa) and Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi). One day little Julia got lost in the woods. After much frantic searching her parents asked their Indigenous neighbors for help. Soon thereafter Julia was located picking flowers on top of a nearby hill.
Years later, the Morrison’s tannery and real estate investments had brought them considerable wealth. Julia was sent to an elite private school for girls in nearby Allegan. She married John Francis in 1870.
Julia’s daughter, May Francis Heath wrote Saugatuck’s first history titled Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan 1830-1930. In this important text, Heath records her grandparents’ deep respect for their kind and generous Indigenous neighbors.