There was a large band of Indians living on Garden Island, three miles
distant north from Beaver Island. This island had been deeded to them by
the government as their own. Also another island about six miles west of
Beaver Island, called High Island. Both these Islands were fertile,
covered with heavy timber, and both afforded good fishing opportunities
with good harbors at each island. Strang's people never having seen
Indians before were naturally very timid, especially when the Indians
gathered at Beaver Harbor to sell their fish and being friendly often
called at the Chemokamon's house. The Indian being of an inquisitive
nature, wanted to see how the white brothers lived in their homes.
Strang himself said he felt none too sure of his own life when he saw so
many coming to his home, but the Indians and their squaws with their
papooses on their backs, that being the fashion of carrying their young
children, were always smiling and good natured, which very soon
reassured Strang and his people that they were friendly and meant them
no harm. At first the Mormons always kept their doors locked and barred.
Strang soon preached to them to leave their doors open to their Indian
friends, which they did with the faith that their King knew best.
[Illustration: JAMES JESSE STRANG, THE MORMON KING.]