A Legacy of Leadership, Heritage, and Friendship
Chief David Shoppenagon, born on July 1, 1809, along the Tittabawassee River near Saginaw, Michigan, lived a life that seamlessly bridged two worlds. As a proud member of the Chippewa Tribe, he upheld his cultural traditions while becoming a respected figure among Michigan’s early settlers. This article revisits his incredible journey, originally shared in 2022, with a fresh look at the man affectionately known as “Shop.”
Early Life
Born into the Chippewa Tribe in the Green Point area near Saginaw, Shoppenagon spent his early years living close to nature. He believed that living outdoors, free from the confines of a roof, contributed to his remarkable health and longevity. It wasn’t until adulthood that he lived under a roof.
Married with five children—Tom, Cora, Nancy, Hattie, and Mary—Shoppenagon lived a rich family life while remaining deeply connected to his heritage.
Transformation and New Beginnings
In middle age, Shoppenagon embraced Methodism and abstained from alcohol after witnessing its harmful effects on Native communities. His advocacy against alcohol became an integral part of his life’s mission.
In 1875, a hunting trip to Grayling sparked a deep connection with the area, particularly the west side of the Manistee River. He moved his family there the following year, settling at the mouth of the Au Sable River’s east branch. This move marked the beginning of his lasting legacy in Grayling.
A Guide, Craftsman, and Business Partner
Shoppenagon’s profound knowledge of the woods and waterways made him a sought-after guide for Michigan’s elite. Around campfires, he shared vivid stories, forging enduring friendships.
His skills extended to woodworking; his handcrafted maple canoe paddles were prized for their unique “swing.” Partnering with lumber merchant T.W. Hanson, Shoppenagon helped market premium cork pine and maple flooring under the “Shoppenagon” and “Chief” brands. His captivating storytelling and traditional dances added flair to business conventions, elevating the reputation of Hanson’s lumber company.
Legacy of Leadership
Despite never claiming the title of Chief, Shoppenagon was seen as a leader by his peers. He proudly wore crescent-shaped silver medals awarded to his grandfather during the French and Indian War, a testament to his family’s honorable history.
In 1907, he served as Grand Marshal of Saginaw’s Sesquicentennial parade. During this visit, he returned to his birthplace and was deeply moved, drinking from the river and recalling his roots.
Final Years and Lasting Impact
Even in his later years, Shoppenagon remained active, embarking on fishing trips with lifelong friends well into his eighties. He was known for his humility, often preferring the floor near a fireplace over the comfort of a bed.
David Shoppenagon passed away on Christmas Day in 1911 at the age of 102. He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Grayling, Michigan. His legacy endures as a dignified figure who navigated two worlds with grace, preserving his heritage while forming bonds with Michigan’s settlers.
Historical Marker
Chief Shoppenagon/Shoppenagon’s Homesite
Civil War and After (1860-1875) – Registered in 1979 and erected in 1981 – ID #L757B
Located at 103 E. Michigan, Grayling/Bus 75 and AuSable River – Lat: 44.65986200 / Long: -84.71115500
Chief Shoppenagon
Chief David Shoppenagon was born in Indianfields, a Chippewa Indian Village in the Saginaw River Valley. In 1795 his grandfather, also a Chippewa chief, was among the Indians who met with General Anthony Wayne at Fort Greenville, Ohio, and signed a treaty that ended forty years of warfare in the Ohio Valley. Shoppenagon arrived in the Grayling area from the Saginaw Valley during the early 1870s. He trapped, hunted, and was a guide for sportsmen throughout the northern Lower Peninsula.
Shoppenagon’s Homesite
Chief David Shoppenagon had a house near this site, though he spent much of his time along the lakes and rivers of the area. Whites called him “Old Shopp” and welcomed his campfire tales of bear and deer hunts. He made canoes and paddles by hand and was a river guide in the area. In the early 1900s, a local inn, the area’s cork pine and maple flooring company were named for Chief Shoppenagon. The chief died on Christmas Day 1911. He was believed to be 103 years old.
Learn more about the rich history of the Northeast Lower Peninsula.
