The Man Behind the Name
Some of his descendants knew him as Neyas Bedosegay. Others called him Petosegay, Biidassige, or Peto-osega—names that translate to “Rising Sun” or “Light That is Coming.” The Jesuit missionaries knew him as Ignatius Petosega, and the Smithsonian Institution recognizes him as Chief Pe-to-de-gah. However you say his name, today we remember him as the man behind one of Michigan’s most beloved towns—Petoskey.
Chief Ignatius Petoskey was born in 1787 during a family hunting trip near the Manistee River. His father, Antoine Carre (Neaatooshing), a French fur trader, is said to have lifted the newborn to the morning light and declared: “His name shall be Petosegay and he shall become an important person.” The prophecy came true.
Growing Up
He grew up near what is now Middle Village, about seven miles from Harbor Springs, and married Kewaykabawikwa, daughter of Ottawa chief Pokozeegun. To celebrate their union, they planted apple trees—many of which stood decades after his passing. Over his long life, Petoskey became a respected merchant, landowner, and advocate for his people, the Odawa.
In the mid-1800s, he moved his family to the southern shores of Little Traverse Bay, near the Bear River. There, he and his sons purchased over 400 acres of land—an act that was both visionary and politically risky. Though not recognized by the federal government when Michigan became a state in 1837, this land would form the heart of modern-day Petoskey.
Pillar of the Community
His life was shaped by great change and personal sacrifice. He navigated tensions between Protestant missionaries and Jesuits, lost and reconciled with his wife, and even sent his sons to be educated in Ohio, only to face pressure from religious leaders to withdraw them. Through it all, he remained a pillar of the Odawa community.
In 1873, when local settlers needed a name for their new post office, they honored him by choosing “Petoskey.” Despite the imperfect translation, the chief graciously accepted it.
Chief Ignatius Petoskey passed away on June 15, 1885, at the remarkable age of 98. He left behind ten children, a strong legacy of resistance, leadership, and peace, and a community that still carries his name. His descendants continue to live in the area and are members of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.
Honoring Chief Petoskey
In 2005, the city of Petoskey unveiled a bronze statue of the chief gazing out over Little Traverse Bay, a place he first saw over 230 years ago. His name lives on not only through the city but also through the state stone—the Petoskey stone—designated in 1965 with his granddaughter Ella Jane present at the bill signing.
So today, we remember Chief Petoskey. Not just as a name on a map, but as a man who built a life, led a people, and planted seeds—literal and metaphorical—that still bloom in Northern Michigan.
Learn more about the rich history of the Northwest Lower Peninsula.
