Hamlin Lake Preservation Society

Protecting Hamlin Lake for Future Generations 

Photo 1

Peter Espiew, aka Indian Pete

Peter Espiew was a relative of the Shagways.  He lived in a log cabin in Indian Pete Bayou.  He owned a large amount of property at the end of the bayou.  Indian Pete often delivered the milk to the cottages off Shagway road.

Peter Espiew was an Ottawa Indian born in 1830.  His Indian name was May-Yaw-O Bay. 

Not much is known of his early life but at the age of 51 he purchased 40 acres of land for $100 in the area now called Indian Pete Bayou.  He was a skilled carpenter and built a log cabin on his property.  He was a skilled trapper and was also involved in the logging of white pine in the area.  He had three teams of horses to help with his logging operations. 

This log cabin is no longer standing.  It was on the property currently owned by the Brillhart family.

Mason County Historical Society has erected a sign in his honor at the bridge on Shagway.