History Ottawa County was originally populated by Ottawa Indians. In 1846, Reverend George Smith established the Old Wing Mission as an outreach to the native population. The Ottawa living here were primarily practicing Catholics, but Smith tried converting them to Protestantism. While generally unsuccessful in converting the Native population, the two groups worked together relatively closely for a short time. This attempt to work and live together was not valued by the next group who arrived.
history ottawa county was originally populated by ottawa indians in 1846 reverend george smith established the old wing mission as an outreach to the native population the ottawa living here were primarily practicing catholics but smith tried converting them to protestantism while generally unsuccessful in converting the native population the two groups worked together relatively closely for a short time this attempt to work and live together was not valued by the next group who arrived