Andrew J. Blackbird (c.1815 - 1908), an important figure in the history of the Odawa (Ottawa) tribe, was the son of a chief. Educated in the traditions of the Odawa, he also attended Euro-American schools, including present-day Eastern Michigan University. He bought this house around 1858, when the town was inhabited mostly by Odawa people. From here, he ran the post office and wrote a history of the Odawa. As a councilor for the Odawa, he participated in the negotiations for the Treaty of 1855, which established a large home reservation for the Odawa in this area. He also helped Odawa veterans get pensions and assisted with land claims.