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aug 28, 1820 - Solomon Juneau marries Josette Vieau

Description:

Josette Vieau was the Metis "founding mother" of Milwaukee.

Menominee and French Canadian, she was born in Green Bay - when still called La Baye, a vestige of its Nouvelle France origins, before American control in 1815 - but also grew up in Milwaukee, site of another of her father's seasonal posts. By 1818, Jacques Vieau hired French Canadian voyageur and clerk Laurent Solomon Juneau. He married the boss's daughter in 1820.

Fluent in French and Native languages, she served as his interpreter, ran the post in his trips to trade with tribes, raised thirteen children, and was midwife to American newcomers.

Added to timeline:

Date:

aug 28, 1820
Now
~ 205 years ago

Images: