Peter Richard¹ (M)
(1850-after 1909), #80
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     Peter Richard was birth2 in 1850 at Nebraska, USA.² Peter was born at Nebraska, USA, in 1850.^3,4 He was the son of John Baptiste Richard Jr. and Marie Gardinear. He married Louise Red Cloud circa 1866.¹ Peter's occupation: Laborer at Fort Laramie Region, USA, in 1870.¹ Peter was listed as the head of a family on the 1870 Census at Fort Laramie (1849 - 1890), Goshen Co., Wyoming Territory, USA.⁵ He resided at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, circa 1877.¹ Chief (?) Red Cloud was listed in the Indian Census on the date of circa 1877 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Dakota Territory, USA; Family was listed on the Crazy Horse Surrender Ledger of February 16th, 1877, he was listed with 18 lodges, along with Painted Hair, Red Lodge, and Jack (Red Cloud), and Pete Richard with the following : 5 "Adult Males", 3 "Adult Females", 4 "Children Male", 3 "Children Female". He was also listed with the Oglala Sioux. [Crazy Horse surrender ledger, c1994, p.69]

     In 1878, Red Cloud and his people moved to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Several times he traveled to Washington, D.C., New York City, and other Eastern cities to present the Indian case.
      In the outbreak of 1890-91 also he remained quit, being then an old man and practically blind, and was even said to have been threatened by the hostiles on account of his loyal attitude toward the government. As a warrior Red Cloud stood first among his people having counted 80 coups or separate deeds of bravery in battle. As a general and a statesman he ranked equally high, having been long prominent in treaties and councils, and several times a delegate to Washington, his attitude having been always that of a patriot from the Indian point of view.⁶ Peter was listed as Head of the Household on the Indian Census at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, in June, 1886.² He married Mollie (?) after 1896 at USA.⁴ Peter was listed as Head of the Household on the Indian Census at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, in June, 1896.³ Peter was listed as Head of the Household on the Indian Census at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Pass Creek District, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, on June 30, 1904.⁴ He applied for homestead land at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, on December 14, 1908.⁷ Peter died after 1909 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA.

Last Edited=February 19, 2007

Louise Red Cloud (F)
(1854-after 1893), #81
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     Louise Red Cloud was Lakota. She speaks (an unknown value). The nationality of Louise Red Cloud was Oglala Lakota. She was Catholic. She was birth2; Accrding to the 1886 Indian Census Louisa was born in 1857.² Louise was born in 1854.¹ She was the daughter of Chief (?) Red Cloud and Mary Good Road.¹ Louise was a Bad Face Band of the Oglala Lako member at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, after 1855. As of circa 1866,her married name was Richard.³ She married Peter Richard circa 1866.³ Louise, an unknown person 's parent, resided with an unknown person , at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, circa 1877. She was listed as Peter Richard's wife in a census in June, 1886 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA.² Louise died after 1893 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA. She was listed as Peter Richard's wife in a census in June, 1896 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA.⁴

Last Edited=February 13, 2007

Chief (?) Red Cloud^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12} (M)
(September 20, 1822-December 10, 1909), #82
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     Chief (?) Red Cloud was also known as Makhp'ia-lu'ta.^2,3 He speaks (an unknown value). The nationality of Chief (?) Red Cloud was Oglala/Brule Lakota. Chief (?) Red Cloud was also known as Two Arrows.¹ Chief (?) Red Cloud was also known as Tall Hollow Horn. (?) was born at Blue Creek near the forks of Platte River, Lakota Territory, on September 20, 1822.^2,3,4 He was the son of (?) Lone Man and (?) Walks As She Thinks. (?) was a Bad Face Band of the Oglala Lakota member at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, after 1823. Belonged to the Bad Face or (Ite Sica) band. He was half Brule and half Saone Teton Sioux. A principle chief of the Oglala Teton Sioux of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the largest band of the Sioux nation, and probably the most powerful chief in the history of the tribe. The origin of the name is disputed, but is said by ex-agent McGilly-cuddy (inf'n 1906) to refer to the way in which his scarlet-blanketed warriors formerly covered the hillsides like a red cloud. If this be true, the name was bestowed after he had obtained recognition as a leader. Another that it was from the red meteorite which struck the plains region the day of his birth; and another that it was given to him for his bravery from his father after the latter's death.
     He was also a member of the Snake family, the most distinguished and forceful of his tribe, and rose to prominence by his own force of character, having no claim to hereditary chieftainship, which in the Oglala band rested with the family represented by They-fear-even-his-horse ("Young-man-afraid-of-his-horse"), the latter being more conservative and more friendly toward civilization.

     "Drawing upon the authority of Red Cloud's nephew, He Dog, George H. Hyde contends that the Bad Face leader was born into an influential family and thus eligible for consideration as a council chief. He Dog recalled that Red Cloud's father was Lone Man or Only Man, a Brule Chief, and his mother was Walk As She Thinks, a sister of Chief Old Smoke. Robert M. Ruby writes that Lone Man "was a man of influence, who had been appointed by Chief [Old Man] Afraid of His Horses to sit in council with his people, often called the Smoke people.46" [Price, Catherine, 1956-,Chiefs, headmen, and warriors : Oglala politics, 1851-1889 / by Catherine Price. 1987. Thesis (Ph. D.)--Purdue University, 1987. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 300-313). Photocopy. Ann Arbor, Mich. : University Microfilms International, 1993, pg.32].^3,1,2 (?) traveled at Big Horn Region circa 1838.² He married Mary Good Road at near Raw Hide Buttes, Lakota Territory, circa 1850.^2,4,5,6 He served in the military during war time in 1865 at Powder River Region (MT.), Lakota Territory.¹ He resided at North Platte River Region, Lakota Territory, after 1865. Chief (?) Red Cloud witnessed the meeting of Chief (?) Dull Knife; The Treaty of Fort Laramie was an agreement between the United States and the Lakota nation, signed in 1868 at Fort Laramie in the Wyoming Territory, guaranteeing to the Lakota ownership of the Black Hills, and further land and hunting rights in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. The Powder River Country was to be henceforth closed to all whites. The treaty ended Red Cloud's War. The treaty included articles intended to "insure the civilisation" of the Lakota; financial incentives for them to farm land and become competitive - and stipulations that minors should be provided with an "English education" at a "mission building". To this end the US government included in the treaty that white teachers, blacksmiths and a farmer, a miller, a carpenter, an engineer and a government agent should take up residence within the reservation. Repeated violations of the otherwise exclusive rights to the land by gold prospectors led to the Black Hills War.

Fort Laramie Treaty, 1868 (Full-Text) http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/resources/archives/four/ftlaram.htm.^13,14,15 (?) was a speaker at a meeting at Fort Laramie (1834 - 1890), Platte Co., Missouri Territory, USA, on November 4, 1868.¹ Chief (?) Rocky Bear was travel on May 16, 1870 at Washington, D.C., USA; "On May 16, [1870] Red Cloud arrived at Fort Fetterman with about 500 of his followers to send him on his historic journey to the Great Father. The other Oglalas were: Brave Bear, and his son Sword (a shirt wearer) of the Bad Faces, Red Dog, Yellow Bear, and High Wolf of the Oyukpas, Sitting Bear of the True Oglalas, Little Bear, Long Wolf, Bear Skin, Brave, Afraid, Red Fly, Rocky Bear, Swing Bear, Black Hawk, and The One That Runs Him Through, who probably represented the warriors. 11....Two days later, the delegates arrived at Fort Laramie to meet former commanding officer Col. John E. Smith who had returned from Washington to escort them. Accompanying the party were the Indians' hand-picked interpreters, John Richard, Jr. (Red Cloud's personal favorite), W.G. Bullock, James McCloskey, and Jules Ecoffey. On May 26, the party left Fort Laramie and arrived safely in the capital on the first of June. The New York Times published many detailed reports of the historic visit of the Oglala and Brule spokesmen 15. .....Commissioner Ely S. Parker and Secretary of the Interior Jacob D. Cox kept the Indians waiting for two days before meeting them on June 7 for the first of several discussions. For over a week the Lakota guests were treated to lavish displays of diplomatic hospitality, and although the Oglalas must have felt overwhelmed at times, Red Cloud, their primary spokesman, remained solemn and business like. They were determined to obtain information for their people and would not shirk their responsibilities. 17 Red Cloud voiced the opinions of all the delegates. He asked the president to abandon Fort Fetterman and prevent settlers from entering the Big Horn and Black Hills country. In addition, the Oglalas expected guns, ammunition, and provisions. Finally, he declared once more that his people would not relocate to the Missouri. 18
     The Indians returned to the Office of the Commissioner on the tenth. Secretary Cox, Govener J A. Campbell of Wyoming Territory, former peace commissioners Vincent Colyer and Felix R. Brunot, and their wives were also present. The proceedings had been relatively calm up to this point but Red Cloud created a furor when he angrily informed Cox, who was carefully discussing the terms of the 1868 treaty, that "this is the first time I have heard " of it and "do not mean to follow it" He contended, instead, that the paper he and others "signed" merely provided for the removal of the forts from the Powder River country and formal peace with the whites. Other representatives supported Red Cloud's assertions, and all blamed their interpreters for lying at Fort Laramie council. 19
     .... The Oglalas could live on the headwaters of the Big Cheyenne River northwest of Fort Fetterman outside the boundaries of the Great Sioux Reservation but within the limits reserved for hunting. Although they would be expected to trade at the Missouri River they would not have to travel there to receive their annuity goods. The commissioners also asked them to summit the names of those they wanted as their agent and traders. Red Cloud responded that he disapproved of military men for agents, as they frightened his people, nor poor men for agents who would be tempted to steel their annuities. 20 He felt that Benjamin B. Mills would make a fine agent and could trust W. G. Bullock as trader. 21
     On June 14, Red Cloud and the other delegates arrived in New York City where he and Red Dog were scheduled to speak at Cooper Institute on the sixteenth.
     .... The Indians left New York City immediately after Red Cloud's speech at Cooper Institute and arrived back at Fort Laramie on 26 June" [Price, Catherine, 1956-, Chiefs, headmen, and warriors : Oglala politics, 1851-1889 / by Catherine Price. 1987. Thesis (Ph. D.)--Purdue University, 1987. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 300-313). Photocopy. Ann Arbor, Mich.: University Microfilms International, 1993, pg. 68-73].¹ (?) traveled at Fort Laramie Region, USA, on May 26, 1870.¹ He attended a meeting at Red Cloud Agency, Dakota Territory, Lakota Territory, on April 10, 1871.¹ He was listed in the Indian Census on the date of circa 1877 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Dakota Territory, USA; Family was listed on the Crazy Horse Surrender Ledger of February 16th, 1877, he was listed with 18 lodges, along with Painted Hair, Red Lodge, and Jack (Red Cloud), and Pete Richard with the following : 5 "Adult Males", 3 "Adult Females", 4 "Children Male", 3 "Children Female". He was also listed with the Oglala Sioux. [Crazy Horse surrender ledger, c1994, p.69]

     In 1878, Red Cloud and his people moved to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Several times he traveled to Washington, D.C., New York City, and other Eastern cities to present the Indian case.
      In the outbreak of 1890-91 also he remained quit, being then an old man and practically blind, and was even said to have been threatened by the hostiles on account of his loyal attitude toward the government. As a warrior Red Cloud stood first among his people having counted 80 coups or separate deeds of bravery in battle. As a general and a statesman he ranked equally high, having been long prominent in treaties and councils, and several times a delegate to Washington, his attitude having been always that of a patriot from the Indian point of view.⁸ An unknown person nF was allotted land on the at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, in after 1879(!) at Oglala Sioux Allottment number: OSA 0308.(! under the number of (an unknown value)(!).⁹ (?) was listed as Head of the Household on the Indian Census at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Dakota Territory, USA, in 1884.¹⁰ He witnessed the war of Susanna Richard; "Sometime between a January 8-12, 1891 in the following the Wounded Knee Massacre we find the following citation about Suzanne Richards. The aged Chief Red Cloud had been among those who fled from his home in Pine Ridge and had taken refuge in the Stronghold. There, as discontent developed, he sent word out that he was being held captive by the ghost dancers. When no one came to his rescue he had his son smuggle him out of the camp. Blind and helpless, he was actually fired upon by his own tribesmen, indicating the fanatical desperation of the people at the time.
     His "courageous daughter" led him through a howling blizzard to his home in Pine Ridge.20 In telling this event, David H. Miller does not name the daughter, but since he does indicate elsewhere that Pete Richards was at the camp, Mrs. McGaa thinks it may have been Pete's wife, Suzannie. (Pete Richards was Mrs. McGaa's uncle.) [History of Cuny Table, pg. 14].¹¹ (?) was listed as Head of the Household on the Indian Census at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Wakpamini District, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, on June 30, 1904.⁵ (?) was listed as Head of the Household on the Indian Census at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Pine Ridge, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, in 1905.⁶ He was baptized at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, circa 1908. Religion: He had been baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and, according to mission superintendent Father Grotegeers, Red Cloud's influence was largely responsible for the establishment of the mission.. He applied for homestead land at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Pine Ridge, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, on December 10, 1908.¹² (?) died on December 10, 1909 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Porcupine, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, at age 87.² His body was interred on December 11, 1909 at Pine Ridge, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, at Holy Rosary Cemetery.²

Last Edited=May 14, 2007

Mary Good Road^1,2 (F)
(1835-July 22, 1940), #83
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     Mary Good Road was membership; Bad Face Band of the Oglala Lakota. Mary Good Road was also known as .² Mary Good Road was also known as Pretty Woman. Mary Good Road was also known as Pretty Owl.³ Mary was born at Lakota Territory in 1835.^1,4,3,5,6 She was the daughter of (?) Hollow Bear and (?) Good Owl. As of circa 1850,her married name was Red Cloud.^3,4,5,6 She married Chief (?) Red Cloud at near Raw Hide Buttes, Lakota Territory, circa 1850.^3,4,5,6 Mary, as Chief (?) Red Cloud's wife, resided with him, at North Platte River Region, Lakota Territory, after 1865. She was listed as Chief (?) Red Cloud's wife in a census in 1884 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Dakota Territory, USA.⁷ She was listed as Chief (?) Red Cloud's wife in a census on June 30, 1904 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Wakpamini District, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA.⁵ She was listed as Chief (?) Red Cloud's wife in a census in 1905 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Pine Ridge, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA.⁶ Mary died on July 22, 1940 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA.

Last Edited=April 15, 2007

(?) Lone Man (M)
(circa 1790-1825), #84
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     (?) Lone Man was Lakota. The nationality of (?) Lone Man was Brule. He speaks (an unknown value). His religious name was Ishna Witca. (?) was born circa 1790. He was the son of (?) Red Cloud. He married (?) Walks As She Thinks circa 1811.^1,2,3,4 He resided at Platte River Region circa 1822.^3,2,1 (?) died in 1825.^1,3,2

Last Edited=November 14, 2005

(?) Walks As She Thinks (F)
(circa 1780-1825), #85
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     (?) was born circa 1780.^1,2 She was the daughter of Father of White Thunder Woman and Mother of White Thunder Woman. As of circa 1811,her married name was (?) Lone Man.^3,4,2 She married (?) Lone Man circa 1811.^3,4,2,1 (?), as (?) Lone Man's spouse, resided with him, at Platte River Region circa 1822.^2,4,3 (?) died in 1825.

Last Edited=November 26, 2005

John Baptiste Richard Jr. (M)
(1810-circa December, 1875), #86
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     John was born at St. Charles, St. Charles Co., Missouri, USA, in 1810. There is some question concerning the correct date of Richard's birth. His age is given as fifty in the 1860 Denver census; and sixty in the 1870 Fort Laramie census..¹ He was the son of John Baptiste Richard Sr. and Rosalie Cote. He resided at Rocky Mountain Region in 1840. John's occupation: Fur Trader at Rocky Mountain Region after 1840. Mid 1830's-1842
     Richard came to the fur trade naturally. While he was growing to manhood, his relatives roamed the wild regions from Mexico to Canada in search of beaver.
In Febuary 1819, Cabanne and Company designated one of the Richards to share the responsibility of the command of its Upper Missouri River operations, and in March 1819 of the same year, Thomas Nuttall met another Richard in central Arkansas, loaded with furs obtained by trade with the Osages.
     Richard went west in the late 1830's. In 1840, he formed a partnership with A.M. Metcalf and bartered for furs in the Rocky Mountains. Metcalf proved undesirable to Indian agents on the Upper Missouri, and in 1843 they refused him permission to trade with the Sioux near Fort Larimie.. He married Marie Gardinear at St. Charles, St. Charles Co., Missouri, USA, in 1841.      About this time [1843], Richard married Mary Gardiner, a half-blood living with the Northern Oglalas or Smoke people, and cemented an alliance with that tribe that was to last until his death. They were to have six children John, Jr., Louis, Peter, Charles, Josephine (who married Bat Pourier), and Rosalie..² John's occupation: Trader at Fort Platte (1841 - 1847), Fort Laramie (present-day), Goshen Co., Wyoming, USA, after 1842. 1842-1843:
      In early 1842 he became an employee of Sybille and Adams, owners of Fort Platte, an adobe-walled trading post built in 1841 on the south bank of the North Platte River about a mile from the mouth of the Larimie. Richard soon became the firm's most trusted employee, and in the spring of 1842 he accompanied Sybille and Adams to St. Louis to sell their buffalo robes. [Two heavily loaded boats left Fort Platte pointed for St. Louis on May 7, 1842. The traders hoped to float their cargo down the Platte on the spring rise to the Missouri, and then on to the fur trading capital. The Platte, however, proved impossible, and after 200 agonizing miles of dragging the boats over the shallow stream, the boat crews cached the robes on the river bank and sent word back to the post of their failure. Obtaining wagons, Adams, Sybille, and Richard collected the robes and personally escorted them to St. Louis.]
          The next year [1843], he commanded the expeditions taking robes east. Leaving Fort Platte on May 7, 1843 with 5 or 6 wagons, he reached Missouri in 2 months. Not far from Fort Platte stood Fort John, commonly referred to as Fort Larimie. Owned by the powerful American Fur Company, Fort John engaged in a deadly struggle with its neighbor post for trade in robes, skins, and furs. [During the first few years of its existence, Fort Platte competed very successfully with Fort John. In Aug. of 1843 and 1849-1852.] Intense competition led to the excessive use of alcohol in the Indian trade. Richard seems to have been assigned to the purchase of liquor for Fort Platte, and he rapidly gained a reputation for smuggling alcohol in from the New Mexican settlements.
     In 1842 the American Fur Company succeeded in having one of its men, Andrew Drips, appointed Indian Agent for the Upper Missouri. Drips in turn selected another American Fur Company employee, Joseph Hamilton, as sub-agent for the Larimie region. During the winter of 1842-43, Richard used liberal quantities of alcohol in his trade with the Sioux on the north forks of the Cheyenne River, and the loss of life in consequence stirred Drips to action. He ordered his sub-agent to make an autumnal raid on Fort Platte, hoping to catch the bootleggers with a fresh supply of liquor brought in for the winter trade.
. John's occupation: Trader at Fort Platte (1841 - 1847), Fort Laramie (present-day), Goshen Co., Wyoming, USA, after 1843. 1843-1844
     During the summer of 1843, Bernard Pratte and John Cabanne became the owners of Fort Platte, and Richard, Hamilton's main target, became unemployed. The raid, however, occurred as scheduled. In early September 1843, Hamilton made his move, but the Fort Platte traders, learning of his mission, moved the liquor cached in the post and his it elsewhere, escaping detection. When Richard returned to the Larimie region shortly thereafter, he reached an agreement with Pratte and Cabanne. On Nov. 5, 1843 they requested permission from Drips to include Richard under their trading license and apparently received it.
     The Fort Platte traders did well during the winter of 1843-1844, utilizing the liquor brought in by Richard from Taos and which escaped Hamilton, but the next winter Fort John began to emerge triumphant in the contest. The pleasure applied by the sub-agent and the greater financial resources of the American Fur Company were probably factors in the victory. Whatever the reasons, Pratte and Cabanne abandoned their post during the summer of 1845. Acting for the company, Joseph Bissonette took the goods left over from the spring trade and moved down the North Platte to a point about eight miles east of Fort John where he established another post, named Fort Bernard after Pratte. In December, Honore Picotte of the American Fur Company post, Fort Pierre, reported that he had succeeded in buying out the Pratte and Cabanne interest at Fort Benard and that the two traders were glad to be out of the business.. He is a work associate of an unknown person at Fort Bernard (1845 - 1846), Lingle (present-day), Goshen Co., Wyoming, USA, after 1845. 1845     The American Fur Company found Richard less cooperative. Occupying the half-finished log fort, he carried on a brisk winter trade much to the annoyance of Picotte. The Fort Pierre manager declared that Richard and the other Taos peddlers obtained many of the good robes by trading corn for them and recommended that five hundred bushels be sent to Fort John. Richard's partners in the enterprise were his brother Peter, Joseph Bissonette, a Mr. Branham of Kentucky, and one of the Bordeaux. On June 11, 1846, Edwin Bryant met some of Richard's partners near Grand Island, Nebraska, navigating two mackinaw boats loaded with buffalo robes, bound for the nearest port on the Missouri.
     In the spring of 1846, the Indian trade having been completed, Richard and his partners concentrated on the emigrant trade. Here, too, they competed successfully with Fort John using another technique. They simply undersold the powerful rival, at times 30-40%.[Richard charged ten cents less a pound for flour and three and one half cents less a pound of bacon.]

     In late June, 1846 the main party of emigrants swept by Fort Bernard and Fort John, and on July 10, 1846 Richard left his post to make his annual pilgrimage to New Mexico for liquor. Several days before, he met the Crosby-Brown party of Mississippi Mormons who planned to winter on the east side of the mountains. They had come west on the Oregon Trail as far as Ft. Benard without knowing they were ahead of Brigham Young and the main body of saints. Richard recommended Pueblo and became their guide, proving a faithful and able pilot according to Brown.
     On Aug. 20, 1846 Parkman found Richard in Pueblo quartered in the trapper's stockade. Prevented from reaching Taos because of the Mexican War, Richard stayed in Pueblo to await the cessation of hostilities. During his absence, Fort Bernard burned to the ground. The reasons for its destruction are not known, but Richard must have suspected the American Fur Company.
     During the next six years, [1846-1852] Richard continued to trade on a small scale at various sites along the North Platte and the Larimie. By June 1847, opposition to Richard's Fort Benard had been effectively disposed of.
     In 1848, Joseph Robidoux supplied the backing for his trade in buffalo robes, and as in the past, Richard obtained corn from Kansas to supplement regular trade items. In the Spring of 1848, the new Indian Agent for the Upper Platte and Arkansas, confiscated his some kegs of liqueur and dumped it into the Platte. In 1850 he apparently had a trading post at Ash Point about 20 miles below Fort Larimie, but sold his interest to Seth Ward and William Guerrier early in 1851..³ He employed Joseph Knight at Fort Laramie Region, Wyoming, USA, after 1849. He worked for John Richard on occasion in the Fort Laramie area after 1840 and as an fur trader and overland freighter working from Saint Joseph to Montana..⁴ He resided at Fort Laramie Region, USA, circa 1850. He is a work associate of an unknown person at Fort Laramie Region, USA, after 1851.      In the early 1850's, Richard branched out into other business activities. Forming a partnership with a French-Canadian names Monterevier, Richard began farming above Fort Larimie. Prince Paul Wilhelm of Wurttenberg visited the farm in Oct. 1851, and viewed the entrepreneur's corn field, vegetable garden, and orchard. At the same time, Richard entered the ferrying and bridge building business with Langdon, Steele, Miller, and Randall.
     Early in 1851, the partners raised $8000 and built two bridges, one over the Larimie near Fort Larimie, now a military post, and one over the North Platte near the mouth of Deer Creek, 100 mile west.
     Because the Larimie bridge was inside the military reservation, the Post Council of Administration probably regulated the toll. The price for wagons fluctuated between two and three dollars. In 1853 the spring flood swept the structure away, and since Richard and his partners had done little to keep it in good repair, Fort Larimie's commanding officer recommended that another company be given the contract for a new bridge.
     Early in 1853 Richard and his companions built another bridge over the North Platte near the present town of Evansville, Wyoming. This time the men built a more substantial bridge at least those who crossed it in 1853 applauded its strength. Count Leonetto Cipriani crossed the bridge in june and stated that it consisted of 12 arches made from cedar and had piers formed of huge tree trunks filled with gravel. During the next few years, Richard evidently bought out his partners, for travelers make no mention of them.
     After 1853 Richard lived near the bridge with his half-breed family. He constructed a log cabin, a blacksmith shop, and a few other buildings on the south side of the river. He named his own price for crossing the bridge, and during high water travelers had little choice but to pay it. The standard fee for wagons was five dollars, and he usually charge four dollars for every hundred head of stock. If the water level was low that emigrants might take a chance in fording the stream, he would reduce the price for wagons to $3 and sometimes to $2.
     Richard normally received payment in cash, but he was willing to accept goods for the toll, and he had no difficulty in securing all the furniture and household implements that he needed from emigrants. He traded fresh stock for lame animals and sometimes made a profit of 100% in a single transaction. During the off season he continued to trade for robes and skins with Red Cloud's band.
     Richard prospered at his new business. Traveler William Sloan calmed that Richard had pocketed over $40,000 in tolls by June 11, 1853. He made enough money, at least, to provide Ward and Guerrier with enough trade goods for the year. The following year was also a profitable one. On June 11, 1853 for example, Richard made $500 exacting high water fee from Sarah Sutton's party.
     Richard was less fortunate in 1855. In April 1855 he lost 75 head of horses to pillaging Sioux. After the battle of Ash Hollow in September 1855, white traders were not safe in Indian Country, and Richard fled to Fort Larimie for protection. Major William Hoffman recommended that 25 soldiers guard the bridge from harm during the winter, and General Harney agreed. Soldiers dubbed the site Camp Payne. Hoffman told Richard that he could return to his bridge if he promised not to trade with the indians until peace had been made. Richard refused and spent the winter at the post in a quiet rage,contemplating the profits lost from inactivity. The spring of 1856, however found him back at the bridge doing a booming business.
     During the winter of 1857, Richard again quarreled with the military. In December, General Johnston, commander of the Utah Expedition, ordered 30 rifles seized from his stock of goods. Apparently Richard was keeping the rifles for a Mormon party who planned to return for them in the spring. When Richard appeared at Camp Scott, he declared the weapons were his private property, and demanded $3000 for them. He was informed that the necessity for their retention had passed and that he might have them again. Richard, however, did make some money because of the Utah Expedition; on May 8, 1858, he sold 100 head of cattle to the commissary at Camp Scott.
     In late June or early July of 1858, Richard learned of the presence of gold near Pike's Peak, apparently through his Indian connections. With some other traders from Fort Larimie region, he made a trip to the gold fields and took some samples near Cheery Creek. Reaching the Kansas-Nebraska border settlement in late August, he was one of the first men to spread the word of the discovery.

          From an aticle entitled "Fort Pierre-Fort Laramie Trail", (1965), pg. 7, we find that John      Richard is mentioned as still using the old trail to bring in his trade goods up intil the Civil War      utilizing this Fort Pierre-Fort Laramie trail that traversed Oglala lands along the White River.      "It continued to have fragmentary use as a highway. At least until the Civil War, John Richard and other independent traders were bringing in goods from New Mexico to the White River."

          In High Hawk's Winter-Count, he is listed in the 1859 with the following description: "A Trader brought blankets", The blankets were of Navaho manufacture, as shown by the B.G. count. Cloud Shield explained that they were brought by John Richard, who purchased many wagon-loads of them from the Mexicans".

          Joseph ran the store while Richard supervised business operations on the North Platte and made occasional trips to Denver. The brothers suffered heavy loses in the Denver fire of April, 1863, and when Joseph died the following year as a result of a drinking bout, Richard sold what property and stock he may have had left.
          At the same time, the bridge business declined because of competition. During the late 1850s Louis Guinard built a new bridge across the North Platte about 7 miles above Richard's and in a few years drew most of the emigrant travel. In addition to tending his bridge during the high water season, Richard moved place to place during the off-season, trading with the Sioux at their camps. When the army established a sub-post near Guinard's bridge in May, 1862, Richard supplemented his income by selling hay to the small garrison and to other nearby.
          Richard's last brush with the military occurred in August, 1864. Soldiers arrested Richard, his family, and a number of Oglalas, and sent him to Fort Larimie under guard. The reasons for the arrest are lost to history, but apparently troops at Platte Bridge Station had engaged some Oglalas in a skirmish, and the army hoped to force the Indians to surrender by holding some of their people hostage.
          In a short time, Richard was free, but the incident evidently drained the last bit of enthusiasm he held for the Platte Bridge site. In the spring of 1865, he sold his trading post near the bridge and established a camp on Rock Creek, about 20 miles west of present-day Laramie. In 1869 he settled near Bordeaux, Wyoming, on the creek that now bears his mane and busied himself raising horses and cattle.
          After 1865 Richard took a less active part in the Indian trade, but financed the operations of his half-breed son, John jr. who traded with the Crows and the Sioux. Like his father, young Richard sought success in diversity. He carted trade goods to Virginia City, Montana, during the gold rush, held the haying contract for Fort Phil Kearney shortly after the Wagon Box Fight, and supplied Fort Fetterman with both wood and hay..² He is a work associate of an unknown person at Denver, Arapahoe Co., Colorado, USA, in 1858.      Richard and his brother Joseph returned to Cheery Creek later in the year [Fall of 1858] and built a trading house near the stream, becoming the proprietors of one of the first business establishments in what is now the city of Denver. General William Larimer reported that Richards had a fine stock of Indian goods and a large herd of beautifully marked ponies. By 1860 the brothers had a store and a saloon on Blake Street..² He resided at Denver, Arapahoe Co., Colorado, USA, in 1859. John Richard and his brother, Joseph, and their families settled in Denver..² John was listed as the head of a family on the 1860 Census at Denver, Arapahoe Co., Colorado, USA. He is a work associate of Joseph Richard at Denver, Arapahoe Co., Colorado, USA, in 1863. "Had a ranch on Cherry Creek. The brothers also ran what might have been the first industry in the region making Indian crafts, they employed over 20 indian women. Along with this they also had a store and saloon on Blake street . This was handed over to Joseph who carried on the business. The brothers suffered heavy loses in the Denver fire of April, 1863, and when Joseph died the following year as a result of a drinking bout, His brother John sold what property and stock he may have had left."[Big Bat].² He resided at Bordeaux Ranch, Wyoming Territory, USA, in 1869. Chief (?) Rocky Bear was travel on May 16, 1870 at Washington, D.C., USA; "On May 16, [1870] Red Cloud arrived at Fort Fetterman with about 500 of his followers to send him on his historic journey to the Great Father. The other Oglalas were: Brave Bear, and his son Sword (a shirt wearer) of the Bad Faces, Red Dog, Yellow Bear, and High Wolf of the Oyukpas, Sitting Bear of the True Oglalas, Little Bear, Long Wolf, Bear Skin, Brave, Afraid, Red Fly, Rocky Bear, Swing Bear, Black Hawk, and The One That Runs Him Through, who probably represented the warriors. 11....Two days later, the delegates arrived at Fort Laramie to meet former commanding officer Col. John E. Smith who had returned from Washington to escort them. Accompanying the party were the Indians' hand-picked interpreters, John Richard, Jr. (Red Cloud's personal favorite), W.G. Bullock, James McCloskey, and Jules Ecoffey. On May 26, the party left Fort Laramie and arrived safely in the capital on the first of June. The New York Times published many detailed reports of the historic visit of the Oglala and Brule spokesmen 15. .....Commissioner Ely S. Parker and Secretary of the Interior Jacob D. Cox kept the Indians waiting for two days before meeting them on June 7 for the first of several discussions. For over a week the Lakota guests were treated to lavish displays of diplomatic hospitality, and although the Oglalas must have felt overwhelmed at times, Red Cloud, their primary spokesman, remained solemn and business like. They were determined to obtain information for their people and would not shirk their responsibilities. 17 Red Cloud voiced the opinions of all the delegates. He asked the president to abandon Fort Fetterman and prevent settlers from entering the Big Horn and Black Hills country. In addition, the Oglalas expected guns, ammunition, and provisions. Finally, he declared once more that his people would not relocate to the Missouri. 18
     The Indians returned to the Office of the Commissioner on the tenth. Secretary Cox, Govener J A. Campbell of Wyoming Territory, former peace commissioners Vincent Colyer and Felix R. Brunot, and their wives were also present. The proceedings had been relatively calm up to this point but Red Cloud created a furor when he angrily informed Cox, who was carefully discussing the terms of the 1868 treaty, that "this is the first time I have heard " of it and "do not mean to follow it" He contended, instead, that the paper he and others "signed" merely provided for the removal of the forts from the Powder River country and formal peace with the whites. Other representatives supported Red Cloud's assertions, and all blamed their interpreters for lying at Fort Laramie council. 19
     .... The Oglalas could live on the headwaters of the Big Cheyenne River northwest of Fort Fetterman outside the boundaries of the Great Sioux Reservation but within the limits reserved for hunting. Although they would be expected to trade at the Missouri River they would not have to travel there to receive their annuity goods. The commissioners also asked them to summit the names of those they wanted as their agent and traders. Red Cloud responded that he disapproved of military men for agents, as they frightened his people, nor poor men for agents who would be tempted to steel their annuities. 20 He felt that Benjamin B. Mills would make a fine agent and could trust W. G. Bullock as trader. 21
     On June 14, Red Cloud and the other delegates arrived in New York City where he and Red Dog were scheduled to speak at Cooper Institute on the sixteenth.
     .... The Indians left New York City immediately after Red Cloud's speech at Cooper Institute and arrived back at Fort Laramie on 26 June" [Price, Catherine, 1956-, Chiefs, headmen, and warriors : Oglala politics, 1851-1889 / by Catherine Price. 1987. Thesis (Ph. D.)--Purdue University, 1987. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 300-313). Photocopy. Ann Arbor, Mich.: University Microfilms International, 1993, pg. 68-73].⁵ John was listed as the head of a family on the 1870 Census at Fort Laramie (1834 - 1890), Platte Co., Missouri Territory, USA.^2,1 He is a work associate of an unknown person at Three Mile Ranch, Fort Laramie Co., Nebraska Territory, USA, after 1873.      Adolph Cuney was a well known Plains Frontiersman. He was a partner in the Three-Mile Ranch saloon and roadhouse with John Richard or Reshaw and Ecoffey in the Platte River region 3 miles north of Fort Laramie.

From the John Hunton Diary:

A short distance west of Fort Laramie, at the edge of the old military reservation, are remains of the Three Mile Ranch where soldiers and others who wished to join the fun once cavorted in questionable forms of gaiety. The original site of Three Mile, on the Clark Rice place south of the Laramie, has been reduced to several mounds of rubble, with a few handrivited old barrel bands scattered around and a remarkably preserved rock-walled wekk which could probably still be used with a little cleaning out. Albert Nietfeld, born on an adjoining place and the son of Pioneer Henry Nietfeld, piloted us to this old well and also on the search for Eagles Nest-else we might still be looking for it.
On the north side of the Laramie, almost directly opposite the old well, is the later site of Three Mile, now part of the John Yoder ranch. A long, narrow building with several closely spaced alternating doors and windows along its front, still stands in fairly good condition at this location. According to John Hunton the structure was built in 1874 by E. Coffey and Cuny. Mr. Hunton recalls that these gentlemen found business slowing down at their trading post, saloon and road ranch that summer and "decided to add new attractions." They built several such cottages and recruited ten or more broadminded young women from Omaha and Kansas City to make headquarters there. Among them was the fabled Calamity Jane. So it must have been from these same windows and doors that mistress Calamity and her professional sisters made their welcoming bows to the men of the wes, and no introduction neccessary. [John Hunton Diary. (1956), v.2, pgs. 30-32]

Also From John Hunton's Diary we find:

"About the time of the first appearence of Calamity Jane in this part of the country (meaning the Fort Laramie area). in the fall of 1873 E. Coffey and Cuny started a large trading outfit five miles west of Fort Laramie on the north side of the Laramie River, where they carried on quite an extensive business selling goods, running a saloon and general road ranch.
"In 1874 business got very slack with them and they decided to add attractions and for that purpose they constructed eight two-room cottages to be occupied by women. They sent to Omaha, Kansas City and other places and in a short time had their houses occupied by ten or more young women all of whom were known as sporting characters.
"Among this bunch was"Calamity Jane" who who was of the type generally given her by magazine writers and newspaper correspondents. ... [John Hunton Diary. (1956), v.2, pgs. 109-111]

     The combination of brothel, roadhouse, and legitimate ranch may have been unique to the partnership of Cuny and Ecoffey. But these there enterprises each appeared independently elsewhere around Fort Laramie, such as Wright's brothel, mentioned above, which was also three miles west on the south side of the Laramie River. The Six Mile Ranch southwest of the fort doubled as a genuine roadhouse in 1876 as well as a house of prostitution, a tradition that dated from years earlier. Other ranches, such as those owned and operated by John Phillips and John Huton were true cattle spreads, with incidental, often elaborate services for travelers. William G. Bullock, another Fort Laramie old-timer, operated a ranch up the Laramie beyond Cuny and Ecoffey's, and he also partnered with Hutton on the Chugwater. All together there were at least three cattle ranches on the Laramie River, ten on Chugwater Creek, and dozens more on the road to Cheyenne. Small and large, these establishments interacted in countless ways with Fort Laramie, especially during the event-filled year of 1876.33
[Hedren, Paul L., Fort Laramie in Eighteen Seventy-six: ,1988, pp.45-46]


     "Fort Laramie's closest ranch neighbors were probably Adolph Cuny and Jules Ecoffey, who owned the Three Mile Ranch west of the fort on the Laramie River. Both Cuny and Ecoffy were old-timers in the area. Ecoffey, for instance had a long history of friendship and association with the Sioux, serving in the 1860's and 1870's variously as trader, interpreter, and conficonfidant to Red Cloud and his Oglalas30.
      In 1876 these partners operated a ranch in the traditional sense, at least according. to J.H. Triggs, who in the extensive discussion of grazing and stock growing in southeastern Wyoming that appeared in one of his guidebooks, listed 2,000 head of cattle and 150 horses and mules on their place.31 Cuny and Ecoffey offered other services too. Morton, the post quartermaster, would contract with them for wagons and teams later during the summer. And in the true spirit of frontier entrepreneurs, they operated a roadhouse for Black Hills travelers, offering meals, an outfitting store, a billiard hall, a blacksmith shop, and a corral with hay and grain. Appealing to baser instincts, they also ran a saloon and brothel, principally for Fort Laramie's soldiers. The unvarnished nature of that concern was described with some detail by General Crook's aide-decamp Lieutenant Bourke:

     Several times, on mild afternoon, Lieut. Schuyeler and myself went riding, talking the best road out from the post. Three miles and there was a nest of ranches, Cooneys and Ecoffey's and Wright's, tenanted by as hardened and depraved a set of wretches as could be found on the face of the globe. Each of these establishments was equipped with a rum-mill of the worst kind and each contained from three to half a dozen Cyprians, virgins whose lamps were always burning brightly in expectancy of the upcoming bridegroom, and who lured to destruction the soldiers of the garrison. In all my experience, I have never seen a lower, more beastly set of people of both sexes.32

     "In common with many other army officers from the colonial period on, Bourke disliked "borderers" of any stripe. Especially those he found at three "ranches" within three miles of the fort-Cooney's, Ecoffy's and Wright's-which were combination gin-mills and whorehouses. "In all my experience, I have never seen a lower, more beastly set of people of both sexes." [Knight, O. "War or peace". Nebraska History. (1973): pp. 528]

     From Crawford's Rekindling Camp Fires, we find the following reference to the Adolph Cuny in the winter of 1875-76:

     "When we reached the Old Woman's Fork on Rawhide Creek the third day of our journey, we found Scotty Philips in camp with an outfit belonging to Adolph Cuny , and his partner". [Crawford, Rekindling camp fire. 1926., pg. 218]

On November 1 1876 an employee of Cuny's was killed.

     "And on November 1 Joe Walters was killed in a fight at Cuny's Three Mile Ranch Cooney's Walters was a discharged twenty-third Infantryman, who until recently had been an employee at the Hat Creek Ranch adjacent to the Sage Creek cantonment and now was tending bar at Cuny's. Apparently he scuffled with a freighter named Charlie or Garsy Brown, had his own gun turned on him, and was shot through the bowls.29 " [Hedren, Paul L., Fort Laramie in Eighteen Seventy-six:, 1988, pp.206-7]

From Stella Dora Twiss:
Ecoffey and Cuny established "Three Mile", a general road ranch, in 1873. When business slowed down they decided to expand the operation. They constructed eight two-room cottages to be occupied by women. According to the book The Cheyenne and Black Hills Stage and Express Routes, published in 1967, the pair sent to Omaha, Kansas City, and other places. And in a short time their houses were occupied by ten or more young women, all of whom were known as sporting characters. Among this bunch was Calamity Jane, whose character had been whitewashed considerably by the newspaper correspondents of the day. Prospectors often passed through Three Mile and gold dust began to be plentiful at the place. In November of 1875, Ecoffey and Cuny sent three pouches of gold dust, about $125 worth to the editor of the Cheyenne Leader. By 1876 the Three Mile was a regular meal station on the stage route. Good meals were served at fifty cents each.
Ecoffey died in November of 1876 of injuries inflicted by a man named Stonewall, who had attacked him three months before. Two years later while trying to prevent a robbery of his freight line, Dora's grandfather was killed by Clark Pelton, alias Billy Webster. Cuny had been deputized at the time and was pursuing the robbers when he was ambushed and fatally wounded by Pelton. Josephine, not realizing her husband's interests were still hers, loaded up her eight children and left everything behind to return to her people, who were camped near Fort Robinson. In time she moved back to Cuny Table where her oldest son, Charles, had established a ranching operation. Elizabeth and her son formed a partnership on the land that is still inhabited by Josephine's descendants..^6,7,8,9,10 John died circa December, 1875 at Niobrara River, USA. During the winter of 1875, Richard and Alfred Palladay started north with a wagon of trade goods, but death ended the trip on the upper crossing of the Niobrara River. Marauding Cheyennes were evidently the perpetrators of the crime, but several white men were accused, including the famous scout, California Joe. He was buried at Ft Robinson, and later moved to Ft. McPherson and buried in a common grave. [Big Bat Pourier, pg. 44].² His body was interred in 1876 at Nebraska, USA, at Fort McPherson.²

Last Edited=March 4, 2007

Marie Gardinear¹ (F)
(April 9, 1827-after 1877), #87
Pop-up Pedigree

     Marie was born at Yellowstone River Region, USA, on April 9, 1827. She was the daughter of William Gardinear and (?) White Thunder Woman. She resided at Lakota Territory after 1828. When her mother White Thunder Woman died, her relatives from Smoke's Lakota Band stole the children ; Rocky Bear, Black Tiger, and Marie away from Wm. Gardiner at Rulo, Neb., to be raised with their Lakota cousin Red Cloud and his sister's.. She resided at St. Charles, St. Charles Co., Missouri, USA, before 1841. Her father William took Marie back from her Lakota relatives and tended up in St. Charles where she stayed with the Pourier family and went to school until she was 14 when she met and married John Richards.. As of 1841,her married name was Richard.¹ She married John Baptiste Richard Jr. at St. Charles, St. Charles Co., Missouri, USA, in 1841.      About this time [1843], Richard married Mary Gardiner, a half-blood living with the Northern Oglalas or Smoke people, and cemented an alliance with that tribe that was to last until his death. They were to have six children John, Jr., Louis, Peter, Charles, Josephine (who married Bat Pourier), and Rosalie..¹ She married (?) Black Moon at Lakota Territory circa 1842. At one time Marie Gardiner thought her husband John Richard was dead and married (lived with) Black Moon. Black Moon and Marie had a daughter in 1845 named Eagle Winged Feather or later known as Mary. She would marry Joseph Knight (a trader from Canada). John Richard returned from his absence and bought his wife Marie back from Black Moon and adopted their daughter.. Marie, William Gardinear's child, resided with William, at Rulo, Richardson Co., Nebraska, USA, before 1847. Marie, an unknown person 's child, resided with an unknown person , at Red Cloud's Band after 1847. Her body was interred after 1877 at Pine Ridge, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, at Holy Rosary Cemetery. Marie died after 1877. Marie died when she was 20 and is buried at Ft. Laramie, her grave is one of the few that remain with its marker. She was known as a matchmaker and united many Indian woman and White man. Another source says that she is buried at Holy Rosary Mission..

Last Edited=February 18, 2007

John Baptiste Richard Sr.^1,2 (M)
(1790-after 1865), #88
Pop-up Pedigree

     John Baptiste Richard Sr. was Catholic. He speaks (an unknown value). The nationality of John Baptiste Richard Sr. was French. John Baptiste Richard Sr. was also known as Jean Baptiste Richard. John was born in 1790. He was the son of Jean Baptiste Richard. He married Rosalie Cote at St. Charles, St. Charles Co., Missouri, USA, on January 7, 1812. Married Rosalie Cote (b. 1790) in the Catholic Church on Jan. 7, 1812, according to O.W. Collet's Index to St. Charles Marriages.
Richard's direct descendants-Mrs. William McGaa, Mrs. William Tibbits, and Mrs. William Swallow-contend that John Jr., Peter, and Joseph were full brothers. The birth dates of Peter and Joseph are recorded in Collet's Index to St. Charles Baptisms, but no mention is made of John B. Richard Jr. may have been born out of wedlock, or more probably, his parents, following the custom of the time, lived as man and wife under common law until they could have the marriage sanctioned by the church. Their children listed where: Richard, John Baptiste Jr. (b. 1810), Peter (b. 1820), Joseph (b. 1823), Susan (b.?) Sources state that Susan never married..^1,2 John's occupation: at Rocky Mountain Region in 1832. In 1832, John Richard seriously considered a trip west for William Sublette. Sublette ordered Ashley to give Madam Richard $10.00, three months from the date of the letter, if John Richard kept an agreement, apparently to go to the mountains.] All (3) boys traded in the west as early as 1836.

The following reference was found in Price, Oglala People, (1996) p. 20

     "It is also difficult to discern how much influence the whites who intermarried with the Lakotas and their mixed-blood offspring had on the political affairs of the Oglalas before the 1880's, and whether they held any specific political roles among the various tiyospaye. According to historian Brian Strayer, few traders "associated with the Sioux intimately learned to understand and appreciate their government and organization." Those who did, he adds, "left sparse records revealing their attitudes."55 [55. Strayer, "Fur Trappers' attitudes," p.39]
     Fur trader Joseph Bissonette married into the Lakotas twice. His first wife, with whom he had seven children, was Oglala; his second wife, a Brule, bore him fourteen more. While serving as an interpreter for the Brules and Oglalas, he won the confidence of several Lakota leaders, including Red Cloud. In 1875 Bissonette accompanied the Oglala and Brule delegation to Washington DC, where he is said by some to have played a key role in persuading both Red Cloud and Spotted Tail to consider selling the Black Hills to the United States. James Bordeaux called Mato (the Bear) by his Lakota family and associates married a sister of Swift Bear, a prominent Brule itancan. Also engaged in the fur trade, Bordeaux's family ties brought him enough Brule customers during the 1840's to give his employer, the American Fur Company, the competitive edge in the Upper Platte country. Two other fur traders forged ties to the Red Cloud family: John Richard Sr., whom often transported illegal supplies of trade liquor; and Swiss-born Jules Ecoffey, who operated in the Fort Laramie area after 1854.56" [56.McDermott, "Joseph Bissonette," pp.50, 52, 60; McDermott, "James Bordeaux," p. 69; Robinson, "Journals and letter books," p. 177; Unrau, Tending the talking wire, p 56.].³ John's occupation: at Fort Laramie Region, USA, in 1843. From Anderson, Fur Traders, we find the following excerpt:

     ...In the summer of 1843 James Bordeaux was acting as bourgeois at Fort Laramie and had only fifteen men in his employ. 3 That fall the competitive organization trading in opposition to Fort Laramie and Fort Pierre recruited an unusually large number of employees for the winter season-twenty traders and forty voyagers, or engages, along with seventy head of horses, mules, and oxen. Under the active direction of Joseph Bissonette and John Richard, Sr. the "intend scattering in every direction" in search of trade. 4
     The technique of trading throughout the countryside, which Bissonette and Richard carried out in 1843, had been an integral part of the operation in Sioux country for at least two decades. In late fall or early winter a number of trading parties were sent out to locate at or near the Sioux winter camps. These crews either constructed wintering houses (or occupied those remaining from the previous years) or took up residence in the lodge of a prominent warrior in the Sioux village where trade was being sought.
     4.      Robinson, "Fort Pierre Journal," p. 197..⁴ John's occupation: Gold Digger at Fort Laramie Region, USA, in 1858. From Hafen, Colorado Gold Rush we find the following:

FROM THE PLAINS CORRESPONDENCE OF THE REPUBLICAN 11

     Rulo, Nebraska ter., August 22 [1858]
Mr. Editor: Our fellow-citizens, Charles Martin and Wm. Renceleur (Kenceleur], 12 have just arrived from the Platte bridge. They made the trip to this place in seventeen days. Their partner in the bridge, John Richards, 13 Esq., came with them. The news they bring is cheering. The plains are alive with men, teams and business. Gold has been discovered along the South Platte, on Cherry creek, and they bring with them a specimen of the dust, which is very beautiful. I have in my possession a small portion of the specimen brought by them. A Company is about organizing to start from here immediately to the mines, and several other companies will leave early in the spring. They state that a man can work out from ten to fifteen dollars per day in a common pan.
     The place where the miners are at work is not over about five hundred miles from this place, and the above named gentlemen state the country is very fertile, being just at the foot of the mountains, and the timber is abundant of every kind. They also state fair crops of corn have been raised on the Platte this season in many places; among others, near Fort Laramie and at the Platte Bridge. You will hear of this matter, however from other sources in a few days as Mr. Richards leaves here to-day, on the packett, for your city to purchase goods for the Platte. Yours truley, M.H.W.
     11.This appeared in the Daily Missouri Republican of September 1, 1858
     12.     These men are identified as early settlers of Rulo (in the extreme southern corner of Nebraska) in Nebraska State Historical Society Publications.
     13.     John Richard [sometimes rendered Reshaw or Richaud] was a promenant trader of the Fort Laramie region during the 1840's and 50's. He set up a trading post in pioneer Denver.

     Also From Hafen, Colorado Gold Rush, pg.31 we find the following excerpt:
     ..."Mons. Richard, an Old French trapper, has several ounces of the precious dust, which he dug with an axe. Mons Boesinette17 has several rich specimens"
     17.      Bissonet is frequently encountered in the Fort Laramie region in the 1840's and 50's. For biological data on Louis and Joseph Bissonet, see J.C. Luttig, Journal of a Fur-trading Expedition, edited by Stella M. Drumm, 148-149.

Also From Hafen, Colorado Gold Rush, pg.37 we find the following excerpt:
By Telegraph23
Leavenworth, August 29, per U.S. Express
     Company to Boonville, August 30, Considerable excitement exists in Lawrence and Kansas City in consequence of recent arrivals from the gold region of Pike's Peak, confirming the existance of the ore in abundance at that locality. A Company which went from Lawrence in June had met with good success. The gold found at these diggins is similar to that of Fraser River and California.
     A Mr. Richards arrived at Kansas City on the 28th, reported that with very limited prospecting satisfactory result were obtained. Two men with inferior implements, washed out $600 in one week, on a small stream fifty miles from Pike's Peak.
     A second Fraser River is apprehended.

23.     Published in the Daily Missouri Republican, August 31, 1858. The same story appeared in the Boston Evening Transcript, September 1, 1858.

      Also From Hafen, Colorado Gold Rush, pg.64 we find the following excerpt:

More About the Gold Mines 81
     So Great is the demand for provisions at St. Joseph for the mines, the Mr. Isidore Poulin, a merchant of that place, who has been shipping to this port large quanitites of bacon, has come here to purchase some of that article. He says that he assisted a few days ago, in carrying from the steamer Wattossa, to the White Cloud, thirty-five thousand dollars worth of gold dust, which Mr. John Richard had procured from the Indians who had collected it with implements of the rudest description, which they made themselves. 82
     Yulo, Yancton, Winnebago, and St. Stephen villages, are points from which many Indians, half-breeds, etc., have gone to the diggings. Mr. Poulin has sold goods for the mines, the amount of $13,000 and carroborates the reports in regard to the richness of the auriferous region. He is stopping at King's hotel.

23.     Published in the Daily Missouri Republican, August 31, 1858. The same story appeeared in the Boston Evening Transcript, September 1, 1858.. John's occupation: Scout at Platte River Region on August 1, 1865. The following was taken from Capt. H. E. Palmer's account of the Connor expedition:

     We arrived at the south bank of the Platte August 1, 1865 expecting to cross at the LaBonta crossing. 19 The general and his guides and advance guards had arrived the night before, expecting from information furnished by his guides that he would find a good crossing here. Our guides that he would find a good crossing here. Our guides, chief among whom were Maj. James Bridger, Nick Janisse, Jim Daugherty, Mich Bouyer, John Resha , Antoine LaDue, and Bordeaux, 20 were supposed to be thoroughly posted on this country, especially the region so near Fort Laramie, where they had been hundreds of times; but the treacherous Platte was too much for them. The spring flood that had just passed had washed away the crossing, and after ten hours' diligent searching not one of the cavalry escort could find a place to cross the river without swimming his horse and endangering his life.
     19.     La Bonte stage station was near the mouth of La Bonte Creek and about seven miles south of present Douglas, Wyoming.
     20.     They had an outstanding array of scouts. For the first named guides see J.C. Alter, James Bridger, (Salt Lake City, Shepard Book Co., 1925). Nicholas Janise (spelled variously) and his brother Antoine, were traders who inter married with the Indians and whose descendants still live among the northern Sioux. A descendant of Nicholas, Mrs. Elizabeth Janis Mayfield, of Denver, told us on July 24, 1952, that Nicholas Janise had nine children and died about 1906, and is buried at Pine Ridge, South Dak. She says Antoine had 10 or 11 children, and is also buried at Pine Ridge. G.B. Grinnell, Fighting Cheyennes, (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1915), p 126, says that Nicholas and Antoine Janise were Frenchmen, born in St. Charles County, and were brought out west by James Bordeaux...John Resha, or Richard, had been an Indian trader in the region for more than twenty years. He is frequently mentioned in the literature. [Hafen, Leroy R. Powder River Campaigns and Sawyer Expedition of 1865.].^5,6,7 John died after 1865.

Last Edited=February 18, 2007

Rosalie Cote¹ (F)
(circa 1790-after 1824), #89

     Rosalie was born circa 1790.¹ As of January 7, 1812,her married name was Richard.^1,2 She married John Baptiste Richard Sr. at St. Charles, St. Charles Co., Missouri, USA, on January 7, 1812. Married Rosalie Cote (b. 1790) in the Catholic Church on Jan. 7, 1812, according to O.W. Collet's Index to St. Charles Marriages.
Richard's direct descendants-Mrs. William McGaa, Mrs. William Tibbits, and Mrs. William Swallow-contend that John Jr., Peter, and Joseph were full brothers. The birth dates of Peter and Joseph are recorded in Collet's Index to St. Charles Baptisms, but no mention is made of John B. Richard Jr. may have been born out of wedlock, or more probably, his parents, following the custom of the time, lived as man and wife under common law until they could have the marriage sanctioned by the church. Their children listed where: Richard, John Baptiste Jr. (b. 1810), Peter (b. 1820), Joseph (b. 1823), Susan (b.?) Sources state that Susan never married..^1,2 Rosalie died after 1824.

Last Edited=February 18, 2007

William Gardinear (M)
(circa 1800-after 1847), #90
Pop-up Pedigree

     William was born circa 1800. He was the son of Louise (?). William's occupation: Trader circa 1820. He married (?) White Thunder Woman circa 1826. She married William Gardiner so her tribe disowned. William Gardiner named her Louise after his mother. They had two children. He built a small log house for her and her two children. Louise missed her association with her tribe. One day when she heard voices, she went out and found that some of her old friends had come to the nearby stream. She ran to greet them, only to be scorned. The women saw that she was with child, one pointed to the little twigs along the bank and said, "Your children will be like those twigs, they will never know their grandfathers." Louise said; "You call everyone grandfather, my children will know their real grandfathers.".¹ He became Mary Lollee Black Moon's adoptive father after 1845. He resided at Rulo, Richardson Co., Nebraska, USA, before 1847. William died after 1847. Although another source states It was thought he may have died when his daughter Marie was with Black Moon about 1845..

Last Edited=February 17, 2007

(?) White Thunder Woman¹ (F)
(circa 1800-1827), #91
Pop-up Pedigree

     (?) was born circa 1800.¹ She was the daughter of (?) White Rabbit and Mother of White Thunder Woman. As of circa 1817,her married name was (?) Savage Bear.¹ She married (?) Savage Bear circa 1817.¹ She resided at Rulo, Richardson Co., Nebraska, USA, before 1826, "He (William Gardinear) built a small log house for her and the two children. White Thunder woman missed her friends and relatives and one day when she heard voices she went out and found that some of her old friends had come to the nearby stream to wash clothes. She thought perhaps they had forgiven her, and gathering up some clothes to wash, she ran to the stream. When the women saw she was going have a baby, one of them pointed to the little twigs along the bank and said, "your children will be like these little twigs and never know their grandfathers." White Thunder Woman said "You call everyone grandfather. My children will know their real grandfathers" (1968) Gilbert, Hila, Big Bat Pourier..¹ As of circa 1826,her married name was (?) Gardinear.¹ She married William Gardinear circa 1826. She married William Gardiner so her tribe disowned. William Gardiner named her Louise after his mother. They had two children. He built a small log house for her and her two children. Louise missed her association with her tribe. One day when she heard voices, she went out and found that some of her old friends had come to the nearby stream. She ran to greet them, only to be scorned. The women saw that she was with child, one pointed to the little twigs along the bank and said, "Your children will be like those twigs, they will never know their grandfathers." Louise said; "You call everyone grandfather, my children will know their real grandfathers.".¹ (?) died in 1827 at Yellowstone River Region.¹ (?), as William Gardinear's wife, resided with him, at Rulo, Richardson Co., Nebraska, USA, before 1847.

Last Edited=August 5, 2007

Louise (?) (F)
(circa 1775-after 1800), #92

     Louise was born circa 1775. Louise died after 1800 at USA.

Last Edited=February 19, 2007

John O'Rourke^1,2,3 (M)
(March 18, 1848-August 27, 1900), #94
Pop-up Pedigree

     John O'Rourke was also known as Jack O'Rourke. John O'Rourke was also known as . The nationality of John O'Rourke was Irish. He was birth2 on March 18, 1848 at Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, USA; My dad Charles O'Rourke knows for a fact that John "Jack " O'Rourke was born in Baton Rouge, LA. Eddie Powers, Darrell Powers' son, fouind Jack's birth certificate from a woman named Evelyn Swanson from Rapid City. Evelyn is the grand daughter of Annie O'Rourke Lang.⁴ John was born at Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, USA, on March 18, 1848.^1,5,4 He was the son of Unknown O'Rourke and Unknown (?). He emigrated, before 1876. Point of origin:.⁶ He married Georgianna Helen Terry at Fort Laramie (1849 - 1890), Goshen Co., Wyoming, USA, in 1876.^1,7,8 John's occupation: Boss Farmer at Allen, Washabaugh Co., South Dakota, USA, circa 1880. He then was a boss farmer for the Tribe or BIA and was stationed at Allen..¹ John's occupation: Owned the store at Kyle until his death. He left enough money for his sons all to get started in the cattle business. At Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Kyle, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, before 1899.¹ John was listed as Head of the Household on the Indian Census at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Porcupine, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, in 1900.⁹ John died on August 27, 1900 at Chadron, Dawes Co., Nebraska, USA, at age 52.⁵ His body was interred in September, 1900 at Gordon, Sheridan Co., Nebraska, USA. On Jack's head stone, it also says Roarke below O'Rourke. Lot 3, Section 3.⁵

Last Edited=March 21, 2007

Georgianna Helen Terry^1,2,3,4,5 (F)
(March 6, 1858-February 8, 1944), #95
Pop-up Pedigree

     Georgianna was born at Fort Laramie Region, USA, on March 6, 1858.^6,7 She was the daughter of Samuel M. Terry and Jesse Brule. As of 1876,her married name was O'Rourke.^2,1 She married John O'Rourke at Fort Laramie (1849 - 1890), Goshen Co., Wyoming, USA, in 1876.^2,1,8 She resided at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, after 1877.      Georgianna Terry's family was listed in the Crazy Horse Surrender Ledger of November 8, 1876. She was listed as "Head of a Household" with a family consisting of: 0 "Bucks", 3 "Squaws", 1 "M. Children", 1 "F. Children" were counted with the Oglalas with 1 lodge. [Crazy Horse surrender ledger, c1994, p.34]
     The Agency Beef issue for December 1876 was recorded in the Crazy Horse Surrender Ledger. In the register "foot" refers to live cattle, while "block" was processed or butchered meat. Some individuals and the Indian families of white agency residents and employees received block issue. Several family heads "clubbed" their ration tickets to total as close to thirty tickets as possible, each ticket representing one person. Each "club" of tickets would receive one head of beef (average weight nine hundred pounds) every ten days for slaughter. [Crazy Horse surrender ledger, (1994), p.13] Georgianna's family received as following: [Crazy Horse surrender ledger., (1994), p.130].

     Beef Record          Sioux          Foot          Block
     4      Georgianna                    0          4

     "Family heads received rations corresponding to the number of people for whom they were responsible, this particular figure being recorded during January and February 1877. Surviving issue records from Red Cloud are long paper strips each denoting the band name and the number of families. A family was designated by number, not name, and as the head received the family's rations, an agency clerk punched the corresponding number on the strip." [Crazy Horse surrender ledger., (1994), p.14]. Georgianna's family received 4 ration tickets and is counted with the Sioux. [Crazy Horse surrender ledger., (1994), p.141].

     She was again listed as a "head of household" on the Crazy Horse Surrender Ledger of February 16th, 1877, as the following: 0 "Adult Males", 3 "Adult Females", 1 "Children Male", 1 "Children Female". She was counted with the Red Leaf's Wazhazhas (a Brule-Oglala mix) Band with 1 lodge. [The Crazy Horse surrender ledger., c1994, p.76]
     Georgianna received 1 "hide ticket" on January 30, 1877. These tickets were exchanged for cattle hides by Agency Officials from beef cattle issued on the hoof for food. These tickets were then sold to the agency trader for about $2.50 each. When agency began slaughtering the cattle themselves, Indians were given tickets "in lieu" of hides. This practice was discontinued early in 1877. [Crazy Horse surrender ledger, c1994, p.93]. She was issued another ticket on March 1st, 1877..⁴ Georgianna Helen Terry was listed in the Indian Census on the date of in 1896 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA; Georgianna is listed as mother and living with her were her children; Thomas (age 19), Charles (age 13), Samuel (age 8), John (age 2-9), Annie (age 17), & Emma (age 11). Since Georgianna's role was listed as mother I would guess that her husband Jack was living in the home and not included on the 1896 Indian Census due to the fact that he was not Indian. Otherwise Georgianna would have been listed as Head of The Household.⁶ As of before 1903,her married name was Helm.⁷ She married William Helm at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, before 1903.⁷ Georgianna Helen Terry was listed in the Indian Census on the date of on June 30, 1904 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Medicine Root District, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA.⁷ She was nat allottment on September 26, 1907 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Shannon Co., South Dakota ., USA; NAME MERIDIAN TWP RANGE SECTION ACREAGE TYPE CASETYPE DOCID DATE

OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 015 28.5 253400 PA IA 161 09/26/1907.⁵ She was nat allottment on September 29, 1919 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Shannon Co., South Dakota ., USA; NAME MERIDIAN TWP RANGE SECTION ACREAGE TYPE CASETYPE DOCID DATE

OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 015 10.1 253400 PA IA 161 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 015 19.9 253400 PA IA 161 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 015 43.7 253400 PA IA 161 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 016 320 253400 PA IA 161 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 021 11.7 253400 PA IA 161 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 021 35.05 253400 PA IA 161 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 021 28.4 253400 PA IA 161 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 022 40 253400 PA IA 161 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 022 42.85 253400 PA IA 161 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 022 36.1 253400 PA IA 161 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 015 28.5 253500 PA 709450 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 015 29.4 253500 PA 709450 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 015 10.1 253500 PA 709450 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 015 19.9 253500 PA 709450 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 015 43.7 253500 PA 709450 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 021 11.7 253500 PA 709450 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 021 35.05 253500 PA 709450 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 021 28.4 253500 PA 709450 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 022 40 253500 PA 709450 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 022 42.85 253500 PA 709450 09/29/1919
OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 022 36.1 253500 PA 709450 09/29/1919.⁵ She was nat allottment on February 4, 1920 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Shannon Co., South Dakota ., USA; NAME MERIDIAN TWP RANGE SECTION ACREAGE TYPE CASETYPE DOCID DATE

OROURKE GEORGIANNA 06 042 N 042 W 015 29.4 253400 PA IA 161 02/04/1920.⁵ She resided at Black Hawk, South Dakota, USA, in 1924.⁹ Georgianna died on February 8, 1944 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, at age 85.

Last Edited=June 30, 2007

Alphonsa LaRocque (M)
(1818-November 15, 1872), #99

     Alphonsa LaRocque was also known as . Alphonsa was born in 1818. Alphonsa's occupation: at Nebraska Territory, USA, before 1868.¹ He married Mary Anputa circa 1868. Mary 2nd married Alphonse LaRacque, rancher in Nebraska Territory. They had one daughter: Louise, who married Charles Cuny for whom Cuny Table is named and many of the Cuny grand children still remain and live on Cuny Table. Mary is better known to all the relatives as "Grandma LaRacque". [Lautesclager, Virginia I., A History of Cuny Table., 1983.].¹ Alphonsa died on November 15, 1872. His body was interred after November 15, 1872 at Laporte, Larimer Co., Colorado, USA, at Bingham Hill Cemetery.¹

Last Edited=February 18, 2007

Mary Anputa^1,2 (F)
(1823-July 15, 1909), #100
Pop-up Pedigree

     Mary Anputa married an unknown person. Her married name was Adams. Mary was born at USA in 1823.³ She was the daughter of (?) Pretty Hip. Conflicting evidence states that Mary was born at USA in 1836.¹ She married John Jack Adams circa 1840 at USA; John Adams (a trader on the South Platte River) & Mary Anputa (Day), a Lakota married and had a daughter named Jennie Adams. Jennie after she grew up would married William McGaa one of the incorporators of the city of Denver, Colorado.¹ As of circa 1868,her married name was LaRocque.¹ She married Alphonsa LaRocque circa 1868. Mary 2nd married Alphonse LaRacque, rancher in Nebraska Territory. They had one daughter: Louise, who married Charles Cuny for whom Cuny Table is named and many of the Cuny grand children still remain and live on Cuny Table. Mary is better known to all the relatives as "Grandma LaRacque". [Lautesclager, Virginia I., A History of Cuny Table., 1983.].¹ She resided at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Cuny Table, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, after 1877, Another of the first Cuny Table settlers not to forgotten was Bill McGaa's grandmother, Mary (Mrs. Alphonsa) LaRocque. She lived part time with the McGaas and part time with her daughter. Louise (Mrs. Charles Cuny, Sr.) [History of Cuny Table, pg.32]. She moved in 1878 at Fort Collins, Larimer Co., Colorado, USA.¹ She traveled with Lallee Garnier to on December 20, 1879. Sat, Dec 20 (1879) - Bordeaux. Lallee left, Mrs. Le Rocque, Louise & Jesse ditto. Give L. span horses, wagon & harness. Hunton, v.3.⁴ Charles Cuny Sr. was listed in the Indian Census on the date of in 1896 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA; Charles is listed as father at the age of 34 and living with him were his wife Louise (age 30), children; Lizzie (age 12), Eddy (age 10), Charles Jr. (age 7), LeRoy Brown (age 5), Wilson (age 3), and mother-in-law; Mary LeRock (age 71).⁵ Mary died on July 15, 1909. Her body was interred after July 15, 1909 at Pine Ridge, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, at Holy Rosary Cemetery. Mary was listed as the head of a family on the 1910 Census at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA.

Last Edited=March 21, 2007

(?) Pretty Hip (M)
(circa 1800-after 1820), #101

     (?) was born circa 1800. (?) died after 1820.

Last Edited=February 25, 2002

Adolph Cuny^1,2,3,4 (M)
(before February 10, 1831-July 22, 1877), #102
Pop-up Pedigree

     Adolph Cuny was also known as Adolph Cuny. The nationality of Adolph Cuny was French/Swiss. Adolph was born at Burgandy, France, before February 10, 1831.^5,6,1 He was christened at Luneville, Meurthe-Et-, Moselle, France, on February 10, 1831.⁶ He was the son of Unknown Cuny and Mother of Adolph Cuny. He emigrated, circa 1853. Point of origin: Switzerland. Adolph and two brothers emigrated by ship to the United States from Switzerland after leaving France when Adolph was about 18 and landing at Ellis Island. Adolph went to Canada and later on to Ft. Laramie. One brother went to Chicago and another went to California..⁷ He resided at Three Mile Ranch, Fort Laramie Co., Nebraska Territory, USA, circa 1860, On a March morning in 1868 young Baptiste Ladeau quit his job and started to Fort Laramie on his pony, with his dog following him. Death also followed him. The boy was overtaken by [Cy] Williams, Swolley and another man, according to Hunton, in the neighborhood of Chug Springs, some four miles north of Bordeaux, where they chased him up the side of a rocky bluff and killed him, together with his horse and dog. The remains were discovered about six weeks later by a detachment of soldiers.
      The following May a band of halfbreed Indians caught and killed Williams at the E. Coffe & Cuny ranch five miles southeast of Fort Laramie. And the man Swolley also disappered about the same time. [Hunton Diaries, v.1, pg 39]


      "Thurs, Mar 27 [1875] - (Bordeaux on Chug). Returning from Fort with Squaw nothing heard of Indians. Cavalry still out. Party at Cuny's on the look out. Very windy. White horse sick when we got home. Jules Ecoffey give me 9 wagones and four mowers at North Platte. [John Hunton Diary, (1956) , v.1, pg 17]

"Tues, Sept 7 [1875] - Staid at Post (Fort Laramie) with Kelly. Went to 3-Mile Ranch to Election. Voted ------D. ticket. Also Lallee. 120 votes polled. 95 Democratic. Dull time. Borrowed 3 sks. grain of Kelly. Nice day. [John Hunton Diary. (1956) v.1, pg. 85]

     "Many of the post families were entertained by the arrival of figures like Sheridan, Cody, "Wild Bill" Hickok, who passed through at the end of June, and Martha "Calamity Jane" Cannary. A course woman at best, Cannary was as occasional resident at Cuny and Ecoffey's roadhouse until her short-lived career as a teamster with the Big Horn and Yellowstone Expedition." [Hedren, Paul L. , Fort Laramie in Eighteen Seventy-six: ,1988, pp.45-46]

     In a note about the activities at Three Mile Ranch, preparations for a Centennial celebration of the founding the United States:

     At Fort Laramie's neighboring Three Mile Ranch, Jules Ecoffey planned a celebration too, but when he formally requested an artillery piece from Fort Laramie to use at the ranch, Adjutant Hay responded offering the commanding officer's regrets and noting that all field pieces would be employed at the post on the fourth.47" [Hedren, Paul L. , Fort Laramie in Eighteen Seventy-six: ,1988, pp.128]

In November of 1876:

     "Competing for interest with the formation and departure of Crook's latest expedition against the Sioux and Cheyennes were the elections coming on Tuesday, November 7. The Daily Leader had been giving the various national, territorial, and local campaigns increased attention for weeks and had unabashedly endorsed a straight Republican ticket for months, even though voters in the territory were not entitled to vote for president. Laramie County, which in 1876 was a fifty-mile-wide north-south tier stretching from Colorado to Montana, was divided into seven voting precincts. Locally, eligible voters could cast their ballots at the Maxwell ranch in the Chugwater precinct or at the Cuny and Ecoffey ranch in the Fort Laramie precinct." [Hedren, Paul L. , Fort Laramie in Eighteen Seventy-six: ,1988, pp.197]

     "By 1880, many changes had come to the Platte River ranches. Nick Janis sold his ranch to John Hunton, who had now broken up with Lallee and was soon to be married to a lady from Virginia. Most of the old settlers moved to Reservations, although some sent their wives and kept the children. Traders and their sons, the former guides and interpreters of the Army, old fur trappers, the men made history around Ft. Laramie-Bissonette, Bordeaux, Janis, Garnett, Shangreu, Russell, Knight, Twiss, Randall, Geroux, Cuny, Tibbetts, McGaa, Swallow, Richard, and many others, now live on Dakota Indian Reservations, most of them at Pine Ridge". [Big Bat Pourier.,c1968, pg. 69].^8,3,2 He married Josephine Bissonette at Fort Laramie Region, USA, circa 1860.⁵ He is a work associate of an unknown person at Three Mile Ranch, Fort Laramie Co., Nebraska Territory, USA, after 1873.      Adolph Cuney was a well known Plains Frontiersman. He was a partner in the Three-Mile Ranch saloon and roadhouse with John Richard or Reshaw and Ecoffey in the Platte River region 3 miles north of Fort Laramie.

From the John Hunton Diary:

A short distance west of Fort Laramie, at the edge of the old military reservation, are remains of the Three Mile Ranch where soldiers and others who wished to join the fun once cavorted in questionable forms of gaiety. The original site of Three Mile, on the Clark Rice place south of the Laramie, has been reduced to several mounds of rubble, with a few handrivited old barrel bands scattered around and a remarkably preserved rock-walled wekk which could probably still be used with a little cleaning out. Albert Nietfeld, born on an adjoining place and the son of Pioneer Henry Nietfeld, piloted us to this old well and also on the search for Eagles Nest-else we might still be looking for it.
On the north side of the Laramie, almost directly opposite the old well, is the later site of Three Mile, now part of the John Yoder ranch. A long, narrow building with several closely spaced alternating doors and windows along its front, still stands in fairly good condition at this location. According to John Hunton the structure was built in 1874 by E. Coffey and Cuny. Mr. Hunton recalls that these gentlemen found business slowing down at their trading post, saloon and road ranch that summer and "decided to add new attractions." They built several such cottages and recruited ten or more broadminded young women from Omaha and Kansas City to make headquarters there. Among them was the fabled Calamity Jane. So it must have been from these same windows and doors that mistress Calamity and her professional sisters made their welcoming bows to the men of the wes, and no introduction neccessary. [John Hunton Diary. (1956), v.2, pgs. 30-32]

Also From John Hunton's Diary we find:

"About the time of the first appearence of Calamity Jane in this part of the country (meaning the Fort Laramie area). in the fall of 1873 E. Coffey and Cuny started a large trading outfit five miles west of Fort Laramie on the north side of the Laramie River, where they carried on quite an extensive business selling goods, running a saloon and general road ranch.
"In 1874 business got very slack with them and they decided to add attractions and for that purpose they constructed eight two-room cottages to be occupied by women. They sent to Omaha, Kansas City and other places and in a short time had their houses occupied by ten or more young women all of whom were known as sporting characters.
"Among this bunch was"Calamity Jane" who who was of the type generally given her by magazine writers and newspaper correspondents. ... [John Hunton Diary. (1956), v.2, pgs. 109-111]

     The combination of brothel, roadhouse, and legitimate ranch may have been unique to the partnership of Cuny and Ecoffey. But these there enterprises each appeared independently elsewhere around Fort Laramie, such as Wright's brothel, mentioned above, which was also three miles west on the south side of the Laramie River. The Six Mile Ranch southwest of the fort doubled as a genuine roadhouse in 1876 as well as a house of prostitution, a tradition that dated from years earlier. Other ranches, such as those owned and operated by John Phillips and John Huton were true cattle spreads, with incidental, often elaborate services for travelers. William G. Bullock, another Fort Laramie old-timer, operated a ranch up the Laramie beyond Cuny and Ecoffey's, and he also partnered with Hutton on the Chugwater. All together there were at least three cattle ranches on the Laramie River, ten on Chugwater Creek, and dozens more on the road to Cheyenne. Small and large, these establishments interacted in countless ways with Fort Laramie, especially during the event-filled year of 1876.33
[Hedren, Paul L., Fort Laramie in Eighteen Seventy-six: ,1988, pp.45-46]


     "Fort Laramie's closest ranch neighbors were probably Adolph Cuny and Jules Ecoffey, who owned the Three Mile Ranch west of the fort on the Laramie River. Both Cuny and Ecoffy were old-timers in the area. Ecoffey, for instance had a long history of friendship and association with the Sioux, serving in the 1860's and 1870's variously as trader, interpreter, and conficonfidant to Red Cloud and his Oglalas30.
      In 1876 these partners operated a ranch in the traditional sense, at least according. to J.H. Triggs, who in the extensive discussion of grazing and stock growing in southeastern Wyoming that appeared in one of his guidebooks, listed 2,000 head of cattle and 150 horses and mules on their place.31 Cuny and Ecoffey offered other services too. Morton, the post quartermaster, would contract with them for wagons and teams later during the summer. And in the true spirit of frontier entrepreneurs, they operated a roadhouse for Black Hills travelers, offering meals, an outfitting store, a billiard hall, a blacksmith shop, and a corral with hay and grain. Appealing to baser instincts, they also ran a saloon and brothel, principally for Fort Laramie's soldiers. The unvarnished nature of that concern was described with some detail by General Crook's aide-decamp Lieutenant Bourke:

     Several times, on mild afternoon, Lieut. Schuyeler and myself went riding, talking the best road out from the post. Three miles and there was a nest of ranches, Cooneys and Ecoffey's and Wright's, tenanted by as hardened and depraved a set of wretches as could be found on the face of the globe. Each of these establishments was equipped with a rum-mill of the worst kind and each contained from three to half a dozen Cyprians, virgins whose lamps were always burning brightly in expectancy of the upcoming bridegroom, and who lured to destruction the soldiers of the garrison. In all my experience, I have never seen a lower, more beastly set of people of both sexes.32

     "In common with many other army officers from the colonial period on, Bourke disliked "borderers" of any stripe. Especially those he found at three "ranches" within three miles of the fort-Cooney's, Ecoffy's and Wright's-which were combination gin-mills and whorehouses. "In all my experience, I have never seen a lower, more beastly set of people of both sexes." [Knight, O. "War or peace". Nebraska History. (1973): pp. 528]

     From Crawford's Rekindling Camp Fires, we find the following reference to the Adolph Cuny in the winter of 1875-76:

     "When we reached the Old Woman's Fork on Rawhide Creek the third day of our journey, we found Scotty Philips in camp with an outfit belonging to Adolph Cuny , and his partner". [Crawford, Rekindling camp fire. 1926., pg. 218]

On November 1 1876 an employee of Cuny's was killed.

     "And on November 1 Joe Walters was killed in a fight at Cuny's Three Mile Ranch Cooney's Walters was a discharged twenty-third Infantryman, who until recently had been an employee at the Hat Creek Ranch adjacent to the Sage Creek cantonment and now was tending bar at Cuny's. Apparently he scuffled with a freighter named Charlie or Garsy Brown, had his own gun turned on him, and was shot through the bowls.29 " [Hedren, Paul L., Fort Laramie in Eighteen Seventy-six:, 1988, pp.206-7]

From Stella Dora Twiss:
Ecoffey and Cuny established "Three Mile", a general road ranch, in 1873. When business slowed down they decided to expand the operation. They constructed eight two-room cottages to be occupied by women. According to the book The Cheyenne and Black Hills Stage and Express Routes, published in 1967, the pair sent to Omaha, Kansas City, and other places. And in a short time their houses were occupied by ten or more young women, all of whom were known as sporting characters. Among this bunch was Calamity Jane, whose character had been whitewashed considerably by the newspaper correspondents of the day. Prospectors often passed through Three Mile and gold dust began to be plentiful at the place. In November of 1875, Ecoffey and Cuny sent three pouches of gold dust, about $125 worth to the editor of the Cheyenne Leader. By 1876 the Three Mile was a regular meal station on the stage route. Good meals were served at fifty cents each.
Ecoffey died in November of 1876 of injuries inflicted by a man named Stonewall, who had attacked him three months before. Two years later while trying to prevent a robbery of his freight line, Dora's grandfather was killed by Clark Pelton, alias Billy Webster. Cuny had been deputized at the time and was pursuing the robbers when he was ambushed and fatally wounded by Pelton. Josephine, not realizing her husband's interests were still hers, loaded up her eight children and left everything behind to return to her people, who were camped near Fort Robinson. In time she moved back to Cuny Table where her oldest son, Charles, had established a ranching operation. Elizabeth and her son formed a partnership on the land that is still inhabited by Josephine's descendants..^8,3,1,4,9 Adolph died on July 22, 1877 at Six Mile Ranch, Goshen Co., Wyoming Territory. From the Hunton Diaries:
"The Six Mile Ranch, located on 'Baptist Fork', now known as Six Mile, about a quarter of a mile south of (Dan) Griffits house on the Fort Laramie and Wheatland road was a favorite place for killing. The first man killed there was John Hunter, the original owner, who was shot by 'Bud' Thompson in October, 1868. The next two were John Lowry and James McClosky, shot by John Boyer in October, 1870. The next was Perry Arber, a wood chopper who was assassinated by a man whose name I have forgotten sometime in 1872 or '73. Then followed two men at different times during the Black Hills excitement prior to 1877. The last one was Adolph Cuny, who was assassinated by Clark Pelton in July, 1877. The Six Mile Ranch was in what in now Goshen county, about one mile east of the county line." - John Huton in the Fort Laramie Scout, July 21, 1927. [John Hunton Diary, (1956) v.1, pg.. 41]

     From a telephone conversation with my mother Patricia (Brewer) Stevens on June 19, 1996:
     "Mom mentioned that Grandma Louise (O'Rourick) Conway had stated that Grandpa Adolph Cuny might have been a Peace Officer in Wyoming Territory. And one story has it that his wife Josephine (Bissonette) Cuny had set off for home in Pine Ridge when she heard voices along the trail telling her to return to her husband". It was apparently at this time that Adolph was shot..^8,7 His body was interred after July 22, 1877 at Fort Laramie, Platte Co., Missouri Territory, USA, at Cheyenne City Cemetery. According to a phone conversation my mother Patricia (Brewer) Stevens, his grave is located at the cemetery behind the Fort Laramie Post Hospital..^6,7

Last Edited=June 16, 2007

Josephine Bissonette^1,2,3,4,5 (F)
(August, 1835-April 25, 1936), #103
Pop-up Pedigree

     Josephine Bissonette was also known as White Metal Woman.⁵ The nationality of Josephine Bissonette was Oglala Lakota (1/2). She speaks (an unknown value).⁵ Josephine was born at Fort Laramie Region, USA, in August, 1835. She was the daughter of Joseph Bissonette and Julie Hubert. Josephine Bissonette was birth2 in 1838.⁶ As of circa 1860,her married name was Josephine Cuny.² She married Adolph Cuny at Fort Laramie Region, USA, circa 1860.² She resided at Fort Laramie Region, USA, before 1876. She moved circa 1876 at Fort Laramie Region, USA. She received news of her estranged husband's death in [18??] and cried with her children, whom had scarcely known their father. Josephine, brought her children to Pine Ridge from the Fort Laramie region when they where quite young and raised them as a single parent.

      "Josephine Bissonette Cuny, wife of Adolph Cuny 1st, of around Fort Laramie, brought her children to the Pine Ridge Reservation and raised them as a single parent. Another woman of courage and determination. As I mentioned, she was one of first residents on Cuny table. Grandma Josephine is buried in the Cemetary on Cuny Table, along with 5 generations of decendants. " [History of Cuny Table, pg. 6 appendix].² She resided at Crawford, Dawes Co., Nebraska, USA, circa 1876, Lived in Crawford before moving to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation..⁷ She resided at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Rockyford, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, in 1877, Josephine's family was listed in the Crazy Horse Surrender Ledger of February 16th, 1877, she was listed as a "Head of a Household" with a family consisting of : 1 "Adult Males", 1 "Adult Females", 1 "Children Male", 5 "Children Female". Included under her household was the name of Wm. (William) Provost. She was also listed with the Oglala Sioux under Young Man Afraid of Horse Band with 1 lodge. [Crazy Horse surrender ledger, (c1994), p.62]

     Josephine was one of the first allottees on Cuny Table. Her allotment number was "2906". She raised her family in a one-room log cabin along the White River, in the Rockyford area. Josephine is listed on the 1894,1895 & 1900 Census. [History of Cuny Table].^2,1 Josephine Bissonette was listed in the Indian Census on the date of in 1886 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA; Listed as living with her were Lizzie (22), Susie (13), Adolph (11), Julius (9), & Lotty (9).⁶ Josephine was listed as Head of the Household on the Indian Census at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, in 1894.² Josephine was listed as Head of the Household on the Indian Census at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, in 1895.² She was listed in the Indian Census on the date of in 1896 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA; Josephine is listed as mother at age 61 and living with her were her children; Jule (age 20) & Lottie (age 20).⁸ Josephine was listed as Head of the Household on the Indian Census at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA, in 1900. On the 1900 Census, she is listed as living alone with her son Jule. [History of Cuny Table].² She resided at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, possibly Porcupine, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, after 1900, Josephine made her home with a daughter, Lottie Patton, for many years and is buried in the Cuny Table Cemetery.[History of Cuny Table, pg.34]
.² She applied for homestead land at Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, on January 17, 1910.^9,5 Josephine died on April 25, 1936 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Porcupine, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, at age 100.² Her body was interred in 1936 at Cuny Table, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery. Grandma Josephine is buried in the Cemetary on Cuny Table, along with 5 generations of decendants. " [History of Cuny Table, pg. 6 appendix]. Josephine is remembered as a kind person and a good mother..²

Last Edited=June 10, 2007