Near Wamego in Pottawatomie County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Vieux Cemetery
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
1. Vieux Cemetery Marker
Inscription.
Vieux Cemetery. . Of Pottawatomie Indian and French ancestry, Louis Vieux was an early resident of this area. Probably born near Lake Michigan, Vieux, with a portion of the Pottawatomies, moved to Iowa and later Indianola, Kan., near Topeka. In 1847 or 1848, Vieux moved to this area of what became Pottawatomie county, located on the Oregon Trail near the Vermillion river crossing. This Vieux family, with its seven children, lived in a log cabin and Vieux built and operated a toll bridge over the river. He charged Oregon Trail travelers one dollar per outfit and it was estimated that he earned as much as $300 per day during the peak season of wagon travel. In 1861, Vieux was one of the signers of a treaty allowing the Pottawatomie to hold lands in common or establish individual claims of 80 acres per person or more, depending on their position in the tribe. Vieux served as a business agent and interpreter and occasionally represented the tribe in Washington, D.C. Near here is the Vieux cemetery where members of the Vieux family and other early settlers were buried.
Of Pottawatomie Indian and French ancestry, Louis Vieux was an early resident of this area. Probably born near Lake Michigan, Vieux, with a portion of the Pottawatomies, moved to Iowa and later Indianola, Kan., near Topeka. In 1847 or 1848, Vieux moved to this area of what became Pottawatomie county, located on the Oregon Trail near the Vermillion river crossing. This Vieux family, with its seven children, lived in a log cabin and Vieux built and operated a toll bridge over the river. He charged Oregon Trail travelers one dollar per outfit and it was estimated that he earned as much as $300 per day during the peak season of wagon travel. In 1861, Vieux was one of the signers of a treaty allowing the Pottawatomie to hold lands in common or establish individual claims of 80 acres per person or more, depending on their position in the tribe. Vieux served as a business agent and interpreter and occasionally represented the tribe in Washington, D.C. Near here is the Vieux cemetery where members of the Vieux family and other early settlers were buried.
Erected by Pottawatomie County Highway Department. (Marker Number 107.)
Location. 39° 15.317′ N, 96° 14.783′ W. Marker is near Wamego, Kansas, in Pottawatomie County. Marker is on Oregon Trail Road, 0.8 miles west of Onaga Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wamego KS 66547, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Tallest monument is that of Louis Vieux. Stones to either side are for Louis' wives and children.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
4. Louis Vieux gravemarker
To the memory of LOUIS VIEUX. Died May 3, 1872. Aged 62 YRS. 5 MOS. 3 DS. His worthy deeds within our hearts Shall live beyond the tomb. REQUIESCAT IN PACE, AMEN.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
5. Louis Vieux gravemarker
I was unable to make a rubbing or transcribe this text. It anyone can do so, it is appreciated.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
6. Charlotte, wife of Louis Vieux
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
7. Sha Note (Charlotte), wife of Louis Vieux
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
8. Mary, wife of Louis Vieux
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
9. Mary, wife of Louis Vieux
stones to the left are two of Louis' and Mary's children, Mary and Estea.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
10. Thurber family gravemarkers
note the date of death for these three boys is the same.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
11. Nadeau children
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
12. Nadeau children
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
13. Mary Zoie Vieux
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
14. Entrance Gate Detail
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
15. Entrance Gate Detail
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 1, 2010
16. Entrance Gate Detail
Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,232 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on July 3, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. submitted on July 5, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.