Big & Mysterious History of Sioux City, Iowa: Roberts and Cordura Murder, Joseph Leonais

French Canadian Joseph Leonais was an early settler in the area that became Sioux City, Iowa. He worked as a fur trapper of the American Fur Company of St. Louis, Missouri as Theophile Bruguier did at the time. Both men knew one another and along with being co-workers were very likely friends.

Joseph was married to Rosalie Menard who is recorded as being the first white woman married in the territory at the time. She was so named "First Bride" and her burial place is located today in what is called South Ravine Park in Sioux City. The park is just down the hill from FLoy'd Bluff, burial place of Sgt. Charles Floyd.

Joseph purchased 160 acres of land from Theophile Bruguier for $100 in 1852. This area would become the downtown section of Sioux City, Iowa.

Links to previous articles in this series:
Big & Mysterious History of Sioux City, Iowa: Roberts and Cordura Murder, Intro and Info.
Big & Mysterious History of Sioux City, Iowa: Roberts and Cordura Murder, Credits and Thanks
Big & Mysterious History of Sioux City, Iowa: Roberts and Cordura Murder, Pre-Sioux City
Big & Mysterious History of Sioux City, Iowa: Roberts and Cordura Murder, Lewis and Clark Expedition
Big & Mysterious History of Sioux City, Iowa: Roberts and Cordura Murder, William Thompson
Big & Mysterious History of Sioux City, Iowa: Roberts and Cordura Murder, Theophile Bruguier

Links to more info. about Joseph Leonais:
History of Sioux City - Wikipedia
Joseph Leonais - Sioux City History
Joseph Leonais - Google Books
Rosalie Menard Leonais - Sioux City History
Sioux City History & Culture by Bicycle Part 9: First Bride's Grave
Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 134; Notable People Part 6; Rosalie Menard Leonais