French Canadian fur trader and founder of Milwaukee, WI was originally from L’Asumption, Canada, a small town near Montreal. In 1818, as an agent of the American Fur Company, he moved to their new post at Milwaukee. He amassed a fortune in independent trade, acquired large tracts of land there, and was revered by the indigenous population. He became an American citizen in 1831. He surveyed the town site, built the first store and first tavern, became Milwaukee's first postmaster (1835) and first president of the village (1837). His fortune was reduced by the Panic of 1837, but he remained a leading citizen of Milwaukee, becoming its first mayor in 1846.
Solomon Juneau was married to 17-year-old, Josette Vieau (1820). Solomon and Josette had 17 children, only 13 of which survived past infancy.
Throughout his life, Solomon Juneau was on good terms with the Indian population throughout the area. In fact, Solomon was originally buried on the Keshena Indian reservation. 700 Indians, including Chiefs Oshkosh, Corrow, Larriet, and Keshena attended his funeral. In 1866, the Juneaus remains were later moved to Calvary Cemetery
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