Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
POTOSA
Bdeing researche
POTOSA. Potosa was believed to have been the wife of Julien DUBUQUE although his marital status is uncertain. In personal letters, Dubuque referred to a "Madam Dubuque." It is believed this was Potosa, the daughter of Chief PEOSTA.
In 1910 Richard HERRMANN stated that Lieutenant [[[PIKE, Zebulon|Zebulon PIKE]] in his journey along the MISSISSIPPI RIVER landed on what became the Iowa side of the river and questioned Dubuque about his activities. In his records, Pike also mentioned, according to Herrmann that he had spoken with Dubuque wife, Potosa, and chiefs of the tribe. In the same article, Herrmann noted that the renowned artist George CATLIN brought back with him stories gathered from the Native Americans. These stories included the death of Dubuque and burial; the burial beside him of Peosta, the chief, his friend, and father-in-law; and still later the burial of Potosa, Peosta's daughter. Herrmann stated that through the marriage with Potosa, Dubuque gained the rights to mine [LEAD]] that he had been unable to obtain in the previous three years. (1)
No mention of a wife was made during the months settling his estate has led many to consider that if a wife existed she was a Native American who returned to her tribe after his death.
She is believed to have been the mother of ROLLING CLOUD.
Source:
1. "How the Remains of the Late Julien Dubuque Were Brought to Light," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, April 24, 1910, p. 12 https://tharchive-carnegiestout-org.ezproxy.carnegiestout.org/ResCarta-Web/jsp/RcWebImageViewer.jsp?doc_id=76d75574-3467-4ecf-9df4-c2b7da149f1e/ResCarta/00000005/00000450