Bruguier worked for the American Fur Company and later as an independent fur-trader, buying furs from the Sioux Indians and selling them to small fur companies. Often he traveled along the Missouri River. In his work, he met and developed a friendship with a Yankton Sioux Indian tribe led by Chief War Eagle. Bruguier dwelt among the tribe, learning their customs and earning their respect. Bruguier later married two of War Eagle’s daughters, Flaming Cloud and Dawn. With these wives he had thirteen children.
He was described as a man of medium height, quick action, athletic build and splendid physique. He had black hair and a full black beard. Others credited him with courage, wit and great physical and mental strength.
After the death of his wives in the late 1850’s, Bruguier traveled to St. Louis on business and met Victoria Turnott, a widow. He married her in the 1860’s and brought her back to Sioux City. With his new wife, he settled on 500 acres that he owned in the Salix area.
Bruguier died of pneumonia on February 18, 1896. He was buried in the Catholic Parish Cemetery north of Salix. In 1926, his body was re-interred on the bluff of War Eagle Park, near the graves of War Eagle and his first two wives.
The second of Bruguier's sons survived the Battle of the Little Big Horn.
Bruguier worked for the American Fur Company and later as an independent fur-trader, buying furs from the Sioux Indians and selling them to small fur companies. Often he traveled along the Missouri River. In his work, he met and developed a friendship with a Yankton Sioux Indian tribe led by Chief War Eagle. Bruguier dwelt among the tribe, learning their customs and earning their respect. Bruguier later married two of War Eagle’s daughters, Flaming Cloud and Dawn. With these wives he had thirteen children.
He was described as a man of medium height, quick action, athletic build and splendid physique. He had black hair and a full black beard. Others credited him with courage, wit and great physical and mental strength.
After the death of his wives in the late 1850’s, Bruguier traveled to St. Louis on business and met Victoria Turnott, a widow. He married her in the 1860’s and brought her back to Sioux City. With his new wife, he settled on 500 acres that he owned in the Salix area.
Bruguier died of pneumonia on February 18, 1896. He was buried in the Catholic Parish Cemetery north of Salix. In 1926, his body was re-interred on the bluff of War Eagle Park, near the graves of War Eagle and his first two wives.
The second of Bruguier's sons survived the Battle of the Little Big Horn.
Family Members
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Jean-Baptiste Bruguier
1838–1855
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Élisabeth Bruguier
1839 – unknown
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Charles Matoska "White Bear" Bruguier
1841–1876
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Rosalie "Rose Anne" Bruguier Lamoureux Dubois
1844–1926
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Julia Wiŋyaŋšiča "Bad Woman" Bruguier Conger
1844–1934
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Marie "Mary" Bruguier Traversie
1845–1909
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Joseph Bruguier
1847–1869
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Eugène Bruguier
1848–1928
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André “Andrew” Bruguier
1850–1868
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Jean “John” Tahuŋskataŋka "Big Leggings" Bruguier
1850–1898
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Guillaume “William” Bruguier
1852–1921
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Jean-Baptiste Bruguier
1855–1856
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Samuel Bruguier
1855–1929
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Céline-Louise "Selina" Bruguier Forster Hardy
1857–1928
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Victoire “Victoria” Bruguier
1858–1866
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