Chief Big Elk at Bellevue Cemetery

 I visited the Bellevue Cemetery an the grave of Big Elk.  The grave is at the top of the hill.  

Big Elk
Indian Name (Ong-Pa-Ton-Ga)
1770-1846
Last Full Blooded Chief of Omaha Tribe
Friend of the Pioneers and Grandfather of Logan Fontanelle

On September 19, 1954 with 1000 spectators, Big Elk and 14 Omahas were reburied here, their remains were brought from Elk Hill north of Mission Avenue where Big Elk had large funerals in 1846 and 1883.  Buffalo Chief translated White Bird's speech about Big Elk's leadership.  A chaplain from Offutt Air Force Base spoke.  Taps sounded.  Fitting tribal rituals were held.  The Omahas "Began their long rest in peace at their final resting place."  This famous orator and man of peace supported the U.S. in the War of 1812.  He visited two presidents.  His "coming flood" speech on western expansion gave good advice for all youth.  "I can no longer think for you and lead you as in my younger days.  You must think for yourselves ...that you may be prepared for the coming change.  Speak kindly to one another; do what you can to help each other, even in the troubles with the coming tide.

Bellevue Cemetery
In 1856 Bellevue set aside four city blocks as a cemetery.  However it was thought to have been used earlier as unofficial burial plots.  One of the earliest markers is of Jean Allen dated 1856 and located 70 feet northwest of marker.  Jean Allen and Ester Peters were buried within ne month of eachothr.  Other notable markers are: Big Elk and fourteen of his braves.  Big Elk was the last full-blooded chief of the Omaha Tribe.  Fenner Ferguson, first chief justice of the Nebraska Territory, Dr. Frank Gilder, noted archaeologist, and a grave of a pioneer child who was burird before 1856.  A slab of rock waqs placed over the top of the grave to discourage predators.

Looking east towards Iowa