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the work of pioneering, and also in the belief that the family so situated would be more apt to retain at least a portion of their inheritance after the land should become taxable, 25 years from now.

Field work was continued up to December, and from that time until my return to Washington, Feb. 20, 1888, my time was closely occupied in endeavoring to secure and trace the old patents issued under English names only, in 1871--and those issued to the Wisconsin Indians in 1876.  There were 487 of these patents out.  They covered a large part of the lands lying in townships 25, 26, and 27; Ranges 7, 8, and 9.  The land sin Ranges 8 and 9, were occupied by the Indians.  Many of them living upon farms opened by the Government when the tribe was removed to Nebraska, having houses thereon, which had been built with tribal money.  There were many old standing disputes between claimants and persons in occupation; land and houses had been bartered by the Indians; many of the patentees had died, and false and true heirs were disputing over the land and houses, and confusion covered the entire territory.  During this period the majority of these cases were adjusted to the acceptance of all concerned.

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