The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-11-24
BIG CLAIM
Made by Mo-
hogan Indians
AGAINST NORWICH.
If Tribe Wins the Damages
viii Rise to Millions.

Francis NJ Morrison Esq, as coun-
sci for the Michigan Indians. of Nor
wich, Ct, filed in the superior court Of
New London county yesterday, a bill
in equity against The city of Norwich,
Sarah Hubbard and other residents
of that city, to restore to the tribe
rights to property in Norwich, Of which
the Indians through their present rep
resentative, Eliphalet p. Fielding, and
their counsel, Lawyer Morrison, claim
is held by the city Of Norwich and it's
residents without title.
The properly in question is in the
heart Of the city, and the property in
terests in the bin rise up into millions.
The Indians allege further that
the city of Norwich has been using
their burial ground, which was estab-
lished centuries ago by royal grant.
destroying and removing the grave
stones at will.
Further, the Indians want an ac-
counting from the city of Norwich and
those of its residents who occupy In
dian lands, for the rent of the property
during the time that the property has
been unlawfully held, as claimed, and
this claim in itself amounts to a great
sum. The very building sites and the
layout Of the principal streets Of the
city, and the location Of the electric
car lines themselves, are involved in
the suit, so that the result if the In
dams get their claim is incompatible
at the present time.
The Indians pray the courts for an
injunction against the city of Norwich
and others against interfering with the
rights of the Indians in the premises,
and also that there be made to the pres.
ent representatives, of the tribe a re-
conveyance of the land taken.
The cemetery site and other lands
about it have a very historic value,
and some Of the mosC memorable as
sociations Of the Michigan tribe fin
dams. which is one Of the OldestS Of
the New England tribes, and which Vas
a great history, are connected.
In 1888 there was a memorable oc-
casion, the cemetery being dedicated
at the time with great pomp. President
Andrew Jackson was present and Gle
liyered the address of the day. A large
and beautiful monument to Uncas the
great tribal chief, was unveiled and
dedicated.
The rights to the property which is
now in dispute and which is held at
witch and It's residents. were secured
by a supplementary deed in 1850,
which confirmed the treaties and deeds
of 1860 and 164S, in which the Indians
reserved to themselves the property
now embracing the city Of Norwich.
Gradually, the Indians claim. the
white men have encroached upon their
precincts until today the remnants Of
the tribe have not even their cemetery
left from the despoilers. The tomb
stons and monuments in their grave
yard have been removed and destroyed,
and today in many cellar in Norwich
which is in the confines of the old bu-
rial ground, the headstones are used
for the stone floor Of the cellar. Sew
ers and street cars run through the old
cemetery lot.
Judge Shipman, who has examined
the grants of the past centuries, has
held that the documents are among
the most clearly and ably drawn of
any in the country, and thus the IN
dams are hopeful that after many de-
eades of waiting and neglect. they may
yet enjoy their ancient privileges and
emoluments.