The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-02-24
KEEN
TO RECOVER
TRIBAL Land


EetteWe3o2o0 lnalens keaeWMG
Ebert to Bstablish Title
T. WaDSe Valley.
The lost lsnds Of his tribe
Frank Keesis, Pottawlttamie. over
whom 81 summers have passed.
has not given mp the quest. Some
whore, some place. in the territory
drained by the wapsie rive in Iowa
are several thousand acres which
tribal belief says were never ced-
I'd to the government in the treaty
that drove the Pottawattamies
southward into Kansas reserva'
lions.
For many years. Frank Keesis.
direct descendant Of the tribe ruled
BY Chief Wapsie, has bsen carrying
on the search. ever hopeful that
the falsity Of present titles will be
recognised by the great chieftain
in Washington and the remainder
OF his people como into their own.
In company with his brother.
Me-Getenon, and Bat" the inter-
prefer. Keesis was in Rock Island
today to enlist the aid of States
Attorney Ben 8. Bell in the appa.-
emily forlorn undertaking. Five
years ago, Eeesis visited in Moline
at the home of William A. Meese,
since dead. At that time Mr.. Meese,
STEPPED in Indian lore, and famed
as a friend of the Indian, was en-
gagged in the task Of investigating
the claims of the tribe. Several
years before, keesis was one OF
about fifteen Indians from the res
ervation at Mayetta, Kany who
were entertained by Mr.. Meese. At
that time the claims were brought
to the attention OF the latter, but
nothing tangible has ever been
brought to light which would in
dictate their title to the lost lands.
The matter had been brought to
the attention of Cato Sells, com
missioner of Indian affairs. ct
Washington, at different times. and
papers preserved by Keesis indi-
cate that the question is still an
open one with the government. 1t
remains for Keesis to acquire in
disputable facts.
BeM Friend Of Indians.
Not so long ago, a man and wo-
man of Indian blood consulted with
States Attorney Bell regarding the
question. They returned to the
present home Of their people with
his name, as the likely successor
to Mr.. Meese in handling their
case. The trio sought him today
at the court house.
John H. Hauberg, prominently
identified with local Indian records,
has volunteered to assist by taking
I'D the task left unfinished by the
death of Mr.. Meese. At this time
there appears to be nothing on
which to work, other than the firm
conviction of Keesis that title to
the lands still remain the property
Of his tribe.
The story Of their claim goes
back rs years. A member of the
tribe, SO the story runs, was trav-
cling through the country former
" dominated by his people. and is
said to have pointed out the land,
saying that it still belonged to his
tribe. 1t seems that to Keesis has
been delegated the task of regain
ing possession.
Frank Hardy at 81.
Frank Keesis at 81 still evidences
certain physical power that bids
fair to carry him over the century
mark. In fact, the marks OF age
are not as plain in Frank as IN
his brother, Me-Setenon, age 10.
"Bat"-he has no other name-is
a younger man. He not only would
net divulge his age to the reporter.
but showed his AFFECT disgust OF
publicity by walking away from
the questioning.
will you pose for q picture?'
asked the reporter, hopefully.
ugh! Me no ever have picture.
Never will" The interview with
Bat" the Interpreter. was Of
ficially closed.
Frank apparently was enjoying
the surroundings of the court
house. His interest in the Indian
relics and paintings of once-power-
full chiefs was evident The re-
porter approached him expectant-
~.
Like to have your picture?"
Frank did not scowl. He Just
grinned from ear to ear. But that
was all Of the encouragement.
mo like picture taken" said
Frank, as II in high spirits over
the thought. :.
Me-Setemon looked as II he could
take q nap while standing on his
feet. The picture idea was more
or less Of a joke to him, also.