History Documentation:
LETER ON JOHN POTACK CLAIM SETTLEMENT - November 23, 1923
Hayward Indian School
Hayward, Wisconsin
November 23, 1923
TO: Northern States Power Company
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attention: Mr. J.H. Sargant
Gentlemen:
In settling the claim of John Potack who resided upon tribal land at Old Post, the Wisconsin-Minnesota Light and Power Company constructs for him a new residence upon his own allotment adjoining the Wise Highway near the bridge across the Chippewa River.
John came to my office a few days ago and stated that at his old home he had cleared land to the extent of 8 acres possibly and that it was understood that this same amount of land was to be cleared near the location of his new home. He says that this part of the agreement has not yet been fulfilled.
At the time of the conference here in my office a few days ago the question of the validity of claims of any of the Indians whose homes which were built on tribal lands was discussed and it is my impression that your Company feels that it is under no obligation to do any clearing or constructing any new roads to where an Indian’s new home was located upon private lands. The claim therefore of John Potack is submitted for the consideration of your company, but it would seem to me that whether or not an Indian’s new home is located tribal or private lands that he should justly claim the same amount of cleared land that he had at his old house,
Yours respectfully,
Byron A. Sharp
Superintendent