An Old Claim

[T. Sackett]

     One of the earliest settlers on Elk river was H. G. Miller, who ran a small store two miles east of Longton, where he traded with the Indians before the settlers came.  In the spring of 1870 the Little Osage Indians stole a valuable horse from him.  He put in a claim to the U.S. government where it has lain all these years.  Mr. Miller has been dead about twelve years and his estate had been settled up by N. Momma, administrator.   This week Judge Highsmith received a letter from Miller's widow, who now lives in Los Angeles, California, stating that she had just received a letter from the Indian department, Washington, notifying her that the claim, $175, had been allowed for the payment of the horse, also notifying her that the money would have to be paid to an administrator of the estate of H. G. Miller.  The necessitated the appointment of another administrator. Mrs. Miller recommended the appointment of Mr. Momma, not knowing that he was dead.  Judge Highsmith appointed H.E. Hubbell to administer the estate.  Twenty-five years is a long time to wait for a verdict.
     Printed in Elk County Citizen, May 30, 1895