Fight For Native Boys' Remains On Army Property Tests Strength Of Landmark Federal Law

On Sept. 7, 1895, a group of 11 children and young adults from the Winnebago, Omaha and Cheyenne tribes arrived in the town of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. They had been sent on their 1,200-mile journey by Capt. W.H. Beck, an Indian agent who oversaw the Winnebago and Omaha tribes at a time when the federal government was breaking up reservation lands.

John Grant, at 12 years old, was the youngest of the group; 26-year-old John Clay was the oldest. Three were orphans.