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The New York Legislature’s Act of March 4, 1796 set off a tract of land given to the Brothertown Indians by the Oneidas into 149 lots and arrangements for town government. The governor and council was to appoint five Indians as “Keepers of the Peace,” or “Peacemakers,” who should hold office as long as the governor saw fit. They were to hold court on the first Monday of the month at Brothertown and hear and determine all disputes concerning debts and trespass where damage did not exceed 5 pounds and also all violations of town laws. This is from the old court record book dating from 1797 to April 4, 1843
At the same Court of the Peacemakers held in Brothertown of the first Monday in September 1797 Present
David Fowler John Tuhie John Skeesuck Isaac Wauby Samuel Scipio
The last entry in the old record book reads, ”In 1843 there was no courts held in the Brothertown tribe or nation of Indians in consequence of there being no process returned.” Dated Brothertown April 4th 1843
Jas. Wiggins Clerke Thus after 46 years of service the Brothertown Court closed its books
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