The herald., 1898-10-24
Mr.. BRfCnT BELIEVED
IN THE PRINCIPLES OF FRIEND
SHIP, LOVE AND TRUTH
BELIEF PROVED PROFITABLE
Lost All His Property in Sort Of a
Bunco Game and the Odd Eel
lows Recovered It

If "all's well that ends WELL" August
Brecht, the victim of quiet little buncoing
game, i'll which the title to property valued
at several thousand dollars slipped through
his hands without his being benefited tinan-
cially or otherwise in the least degree, should
be well pleased with the final outcome,
which finds him in possession Of his lost
estate and exposes those who wished to ac-
cOmplish his ruin. For this happy turn OF
affairs the credit and thanks are due to a
secret society of which nc is member.
Brecht, who is German by birth, is 70
years of age, and while possessed of his fac
ultles the greater portion OF the time, there
are periods when he becomes as helpless AS
a child. Up to eighteen months ago he was
Il wealthy and influential resident of Santa
Barbara, and was also member of Chan
mel City lodge, 233, |. o. o. F., of that place.
year ago last May he came to this city,
thinking the change might improve his
health, which was then very poor. This
he was taken i'll the second day after his ar
rival and for five weeks was confined to his
bed in a private hospital.
During his convalescence he answered an
advertisement which stated that lady
with quiet horse and single buggy would
devote an hour each day to taking an invalid
for a drive.
The answer brought Mrs. Louise Clark of
7l9 East Twenty-ninth street, and after the
satisfactory arrangement OF terms, ETC., she
was employed, and the daily rides began.
In less than four weeks the lady had per.
suaded the invalid to leave the hospital and
take up his abode in her family, which con-
sisted of herself and aunt. The new ar
rangement proved of mutual benefit. Mrs.
Clark was receiving ample compensation
for her care of the sick man, and he had
nothing to complain OF.
In the early part of the year Mrs. Clark
began to borrow money from Brecht, who
was always well supplied by his income from
Santa Barbara property. The LIST OF May
last she owed him in the neighborhood OF
$685. During this time, it is stated by those
who have fully investigated the matter, BY
her constant care she so influenced the old
gentleman that he, acting under her in
struction, made over all his property to her
and also Cancelled the debt she owed him.
She, on her part, agreed to care for him
all his life.
After the transfer Brecht noticed that he
was not receiving the same care and atten-
ton as that given before he became penni-
less man. In fact, he was greatly neglected.
His condition troubles him, and, realizing
for the first time what he had done, he wrote
a letter to his brother, then living in Berlin,
in German, was intercepted by Mrs. Clark,
who thought that things were not as salts
factory to Brecht as he would like, and was
was afraid that he would tell what he had
done to those who might make trouble. In
stead OF sending the letter she took it to one
Hoofer, German, and got him to translate
it. OF course, he found that it recited all
the facts in the transaction, so thinking tina,
there was something wrong somewhere he
L. avNfa Nf hn lot Tor nd raf,l h6
original to Mrs. Clark His copy, Hoofel
took to the city detective department and
explained its connection. An investigation
was instituted at once, and ended when the
department discovered that Brecht was ar
Odd Fellow.
Two weeks ago the local l. o. o. r. relief
committee took the matter up and appointed
Judge Charles O.. Morgan, present noble
grand of America lodge, a committee to in
yestig gate. Mr.. Morgan found that all Of
Brecht's property was in Mrs. Clark's name.
The former told him he did not intend to
place himself in this helpless condition, and
asked Mr.. Morgan if he could not do some
thing for him.
Armed with this statement, Morgan went
direct to Mrs. Clark and told her that unless
she transferred the property back to
Brecht at once the local relief committee
would commence proceedings to recover the
same. At nrst sne refused, but tearing an
investigation consented, and on last Wednes-
day signed the necessary deeds, and the prop
erty again reverted to Brecht. These docu-
ments have been placed on record. Mr..
Morgan's work did not end here. He de-
manded the payment of the $535 loaned her
by ,Brecht. Being unable to pay this, Sat
urday she signed mortgage on her Twenty
ninth street property, and this will be placed
on record today.
Should the Santa Barbara property prove
to be free of incumbrance Mr.. Morgan will
advise the lodge to let the matter drop for
the present.