Omaha daily bee., 1899-10-30
DIES OF A BROKEN HEART
Sad story of the Life and TroubIen
of the Late Michael
Britt.

HASTINGS, Neb., Oct. 29-(Special. y
The funeral Of Michael Britt, who died at
O'Clock yesterday morning of q broken
heart, was held today, and the remains of
an old pioneer were laid to rest at Doni-
phan, Neb.
The life Of Michael Britt since he first
came to Nebraska has been sprinkled with
sunshine and pathos and reads like a novel
with an interesting plot.
Nearly thirty-two years ago Michael Britt
was In good standing with the railroads
OF Nebraska and was closely connected with
ths late John Fitzgerald of Lincoln. But
he tired of railroad life and 1onged for a
home Of his own In the wlds of the west,
SO he came to Adams county and took n
homestead on the banks of the Little Blue,
In 1872 Mr.. Britt began to improve his
farm In such a manner that he was looked
upon as the most prosperous farmer in this
part OF the state, and by his hard work
and earnest endeavor he made the desert
bloom as the rose, which brought him wealth
and happiness On September T. 1876, he
was married to Miss Theodusia Briggs, and
together the newly welded couple started
out In life anew with but one view in mind
and that was to continue to be happy and
at the same time build home of which
they could feel proud.
Michael Britt prospered and he gave gem
erously to his unfortunate nelghbors whether
they requested 1t or not. He faced many
hardships, and much danger while building
up his little homestead, but he was well
repaid, for In the fall of 1893 he was en-
joying the privilege of having a fair-sized
bank account, his farm all clear and not in
debt one dollar. He had raised large fam
80 f,n,, I,a,
work in the field.
But, unfortunately, Michael Britt had seen
his happiest days, and the siIvery rays OF
the shining sun which had made his life SC
bright soon disappeared behind a mysterious
black cloud.
Michael Britt's first troubles began when
his neighbor, Charles Mundt, German
bachelor, became stricken with paralysis
This man counted Michael Britt as his only
,rue friend and so entrusted the business
management Of his affairs to him. Mr.
Tt transacted all of Mundt's business II
q legitimate manner and cared for the In.
valid with as much gentleness as he woult
have given a babe. On being informed tha
he had but a short time to live Mr.. Mund
had notary public called and willed al
his property to Michael Britt, who in turr
was to care for him until he died and pay
all his debts and funeral expenses. Here
is where the trouble began to brew IN earn.
est, as some Of the neighbors were under
the impression that Britt was not entitled
to the farm bequeathed him by Mundt and
Immediately began preparatiore to have The
Will changed that everything might bt
willed to an organization of which he was
q member, and succeeded in doing so.
In the meantime Britt cared for Mund
and paid all his bills. But later on Charlie,
Mundt decided all his property over t.
Michael Britt. When this became known
the farmers in that vicinity held an lndigna,
tion meeting and voted to hang Britt. and
his wife, but in place OF this proceeding one
of the farmers had warrant sworn ou
and Britt was arrested on the charge o
perjury. This case was carried to the dis