Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1905-07-27
James G. Bush Denies
Brother in Attempt
to Appropriate
Colbert Estate.
FRAUD DISCOVERED BY A BROTHER
Confront Each Other i'm Lawyers
Office, Bush Breaks Down
and Wanders Away-Now
in Hospital.

business associates, and with the posi-
bility of term in the penitentiary con-
fronting him, J. G. Bush, aged II years
lies in a ward at the county infirmary
dying from pneumonia. Bush is the
central figure in one of the boldest and
most remarkable attemps at fraud in
the annals of Montana courts. Bush
attempted to gain possession of the Col
bert estate, valued at S45. 900, and
deliberately perjured himself on the
witness stand to prevent other members
of his family from sharing the fortune.
| When the money seemed within his
grasp, a brother appeared and blocked
the attempted steal. The shock of
meeting his brother, together with the
disgrace, wrecked the old mans mind
and body and he is now at the poor.
house in dangerous condition.
In open court this morning, Peter
Breen, counsel for Bush, told the story
of the attempted steal and how it was
frustrated. Breen had unwittingly
been party to the fraud, but as soon
as he learned the truth, refused to have
anything more to do with the case. He
came before Judge Dolan this morning
and asked that his name be withdrawn
from the action.
Bush is cousin of Charles Colbert,
recluse, who died several years ago
leaving mining property valued at $45,-
600. Colbert left no will and for a long
time no relatives could be found to
claim the estate. After the state had
made application for the property and
the case had been twice carried to the
supreme court, j. O. Bush, cousin of
the dead man, appeared and took steps
to secure possession of the fortune.
Bush stated on the witness stand that
he was the only surviving relative. He
denied having any brothers, and it
seemed that he was to inherit the entire
amount. Bush, besides being a relative
was for years companion of Colbert.
They prospected together in Montana
and Idaho, and foe months ate and
slept together. Bushes claim to the
$45, 900 seemed to be most substantial
one and there seemed little doubt that
he would be awarded the fortune, par
ticularly as there were no other claim
ants.
Last Monday afternoon a stranger
walked into Peter Breen's Office and
introduced himself as Eugene Bush, a
brother of j. G. Bush, and heir to the
Colbert estate. Breen believed the
man to be an imposter until he pro-
duced letter from J. @. Bush, whose
handwriting the attorney recognized at
once. Bush was sent for and in the
presence of the attorney and stenog.
rapher, came face to face with his
brother
"Hello Jim, how are you," was
Eugene Bush's cordial greeting.
The old mans face paled instantly,
but he met his brothers gaze squarely
and refused the proffered hand Eugene
Bush fairly staggered with amazement
With an effort j. G. Bush cleared his
throat and slowly replied:
"You must be mistaken, I don't
believe we have ever met before"
"Why, Jim, you haven't forgotten
me. Don't you remember Gene, your
brother, 'Gene?, exclaimed the younger
Bush in surprise.
"You must be mistaken, replied the
old man gravely. II have no brother"
For fully minute Eugene Bush
stared at his brother, completely
bewildered and unable to speak. AS
the truth dawned upon him, he turned
sadly away and moment later buried
his face in his hands and burst into
tears.
Then followed inquiries and an inves-
tigation. After being subjected to
severe questioning by Attorney Breen
and confronted with the letter written
to his brother, the old man weakened
and admitted his identity. The scene
was most dramatic, and the look of
abject despair tinged with a blush of
shame, upon the old mans face was
pathetic. The brother was deeply
affected and wept for several minutes.
Bush offered no explanation except to
say thai he intended to do right by his
brother after he had secured the money
He said that the family was badly
scattered and that he thought that it
would be better for him to collect the
money and disburse it himself. The
old man seemed to feel his disgrace
keenly. He wanted to go to his home
in Minnesota, but feared to face his
relatives and friends. He has no money
and during the time he has been in tho
city has lived at the home of Peter
Breen.
Upon learning that Mrs. Breen knew