The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1882-02-09
QUEER HIDING PLACE.
HoARDKD TREAsURs FOUND IN AN OLD
CARTRIDGE SHELL.


CARTRIDGE SHELL.
New Haven Conn. Dispatch: Chas.
Adams, for nine years Waterman at the
Winchester Armory in this city, died at
the residence of DR.. George Quinn.
Chapel Street. December 29th. His ac-
Guaintances were confident that he had
large sum of money, at least $4,000,
and one of them was sure he had been in
the habit of carrying his wealth beneath
his belt. Within few weeks of his
death he had been seen to display large
roll of bills, and he had assured Dr.. and
Mrs. Quinn during his illness that he
bad more than enough money to supply
all his needs and amply recompense them
for their services. When he died a
search was made for the treasure. The
room he had occupied was thoroughly
overhauled, but the amount found was
less than dollar. In the room where
he had lodged previously was found $50
or $40 in gold, but nothing was seen of
the larger sum sought after. 1t was
known that he had not been in the habit
of coniding his money to the savings
banks, but the banks in this city were
visited. In none of them had he depos-
its. DR.. Quinn is not of the regular prac-
tice, is comparatively newcomer to the
city, and is not widely known. After
Adams death he visited lawyer, and
made some inquirias looking toward some
plan for protecting himself legally in
case there should be suspicion of foul
play. This circumstance, with other
things, led to much gossip, and Coroner
Boltman held an inquest. There was
little or nothing to indicate anything but
death from natural causes, and the in
quest, although nominally to ascertain
the cause of death, was really to trace the
missing money. The closest search,
however, by coroner, jury, detectives and
reporters proved fruitless.
After the funeral letters of administra-
ton were issued by the probate court,
and Lawyer Hobart l.. Hotchkiss was
appointed administrator. There were
few effects to administer upon-the $50
or $40, gold watch, and Adams clothes
comprising about all that was known.
1t was announced in the evening papers
to day that the watch and clothes swould
be sold at auction to morrow night. The
clothes were collected this morning and
taken to the Blair undertaking rooms,
where the appraisers and Coroner Boil
man met to figure upon their value. An
oyercoat was thought to be worth about
$3.50. It was being folded up to be laid
one side when something rolled out of
one of the pockets. 1t was dirty white
wooden bag about six inches long and
three inches wide, with short straps at
the side. Mr.. Blair opened it and found
within the rubber lining green, greasy
cartridge shell, such as are used in sport
ing rifles and are manufactured at Win
chester. There was nothing attractive
about the object and Mr.. Blair handed it
over to William II. Augur, one of his
employees, to throw away. Mr. Augur
took it one side and had the curiosity to
pull off the cap. Inside was a roll of
green paper, about large enough to fill
the inside of lady's thimble. Pulling
out the substance, Mr.. Augur jumped
with surprise in spite OF his 80 years.
The roll when unfoldel was found to con-
sist of five bills, one of $1,000, one of
$500 and three of 800. 1t appears that
when the undertakers removed the
clothes from Adams body, the bag was
found strapped about the waist. Some
one cut open the bag and discovered the
cartridge shell. 1t was covered with yer
digris, and DR.. Quinn cautioned those in
the room not to handle it carelessly, for
fear of getting poisoned. 1t was suspect
ed that Adams had worn it for charm
or to ward off rheumatism, or something
else, AID SO it was thrust into the bag
again, and placed in the coat pocket. It
is supposed that Adams has no heirs, and
if none come forward after five years, the
probate court will turn the money over
to the state treasurer, and if in thirty
years more no one establishes a right to
it it will become the property of the state.