The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-14
WEALTH HIDDEN In A DRESS
What the Guardian of an Insane WOm-
an Found Concealed in Her Clothing.
Bonds and Cash Accumulated by an Old Um-
brella- Member Who Fights Desperately for
the Possession of Her Misery Savings.

Joseph Schloss, the halter, undertook guard
Ayres, of the Circuit Court. Minnie Klinge, an
eccentric old umbrella member, is his ward. She
saved the pennies from her scanty earnings until
she accumulated bonds and ready cash, but no
one, not even herself, could hope for any benefit
from the property while she was alive. Minnie
and her daughter, young woman OF sufficient
education to teach school, did not get along well.
They were constantly at swords points, fgura-
lively speaking, the old woman thinking that
the daughter had conspired with others to get
her money
1t was about three years ago this took place,
and the daughter, to bring matters to crisis,
had an inquest of lunacy held on Minnie. She
gave enough evidence Of sanity TO keep her out
OF the asylum, but year or two ago another eff
fort was made in the same direction with partial
success, although the judgment was that the old
woman had enough sense except as
regards money. The officials. pending her
removal to the asylum. kept her
IN Jail, and while there she sent for W. F. A.
Bernhamer, to whom she intrusted her case.
She wanted to be released and had sufficient
knowledge of how to go after liberty to offer a
good price for it. She agreed to give $500 to the
attorney if he would succeed in opening the Jail
door, He brought habeas corpus proceedings in
which Congressman Bynrm assisted him. Con-
stable Rider worked up she evidence and the old
woman secured her liberty.
But Minnie did not mend her ways in regard
to the care of her money. She carried 500 or
more about her person. with valuable papers,
wrapped in piece of newspaper. 1t was dan
gerous, and her friends knez it, but they could
do nothing She loved money so well that she
allowed her furniture TO be put out of the house
because she refused to pay rent. although she
then had $500 at command, besides concealed
bonds. Minnie is Tartar when aroused, and it
is not difficult to do this when any effort is made
to have her give up her money, either in the pay
ment of debts or for safe keeping When the
officers put her out of the house they told her she
csuId do nothing. and remarked jokingly that
abe ought to 90 to Washington and complain to
the President. She took them at their word
and walking every step to the capital. laid her
grievances before the officers particularly OF the
Treasury, whom she could reach. Of course
they advised her to come home and see the
Judge of the Probate Court. She did so. making
bhe return journey on foot, and, seeking Judge
Ayres, the story about the conspirators who
wanted her money was recounted. Minnie has
told it to him time and again.
Yesterday some interested parties had her
brought before the Judge as a person of unsound
mind The facts were submitted to jury, who
returned verdict that she was incapable of TAX
ing care Of her property. While these proceed
ings were had Minnie remained docile. After
the guardian, Schloss. had fully qualified, the
method of getting hold of the money and papers
she had her person perplexing. The
guardian and his attorney, DR.. Van Vorhis, took
her into the Judges private room. They were
panied By Clerk Schley and Bailif New
IL - 49,
ward to give up her valuables she showed tenn
per and talked loudly. Her volubility increased
and distanced Schloss in the conversation. 1t
was evident that force would have to be used,
and the guardian turned to Clerk Schley. He
declined with No you DON'T and left the roorA.
Shortly after this Schloss appeared at the door,
with look of despair, pleading to the Judge to
come to his assistance Il won't help YOU" re-
piled the Judge; you will have to let her keep
the money fear" The guardian started back
to the task, and the iabbering that the ward in
dulged in without cessation took on new force
Again out came Schioss, with ''My God Judge,
send for a couple of ahle-bodied men," "Oh
that is not necessary" calmly answered
the Judge and in again went Schloss
to meet a shrek from his ward and denuncia-
tion of everything and everybody. She started
for the wash room to throw her money down
into the wasteppes but Dr. VanVorhis pre-
vented her. Schoss once more came out to
appeal for two able-b bodied men. while Dr.
VanVorhis held the door ajar to keep the woman
In the room. She attempted to break through
this obstruction, but changed her mind when
the newly-apponted guardian returned to the
room Shrieking and bowling she jumped up
and down for several minutes st time and at
intervals crying out that she did not want all
money spent in COSTS and that
she did act know what they want
ed with her or she would not
have come. Finally, while the guardian held
her arms, the attorney secured the package
Even then she made several Intellectual efforts to
get it again. but its contents-mostly notices of
interest bonds from the Treasury at Wash
iugton-were turned over TO the guardian.
Wrapped in yellow paper was $110 in cash, and
neatly folded with this was found certificate of
deposit from the Cincinnati Safe Deposit Com
pany, showing that Minnie had there So $50 in
registered bonds A half hour later she quietly
left the court house with guardian Schloss, who
found accommodation for her at the Home of the
Friendless.