The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-04-04

STRUCK 1T VERY RICH.

"A Bonanza Found at an Auction Sale In
Denver.
Col. Henry Altman came to Colorado in
July, 1857, and from q number of mining
deeds, pre- compton certificates and other
specializing in mines, says a Denver spe-
cial. 1t would also seem from thess papers
that he had amassad considerable property,
and also that he was IN exceedingly careful
man as to the records OF all his movements.
His every action is distinctly traceabls
from theae papers. dating f,om tbs time he
arrived in Colorado in 1867 until nine years
ago, whom aoyeE boxes and one trunk ar
rived in Denver on route to Maysville,
Colo, and here remained owing to the fail
ure OF tho owner to make his
appearance and further forward them.
These boxes have been in the storage
rooms Of the Denver d Rio Grande
warehouse for nine years and were put up
at public auction on the 9th day Of Eebru-
airy, 1892. by the railroad company. An
drew Poole bought in, among purchases
amounting to $1,000, the collection OF
household goods for this sum Of $40. By
far tbs most important part ct Mr.. Poole's
purchases is about 20 pounds Of documents
and letters, which will apparently establish
a claim to Col. Altman's heirs, who are said
to 1.-Two III Pennsylvania, to a large fortune.
Among them are deeds for mining claims,
situated for tho most part in the Nevada
mining district, Gilpin county, and %certltl-
Gates of stock in valuable properties situated
in the oil regions of Pennsylvania. These
constitute a part of what Poole has al,eady
opened. but there arc bundles which have
not as yet been disturbed since Col. Altman
bound them together over nine years ago.
Other articles in this discovery show a long
residence in London, Eng, where he seems
rs ho-a -@vo fror, N01rrpHH or0hahEw 1p
the interest of the then new western mining
country. TIL oil stocks mentioned, and
which are regarded as exceedingly valuable
to the owners, are now believed to be worth
some 500, 900. There arc 1000 shares i'll
the Continental Oil company, now console
dated with the Standard Oil company.
Among the papers is u mining contract with
an English com representing S400,0 900.
1t is believed that Henry Altman was lost
in his last trip across the Atlantic.
A new face has been put upon the fore
going story. Col. John Williams. whose
home is now in New York, but who years
ago lived in Colorado and was intimately
came here lately from New York, was seen
and explained away y great deal of the
mystery surrounding the supposed fortune.
Col. Williams said that Major Altman was
alive and that he saw him two weeks ago in
New York city. He says he cannot be mis-
taken, IOr ne Knows Ele major most lnIl-
mately and that Altman is and has been
for years in destitute circumstances. Col.
Williams explains how tho trunks and
household goods remained in storage fol
nine years by saying that about the time
they arrived at the express Office Major
| Altman was in need of money, 80 much sc
that he was unable to move the goods
| Williams advanced him $500, which Altman
probably used for other purposes than re-
leasing his effects.
As time advanced and Altman was unable
70 Pay sn,s lo na;a ~ h!'l a = az 9 or tha u. .o 70.
from year TO year, hoping in the end if thu
money was not Forthcoming to reimburse
himself from their sale. Later he deter
mined not to pay the storage and the goods
were sold ct auction.
Col. Williams says he annot understand
why Altman did not realize on the stock!
found III his trunk, unless it be that the,
were of no value.