Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1893-09-08
Heirs OF Millions.

Enormous wealth, amounting to over
81. 200, 600, is in the keeping of the French
Government which will be claimed by the
many heirs of Tn old German family named
Meinenger, scattered throughout different
cities in America and France.
A number of the heirs reside in Pitts
burg and Allegheny. They are all work
ing together, making strong effort TO
secure the wealth which appears to have
left the possession of the family in most
pee uliar manner.
The local heirs are Peter Meininger who
resides on 0verhill street, Troy Hill; An
drew Meinenger, of Howard street, Ale
gheny; Mrs. Mary Keeter, of Adams street,
Allegheny; Mr.. Marguerite Wilt, wife of
the well-known Allegheny policeman;
John and william Meinenger, both of the
Southside, Mrs. Paul Luther, wife of a
well-known New Kensington physician.
There is also another Meinenger named
Adam who resides in Butler county.
The story in detail forms a rather sin gn-
lar case. 1t appears that 25 years ago
previous to the Franco-Prussian War,
there resided in Lyons, France, a very
wealthy silk merchant named William
Meinenger.
He was unmarried and it was never
known in what part of Germany his rela-
tives resided. About the time the trouble
between the two countries was fierce Mein-
enger died. He left will, leaving his
V asst estates to his parents, who, II has
since been learned, resided at MelhauSen,
Germany.
The bitter relations between the two
countries, however, prevented any DIS
position that might have been made OF The
wealth. and as result. tie Government oi
France came into possession of It, The
heirs of the deceased moved to America,
and have since scattered about the country
They all prospered in a moderate way, and
none were ever informed of the death g
thc brother in France.
Since that time all the wealthy German
close relations died, and none remain nc"
excepting the heirs mentioned above.
These parties were to great extent ignor
ant of the wealth of their uncle, and II wal
only within the last few weeks that they
received any definite information.
Mrs. Paul Luther of New hensington,
when seen by a reporter last week affirmed
the story. Several weeks ago she received
letters from a cousin who is in FraEct
making an effort to secure possession o
the vast estate Through him an admins
traitor was appointed three weeks ago
and a close investigation was made INTO
,he condition OF the estate.
HMy uncle's wealth at the time oil III
death was emo rmOus," Mrs. Luther SAID
sThe interest ON the money since tina
time has accumulated, and my cousin II
France states that something like SO, OOO, OO
remains to be distributed among the heir
when they are all located.
Last week l received the fourth lette
from a cousin who is German newspape
editor. He enclosed family tree, trac
ing the Meinengers back tor several gener
ations. We can very easily establish ou
identity, and whenever all the Lmerlcal
heirs are located we will proceed to do so
Last week We held family reunion II
nv cousins house, and decided To secul
the services OF Max Shamberg Tor counsel
He has inquired into the matter since AN
promised his assistance until the estate l
divided equally
Mrs Mary Ke efer one of the heirs,
widow, who conducts large grocery stor
at 65 Adams street, Allegheny, was seel
later. She substantiated the story told b.
her sister, and furthermore said that to-da
other attorneys would be employed
further their interests.-P ittsburg D's
match.