Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-14
FOUND boarded GOLD
WEALTHY BROTHER AND SISTER
DIE FROM NEGLECT.

FREDERICK, I'D, February IA
further Investigation by a coroner's jury
into the death Of Charles E. Bentz and his
sister, Alice v. Bentz, who were found dead
In bed at their home on West Patrick street,
was concluded yesterday and g. verdict was
rendered to the effect that both died from
neglect and want of proper medical atten-
ton
In the opinion of DR.. Robert Tyson, who
examined the bodies, Mr.. Bentz died first,
both evidently having been dead two or
three days before they were found. The
rooms where the bodies lay were in a con-
dition Indicative OF extreme poverty and
wretchedness. A few bottles. containing
remnants Of medicine, a small package of
tea and bowl of apples were all in the way
of provisions found in the house.
Owing to the fact that Mr.. Bentz and his
sister were known to possess considerable
means, an investigation into his financial
affairs was started yesterday afternoon:
when letters were granted by the orphans
court to Mr.. William Henry Dertzbaugh,
son of Mrs. Catherine E. Dertzbaugh, the
latter an aunt and closest living relative of
Mr.. Bentz. and his sister. with authority to
collect and preserve the property until an
administrator is appointed or will found.
Mr.. Dertzbaugh and his attorney, Reno
8. Harp, have revealed thus far an estate
valued at about $4,000 in cash and on de-
posit. In the Citizens and Farmers and
Mechanics National banks was found an
interest account aggregating. $11,3S4, more
than 81, 600 being in the name of Mr.. Bentz
and the balance in the name Of his sister.
About fifteen houses, including the home
property, located in different sections Of
Frederick, are owned jointly by them. in ad-
dition to farm in Tuscarora district, near
Ere derrick.
Gold Found in Chest.
The most startling discovery was made
at their home. when, after search through
two rooms, total of $1,964.S4 in bank
notes, silver and gold was found The
notes. which are old and musty, were dis
covered between leaves of books in an old
chest it being necessary to break heavy
paddock in order to open the chest. The
notes were in denomina tons of ones. twos.
fives, ten and twenties, amounting to more
than $1,000. In another chest, which was
also broken open, was found seven shot
sacks filed with silver. and pocketoook
containing gold amounting in all to more
than 5000. The silver was in dollars. halves
and quarters, in two or more sacks, of each
denomination. When it was removed from
the chest several of the sacks fell to pieces
and the money rolled over the floor.
Among a number of old letters were found
several notes and stored all over the house
were odd pieces of furniture and luggage
taken by the deceased in payment of rent
thus far located in the house was found in
the room occupied by Mr.. Bentz About
5000 has. been taken from the adjoining
room. in which the dead body of Miss
Bentz was found There are still several
other rooms and other places about the
property to be searched.
Lived Secluded Lives.
Mr.. Bentz and his sister are related to
well-known families in Frederick, but have
for years lived alone and apart from their
friends. Miss Bentz was former pupil Of
Frederick Female Seminary, and. with her
brother. inherited their means from their
parents 1t is understood that Mr.. Bentz
transacted the business of the estate, and
compelled his sister to live in the condition
in which they were found.
The relatives who will inherit the estate,
unless a will is found, are Mrs. John w.
Dertzbaugh, aunt of the deceased, and the
following cousins: Miss Kate Bentz, Mrs.
Jennie Trimmer, Henry Dertzbaugh, Mrs.
John Bopst Mrs. William c. Martin. Mrs.
William Hahn, George and Arthur Bentz,
Mrs. Susan Gosnell, Charles ]. Hobbs of
this city. Mrs George Young and Miss
Mollie Bentz of Washington, William and
John Bentz and Mrs. Clara Kile of Balti-
more.