Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 April 1909 — RECOGNIZED AS EX-MILLIONAIRE [ARTICLE]

RECOGNIZED AS EX-MILLIONAIRE

Former Wealthy Indiana Man Arraigned In Conit FORGERY IS THE CHARGE Appears Before a Chicago Judge, Pale and Haggard, Under the Name of John Kline, but Is Recognized by Deputy Sheriff as E. H. Rentsch, Former Rich Contractor of Indianapolis, Who Had Lost His Mind and Escaped from Asylum. Chicago, April 22.—A man arraigned in Judge Clifford’s court on charge of forgery under the name of John Kline, alias Bertrand, was recognized aa Edward H. Rentsch, a former millionaire of Indianapolis. Up to two years ago, it is said, he was rated as one of the largest contractors in Indianapolis. At one time he had the contract for a proposed coliseum in that city. This project was stopped, it was said, by Mayor Bookwaiter. Shortly afterward the millionaire, it is said, lost his reason. He was sent to an asylum f£pm which he escaped last January. Recently he, was arrested in Chicago on the charge of obtaining SI,OOO on a forged deed. Pale and haggard, the former millionaire appeared before Judge Clifford to make his plea. His case had just been called when Deputy Sheriff Robert M. Nelson stepped into the courtroom and immediately recognized the prisoner as Rentsch. “That man’s name isn’t Kline,” he said, approaching Assistant State’s Attorney Charles Furthmann. That’s one of Indianapolis’ most prominent citizens and former millionaire.” Nelson was positive he could not be mistaken, as he asserted he knew the contractor in Indianapolis. As the deputy made the announcement to the court, the prisoner turned, attempted to stand up, and then collapsed in his chair. Arrangements were made by the court and Sergeant George Chatt, who caused Rentsch’s ar rest, to take the man back to Indianapolis.