Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 85, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 June 1904 — A VICTIM OF MOONSHINERS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A VICTIM OF MOONSHINERS.

B, t; -y of Missing Philadelphia Millionlire Found in the Mountains. Tn'S mystery surrounding the disappearance of the young Philadelphia millionaire, Edward L. Wentz, last October,

was partially cleared the other day, when his body was found in the mountains near Kelleyview, Wise County, Virginia. But the manner in whir-, he met his death n;ay never ed. It is believed he was murdered by £ oonshiners who inpest the region and with whom he was

not on good terms. The body was found by a boy who was searching for a stray cow. The front teeth were missing. His revolver, from which three shots had been fired, and his eyeglasses were discovered twenty feet from the body. What are supposed to be bullet holes were found in the coat and vest There was a bullet wound above the heart, which was probably the cause of death. The vast property on which the scene of the tragedy Is laid covers several counties and extends in part over the borders of four States—Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. It is wild, mountainous land, rich in undeveloped coal and other minerals. Its mountain strongholds are peopled with squatters, who have lived there for generations and who have furnished the men who have shed so much blood in the Hatfield-McCoy feuds. This tract is owned by the Wentz family, and the sons a few years ago organized a company to develop the property. They built a mansion on the sc*e and went there from Philadelphia to live. Early last October a big illicit distillery in the neighborhood was broken up. One of the revenue officers was killed and the leader of the moonshiners mortally wounded. The responsibility for whole affair was placed upon the should<4*s of Edward Wentz by the moonshiners. He was warned by friends that his life was in imminent danger. Oct. 14 last he started out for a ride on horseback, nnd that was the last seen of him until his body wns found recently. The whole country roundabout was thoroughly smirched, and the spot where the body was found was gone over again and again. Rewards aggregating SIOO,OOO were offered for information concerning him.

EDWARD L. WENTZ.