MULLER

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 05:14:07 :

San Anselmo Herald
Saturday, May 17, 1913

Found Dead Near Mill Valley

August Muller, aged about 70 years, was found dead in his cottage at Le Verne, near Mill Valley, on Thursday, May 8th.

The deceased lived the life of a recluse, he cultivated no acquaintances, and had no avoidable dealings with his neighbors.

He was a native of Germany, a gardener by vocation, owned considerable property, and is supposed to have concealed a large amount of gold.

He usually went to Le Verne at regular intervals for his mail, and Mrs. O. Adams, who lives next door to the post office, noticing that he had failed to appear for more than a week, phoned Dr. Sawyer to come down and look into the matter.

Dr. Sawyer forced the door of the Muller cottage and found the old man lying dead on the floor. It was evident that he had been dead since about the last of April. There is every reason to believe that he died from natural causes, since there were no marks of violence, and the house was securely locked inside. The condition of the body rendered an autopsy impracticable.

The remains were placed in a vault in Fernwood cemetery.

Dr. Sawyer made a careful search for hidden treasure, but found no trace of stored cash. Mr. Muller was frequently seen in possession of gold coin, and had often stated t hat he did not believe in banks. A daughter in Germany is the sole heir, and she has been apprized of her father’s death. Dr. Sawyer as public administrator, took charge of the estate.