Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 288, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 December 1912 — HERCULES STEALS BIG SAFE [ARTICLE]

HERCULES STEALS BIG SAFE

Porch Climber Tosses Strongbox From Window of Residence In Chicago. Chicago.—Wilmette was visited by a "Hercules porch climber,” who entered the home of Albert Bersbach, treasurer of the Manz Engraving company, at 530 Washington street, Wilmette, and with apparently little effort seized a small safe and threw It from the window to the ( ground. The strong-armed robber was accompanied by a medium-sized companion, who was armed with a revolver to make up for what he lacked in physical makeup. The latter stood at the foot of a stolen painter’s ladder, while "Hercules” entered the residence. “The robbers, one of whom was the strongest and largest man that ever visited this suburb, stole a ladder in the neighborhood and entered the second Btory of my residence at about 6:16 o’clock last evening," said Mr. Bersbach today. “The robbers are evidently the same men who entered my house less than two weeks ago and stole Jewelry valued at a couple of hundred dollars. The strength of the man who entered the house was amazing. He took up the safe, which weighs about 150 or 200 pounds, and threw It to the lawn as If it were a toy. “My son-in-law, David F. Anderson, was at home with my wife and daughter, and they thought they heard some one upstairs. Mr./Anderson started upstairs, and pn the steps assured hlimself some one was in the house. He went down to Inform some neighbors, and as he left thd* house he was covered by a revolvwr jieid by the man on watch, who raised his overcoat to his face to hide his features An automobile was awaiting them near by. and they made their escape in 1L

The robber that entered the house was a yery daring fellow. He turned on the lights while he worked and disregarded the fuss made by our dog. The safe did not contain anything of value to them,- but I think they were prompted upon their last visit to return and take the safe.”