Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 70, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 November 1919 — WHEATFIELD BANK ROBBED [ARTICLE]

WHEATFIELD BANK ROBBED

Of Perhaps SIO,OOO in Liberty Bonds Early Tuesday. The Bank of Wheatfield was entered by robbers some time during the early diours Tuesday morning, entrance being gained through a rear door, the steel door of the vault blown open with nitroglycerine and the safety deposit boxes rifled of unregistered Liberty bonds of the aggregate value of SIO,OOO to $12,000, It is believed. The safe containing the bank’s cash was not molested, it is understood. The robbers entered the bank by forcing the rear doors of the building; blew off the lock to the outside door of the vault and forced the inner door. They succeeded. In gaining entrance to all of the deposit boxes except 20. The second row from the floor was not molested. The contents, deeds and other papers, were scattered over the floor but both registered and coupon bonds were gathered complete; they overlooked nothing in that line. It Is thought that George Miller and a friend who came down the street past the bank from a hunting trip might have, with the help of a train, which caused the alarm to sound the danger signal, prevented the gang fromi finishing the balance of the safety boxes and make a hasty getaway. The loss is between SB,OOO and SIO,OOO, it is estimated, with amounts from SI,OOO to $3,000. The largest amounts of bonds taken were: W. D. Meyers, $3,000, registered bonds; Mrs. Minerva Swisher, SBOO, coupon bonds; Trustree Duggleby of Kankakee townshlip, $750; James $450; Postmaster Knapp, about S4OO in stamps, and the balance is smaller amounts. Simon Fendig’s safety chest was broken opffn but no bonds were found, just a lot of Insurance papers, notes, etc. Sim says if they can collect the notes they have one on him and he would be willing to divide 50-50 with them. The night agent at the depot said he saw a man walking up and down the platform that night, but thought nothing of It until the alarm was given the next morning, then supposed the man had been keeping a watch on his movements. The registered bonds will do the robbers no good, as the owner is protected by such registry. Other losers retfbrted are Henry Wagner, $1,100; Joseph Hickam, $325; W. J. Helmick, $100; Hfrs. J y. Delehanty, SIOO.