Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 83, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 July 1901 — The Capital’s Big Cop. [ARTICLE]

The Capital’s Big Cop.

There is a standing rivalry between cities of the country, as to which has the biggest policeman. There was a measuring up time a while back, and Indianapolis pinned its faith to Sergeant Green Hagerman, who measured six feet five in his sox. He was not in it however with some of the other cities’ giant cops. But the city has kept its eye peeled for peelers, and now it has one that is 6 feet 7| inches, and large otherwise in proportion. It is John A. Hanlon, believed to be the biggest policeman in America, and perhaps in the world. He weighs 275 pounds, chest measures 50 inches, arms spread wide enough to simultaneously collar a coon on opposite corners, wears No. 12 shoes, and has hands like unto an elephant’s foot in size. He has been in the U. S. Navy for years and was on the Oregon on its great run from San Francisco around to Florida, and was still with her in the memorable scrap with Cervera off Santiago harbor. o