Wholesale Robbery - $1500 Worth of Silk Stolen - 1864

BELL

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 6/6/2016 at 12:43:02

Dubuque Democratic Herald – Nov. 1, 1864

Wholesale Robbery - $1500 Worth of
Silk Stolen
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Is there any more evidence wanted that our city is infested with a set of pimp robbers, thieves and burglars. The town clock store of John Bell & Co. was entered by means of false key, at the front door, late Sunday night, and over $1500 of silk stolen. Yesterday morning when the proprietor went to open the a store he found the front door unlocked, as the burglars left it, and on entering the building discovered papers and other evidence of robbery, and further examination found that the store had been entered during the night, and robbed of $1500 work of black silks, a piece of fancy silks and some $15 or $20 in small change. The safe had been operated open, but no entrance had been effected. Persons living in the vicinity heard no unusual noise. Jacob Conant, living in the rear of the building, saw a light there, but is unable to say whether it Saturday or Sunday night, but it was probably the latter, as one of the partners was in the building Sunday and found no evidence of burglary. The theft was undoubtedly committed Sunday night, at the “wee small hours,” when the soundest slumber overcome tired humanity. The theft was adroitly planned, and not the least evidence left, to ascertain where the goods went to, or who the robbers were.

War has it demoralizing effects on the community, and such acts follow in its wake. Every man who travels the streets after 9 p.m. should have a nine pound howitzer buckled on his shoulder, ready at any moment to discharge it at the first person who asks him, “what time of the night is it.”

If there was a time when night watchman were needed, that time is now. We would advise every merchant to keep a person in his stores at night, with a loaded revolver, shot gun, and watch dog, ready to pounce on the first attempt at a entrance.