A BOLD ROBBERY – Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Burns 1865

BURNS

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 6/21/2016 at 11:49:28

Dubuque Democratic Herald – Feb. 5, 1865

A BOLD ROBBERY – Last Friday night between the hours of 12 and 1 o’clock, the residence of J. C. Burns, Clerk of the United States District Court, corner of Clay and Eighth Streets, was entered and his pocket rifled of $105.00. The thief opened the front door by turning the key on the inside with a pair of “nippers,” and entered the room where Mr. and Mrs. B. we’re sleeping, took the money from his pants which were hung at the foot of the bed. When leaving the room the burglar made a noise which awakened Mrs. B. who aroused her husband but before any means could be taken to prevent the thief’s departure, he hurried out of the house and escaped. The night watchman was notified of the circumstances and the aid of the city Marshal summoned, but as there is no clue to the robber or evidence to arrest him on he can call himself a free man. One of the bills was a $100 green back and the other one a $5. This is a bold and daring transaction and should be a warning to people to fasten their doors with a sliding bolt. Half of the house in town could be entered in the same manner.