The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1874-10-23
vioissitudes of Popular Detective.


We recently gave brief sketch of our in
spectiOn of the Toledo Police Establishment,
in which We were unable to refer at greater
length to prominent members of that force,
though many of them, by their intrepid con-
duct are as popular throughout the State as in
their own city. And especially may this re-
mark apply to
DETECTIVE OFFICER E. s. HANKS,
Who at the juvenile. age of sixtean years first
put in an appearance at Toledo-to wit, in
1885. Possessing fair average education, he
first gained the favor of one Stephen Marsh,
grocer, of Summit street, and with him en-
gagged as a clerk, in which capacity he served
for seven years. Feeling old enough aud
strong enough to Swim" himself, he next re-
solved to "foat on his own account" and at
once opened grocery on the corner OF La.
grange and Summit streets. At the end of a
years successful business he became victim
to "the devouring element" and that while he
lay in!bed suffering from an attack OF Mau-
NEE fever. Recruiting his strength he found,
(though he had been insured for Sl,SOO,) that
he was minus $500, and after clearing up
had only $3.50 left in the world. But ho man.
aged to open out at the old stand of his form
er employer, on Summit street, to whom he
sold out after running one year. He then
moved to the corner Of Cherry and Summit
streets, to a wood block, converted two stores
into one, and opened out more extensively in
groceries, general dry goods, liquor, wood and
willowware, sc. About year subsequently
he again became victim to fire, loss 5000
But having $1,000 left, he now opened on the
corner OF the street, where Witstine's store
stands, and for four or five years success
fully ran the grocery business. Having sold
out to Darlington, Casey & Stevenson, with |
improved finances he went on Cherry St, and |
built the present Hanks block, where he re- |
mained for year or two and then opened on
Summit street sgaiB, opposite the Toledo
mill, corner of Oak street. He also opened
another grocery and provision store on Non.
roe street, where the Opera House now stands.
and at this time-about 1S55-had three stores
running, and was of course leading citizen.
But force of circumstances at a time when the
country was undergoing financial crisis, led
him into endorsements ,and all he possessed
was brought to the hammer for the benefit of
creditors-even his homestead-and he was
left comparatively penniless.
In 1859 be was elected marshal, and so eff
ciently did he ill that Office that he secured
election for two following terms. When the
organization Of the present city police force,
under the metropolitan system occurred, he
was unanimously chosen to take charge of the
detective department, which responsible po-
sition he has Ailsd for the past eight or nine
years, with the utmost credit to himself and
and satisfaction 10 the citizens.
During the war he was engaged by the gov
ernment in working up counterfeit cases, and
gained wide reputation for his tact in cap
turing evil dosrs. Among smashers, thieves
and other notorious characters it would be
difficult to ind auY officer SO well known and
suspiciouSly looked upon as Hanks-while his
successful career in detecting crime, within
the city limits, is widely known. He is the
Oldest member Of the force-one of the most
expert and highly complished-and, as we
said before one of the most popular detectives
in the State. Capt. Purdy and Toledenians
generally have our congratulations on pos
sessing an officer 50 admirably adapted to the
duties-while 1t is to be hoped his prospects.
on the shady side of fifty, will produce an ex-
Porience considerably smoother and more
worthy the man, than the cheeksred vieissi-
udes Of his early career.