The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1875-12-09
%, a.,sMisffnantuas.
MICHIGAN BANK ROBBERY.
MASKED BURGLARS BUCK, AND
GAG A iWATCHMAM, BLOW
yc, UPA BANK SAFEAND GET aI.
Mot AWAY WITH $l7,42S., .,a OF am
EAdrian tIdch. Times

]. - .| NH -
A band Of brigands took possession Of
the city Of Monroe last night or rather
this morning, and appear to have worked
their own sweet will with, people and
property. Opinions differ as to the ex-
act time when these brigands made their
descent on the sleeping city, but all ac-
counts agree that it was between Que and
two o'clock, The object of their attack
was the First National Bank, and this
the entered through rear window. The
bank had engaged the services of pri-
vate watchman, who slept in the bank.
He was a young man, and he had gone
to bed. Him the burglars overpowered
in short order, gagged and handcuffed,
and unceremoniously conveyed to the
cellar, where one of the rascals mounted
guard over him. 1t seems that some of
the gang must have been outside, for an
old man who roomed in an adjoining
building happened to come down to the
street, and was seized, handcuted, gagg-
ed and put into the bank. The night
was cold, and the bank watchman, strip
ped to'his shirt in the cellar, was chilled
through, and seemed to suffer considera-
BILE. The ruffian who guarded him, seeing
the state of the case, cautioned the watch
man to keep still, but said they did not
propose to allow him to freeze to death.
Then he went up stairs, got the watch
mans pantaloons and stocking, and put
them on him. AS the burglar stopped
down to put the clothes on the watchman
that individual got a.glimpse under the
robbers mask, and this is the only clue
to the identity ofthe robbers. The man
describes the rufian as having sandy
whiskers and complexion. He says the
fellow in his opinion, is one of party
who have been peddling tea in the city
for some days. Having got everything
ready the burglars went to work. The
bank is situated on Washington street,
not more than three or four doors from
Strong's Hotel, and yet the men did
not seem to be in any hurry, or to be
at all careful in regard to makinga noise.
They threw their tools on the floor, and,
with sledges went to work at the hinges
of the vault. A very short time was nee
essary to give them access to the inside
ofthe safe, and to give them SIS, 900 in
currency and about $4,000 in bonds.
Then they left the bank, first, however,
releasing one hand of the bank watch
man, and blowing up the stove, proba-
bly, with the idea of burning the build
ing and getting better start with their
booty while the people were fighting the
fire. The fire, however, did but little
damage. a.. io.H a9 .." n.
A livery stable was their next place of
attack. Here was a man sleeping, and
him they overpowered, gagged, and tied.
A dog attacked them next, and at the an
imal they fred three shots, finally break
ing his leg. They then took horse and
buggy and part left in the vehicle, the
balance of the party stealing hand-car,
and taking the Toledo track. VI w.
As soon as the bank watchman thought
it safe to do so he made his way to the
telegraph Office, told his story, and the
news was spread in every direction. The
police force of the county were on the
alert, and Sheriff Wooden procured loco
motive No. 39-and started in pursuit On
the track toward Toledo the locomotive
struck the hand-car which the burglars
had abandoned. The horse and buggy
they took from the livery stable were
found bya man coming into Monroe, only
a few miles, from the city, but showing
signs of very hard driving, t..l' b..
Great excitement very naturally ex-
lists in Monroe to-day. Sheriff Wooden
authorizes the offer of$5OO reward for the
capture of the burglars or either of them.
The bank offers a reward Of $4,000. It's
officers publish statement that its ex-
act loss,is $17 ,42S. Its surplus fund was
$4,000, The bank still has a surplus of
$4,000, in addition to an unimpaired
capital of $175O00. -HIe l- % ~ hJId