All Seven Devils Cast Out of Bertha, Declares Preacher

1913

OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 13. — The Rev. Charles W. Savidge, a local free lance preacher, claims to have cast out seven devils from Bertha Liebke, known to the criminal authorities of the central west as "Fainting Bertha," notorious shoplifter, robber and petty larceny thief.

Bertha recently was released from an asylum for the criminal insane and was about to be re-committed on account of having stolen a quantity of jewelry at a local hotel when the preacher offered to take charge of her and cure her of her criminal tendencies. She was turned over to him by the state authorities who are not over anxious to house Bertha in any of the state institutions, as she always makes a great deal of trouble and has several times assaulted her keepers and guards.

The minister and a half dozen of his parishioners fasted all day, spending the time praying in the church. Bertha was with them and prayed and fasted too.

"It'll starve the devils out of you," declared the minister. "Fainting Bertha" consented. After twelve hours of continuing fasting and praying, the Rev. Mr. Savidge announced that the devils had been put to rout, and that the notorious shoplifter would steal no more. She is now preparing for evangelistic work.

Once before, several years ago, Mr. Savidge attempted to cast the devils from Bertha, but she escaped from her benefactor and was arrested several hours later for "lifting" a watch.

—Lincoln Daily News, Lincoln, Nebraska, November 13, 1913, page 8.


"Fainting Bertha" Confesses Theft

Famous Woman Convict Admits Taking Property From Stores

Omaha, Neb., Nov. 19.—Conscience stricken because of thefts committed since her release from Ingleside hospital of the Hastings insane asylum, "Fainting Bertha" Liebke, famous female convict, spent the hours of Monday and far into the night on her knees pleading for forgiveness and praying for strength to become a better woman. By her side was the Rev. Charles W. Savidge and members of his little congregation, who added their prayers to those of the repentant woman.

The revelation of the robberies came as a surprise to the police and to the stores that were victims of the woman's operations. "Fainting Bertha" has confessed to taking a large assortment of combs, jackets, grips and other articles from many Omaha stores. Rev. Savidge, who has acted as sponsor for Miss Liebke, declares that the thefts must have occurred between the time that the woman arrived in Omaha and when he took charge of her, for, he says, she has had no opportunity to ply her old trade since going to the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Allen Davis, where she is staying.

Not to be Prosecuted.

Rev. Savidge will request the managers of the stores victimized by "Fainting Bertha" to refrain from prosecution and Superintendent Redmond, of the Brandeis firm, one of the losers, sent word yesterday that his company would take no action in the matter.

"I am convinced that Miss Liebke really wants to be a good woman and I think that her confession of the thefts is an evidence of good faith, because no one knew of them," said the Rev. Mr. Savidge. "She was confined to her bed all day yesterday as a result of her emotions Monday, but as soon as she is strong enough we will accompany her to the stores from where the goods were taken and every article will be returned."

—The Lincoln Daily Star, Lincoln, Nebraska, November 19, 1913, page 8.


Fainting Bertha Takes Out License to Sell Life Story

Fainting Bertha was brought to the city hall late Saturday afternoon by a policeman and there she took out a license to peddle the history of her life. She had been found selling the history on the street without license. She took out a license for one week.

Fainting Bertha did not know Chief Malone. Turning to city officers about her she inquired if Chief Malone would arrest her. Just then the chief stepped up. Someone told her of his presence. She extended her hand to Mr. Malone.

"I have quit my old life," she assured the chief. "I have left it for good. If you people will just help me by buying this history. It is real interesting." One of the city commissioners passed her out a dollar bill and took a copy of the story

—The Lincoln Daily Star, Lincoln, Nebraska, December 28, 1913, page 2.


"Fainting Bertha" Played Mean Joke on Omaha Police

(Special to The Star.)

Omaha, Neb., Feb. 2 — "Fainting Bertha" Liebecke took no poison. So the police learned Monday after using a stomach pump and administering antidotes. She was faking again, at which business she is famous the country over. Police, detectives and sheriffs have been fooled time and time again by her, and this was another time. Desk Captain W. K. Marshall laughed when he heard what the city physician had to say, declaring he always thought she was faking. He explained that she had some strychnine when he brought her to jail, but he had taken it away from her. Her pitiful farewell note fooled the doctors, and they gave the sympathy she was after. She is suffering from the attempt to set her clothes on fire, but otherwise is all right.

—The Lincoln Daily Star, Lincoln, Nebraska, February 2, 1915, page 8.



Prisoner Scales the Fire Escape

1918

"Fainting Bertha" Makes Getaway From Asylum But Is Soon Captured

"Fainting Bertha" Liebbecke escaped for the 'steenth time early Wednesday morning from the Lincoln asylum but was picked up about 11 o'clock by the police and again returned to the institution.

This noted woman prisoner lived up to her nation-wide reputation as an accomplished pick-pocket by gaining possession of a fire escape key which enabled to make her getaway, Superintendent Pillsbury reported.

The prisoner had secretly stolen the key from a nurse, it was said, and while the nurse in charge of Fainting Bertha's ward was at breakfast, the inmate went to another ward, tore away a window screen and crawled down the fire escape.

She came to the city on a street car and got off at Ninth and P streets. This was about 7:30 a.m.

After a few hour's search the police picked her up near Ninth and T streets. She had a dollar in dimes and nickels and officers believed the woman had been making a house to house canvass begging.

She was in jovial spirits when Officer Snyder escorted her to police headquarters. She chided with the officers and seemed very happy.

Fainting Bertha was brought back to the Lincoln institution a few months ago for violating her parole from the penitentiary. She is under an indeterminate sentence for an offense committed in Lincoln. She was brought back from Omaha where she had played the "fainting" game and robbed guests at a hotel.

She escaped from the asylum about two weeks ago and was found in Lincoln and returned.

—The Lincoln Daily Star, Lincoln, Nebraska, January 23, 1918, page 15.

Note: I left the various spellings of Fainting Bertha's last name. At this link there's lots more about Rev. Savidge, looks like a book he wrote.