1895
He Had Heard Him Often and So Enjoyed His Supper.
A hard featured man, dressed in a new suit of very cheap black, called at the house of a well known clergyman, and upon giving his name was invited to take a seat in the gentleman's study.
"I have a few days to spend in town," said the visitor, "and I did not want to leave without calling and paying my respects to you. I have heard you preach many a time."
"Yes," said the parson, beginning to take an interest in the visitor.
"I like your preaching, and, though I do not belong to your church, yet I must say you preach the best sermon I over heard. There are so very few good preachers now, very few in whose uprightness we can place trust, that when we meet one of the right kind we like to express our appreciation."
"Yes," the good man repeated, and as the bell tinkled he rose and said, "Come, my friend, and take some lunch with me."
The visitor was only too happy, and seated at the table began to eat with an avidity that attracted the host's attention.
"You say that you have heard me preach many a time?" remarked the minister.
"Oh, yes," the man replied, conveying an ample allowance of mashed potatoes into his mouth.
"I don't remember seeing you at my church. I suppose you have heard me in the country?"
"No," said the visitor, helping himself to beans, "not in the country." "Certainly not in town?"
"Well, sorter yes and sorter not. You know you preached at the prison for some time. I was there for stealing a horse and cart and finished my time today. Thank you for the bread." — Pittsburg Dispatch.
Showing posts with label prison. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prison. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Thursday, July 12, 2007
"Burning Bush" Sect
1905
Why Indiana Followers of New Religion Insist on Going to Jail
The "Burning Bush" is the title of a new religion which has reached Muncie, Ind., and since it appeals to the fanatics it seems to be spreading at an alarming rate, says a Muncie correspondent of the Chicago Chronicle. Men, women and girls have been arrested and fined for disturbing the progress of other religious meetings and they insist upon going to jail, claiming that God ordered them to do so.
The efforts of the followers to break up meetings of other denominations have resulted disastrously in several places. In Randolph county the operations of the "Burning Bush" followers have become so bold that they attempted upon various occasions to stop meetings of the Methodist churches. They believe that they are the elect and that all disbelievers will go to eternal punishment.
Miss Bessie Ford, a pretty young woman, is one of the leaders, and she was recently convicted, having been charged with disturbing religious meetings. She, together with Mrs. Mary Painter and a man named Hamilton Pursley, who have been introducing the faith in Randolph county, is being held at Winchester for her actions in various churches where regular services were being held. They all claim that they will go to prison and suffer punishment, since it has been the will of the Lord.
The work of the new religious sect has wrought up many localities, and the promoters have many followers. Not until now have they invaded the churches of the towns, and every effort is being made to confine their work to the rural districts, but this, it seems, is impossible.
Why Indiana Followers of New Religion Insist on Going to Jail
The "Burning Bush" is the title of a new religion which has reached Muncie, Ind., and since it appeals to the fanatics it seems to be spreading at an alarming rate, says a Muncie correspondent of the Chicago Chronicle. Men, women and girls have been arrested and fined for disturbing the progress of other religious meetings and they insist upon going to jail, claiming that God ordered them to do so.
The efforts of the followers to break up meetings of other denominations have resulted disastrously in several places. In Randolph county the operations of the "Burning Bush" followers have become so bold that they attempted upon various occasions to stop meetings of the Methodist churches. They believe that they are the elect and that all disbelievers will go to eternal punishment.
Miss Bessie Ford, a pretty young woman, is one of the leaders, and she was recently convicted, having been charged with disturbing religious meetings. She, together with Mrs. Mary Painter and a man named Hamilton Pursley, who have been introducing the faith in Randolph county, is being held at Winchester for her actions in various churches where regular services were being held. They all claim that they will go to prison and suffer punishment, since it has been the will of the Lord.
The work of the new religious sect has wrought up many localities, and the promoters have many followers. Not until now have they invaded the churches of the towns, and every effort is being made to confine their work to the rural districts, but this, it seems, is impossible.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
"I Wear the Red"
1900
A convict in the Elmira, New York, Reformatory lay dying. In spite of every inducement offered by the humane regulations of the place, he had remained in the lowest grade, among the uncaring and incorrigible.
Kind attentions were given him in his sickness, but he showed no appreciation of them. Faithful hospital service, religious ministrations, even the occasional gift of a flower from tender-hearted visitors, elicited no sign of gratitude. To the last he continued unresponsive and taciturn, as if surrounded by enemies instead of friends.
Like many other men arrested for evil-doing, he had concealed his early history, and the name with which he had labelled himself gave no clue to his family connections. To the gentle questioning of a clergyman who had been specially requested to talk with him, he only replied, as he had replied to the chaplain:
"No one knows my name, and no one ever will know."
If desire to protect a mother or any living kindred from the pain of his disgrace was the motive of his secrecy, it was his one sign of right feeling. He expressed no contrition, asked for no sympathy. He would die where he had drifted — a shipwrecked soul.
His one miserable response answered every hopeful invitation, "I wear the red!" "I wear the red!" It was the burden of the man's last thoughts, and will be remembered as his last words: "I belong to the red! I wear the red!"
In the Elmira Reformatory an honor system appeals to the inmates, and tests their self-respect. All new arrivals are encouraged to earn by good conduct their release from their first suit — a suit of red. If they respond to this encouragement, they are promoted to a suit of blue. If they win still higher praise, they are allowed to wear citizens' clothes.
The words of the dying convict meant that he was hopelessly stranded among the worst. He wore sin's conventional color; and it was a color that clung. It always clings. But the despair of that unhappy young man could have found its antidote — where all the human race can find it — in humble appeal to him who said, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." — Youth's Companion.
A convict in the Elmira, New York, Reformatory lay dying. In spite of every inducement offered by the humane regulations of the place, he had remained in the lowest grade, among the uncaring and incorrigible.
Kind attentions were given him in his sickness, but he showed no appreciation of them. Faithful hospital service, religious ministrations, even the occasional gift of a flower from tender-hearted visitors, elicited no sign of gratitude. To the last he continued unresponsive and taciturn, as if surrounded by enemies instead of friends.
Like many other men arrested for evil-doing, he had concealed his early history, and the name with which he had labelled himself gave no clue to his family connections. To the gentle questioning of a clergyman who had been specially requested to talk with him, he only replied, as he had replied to the chaplain:
"No one knows my name, and no one ever will know."
If desire to protect a mother or any living kindred from the pain of his disgrace was the motive of his secrecy, it was his one sign of right feeling. He expressed no contrition, asked for no sympathy. He would die where he had drifted — a shipwrecked soul.
His one miserable response answered every hopeful invitation, "I wear the red!" "I wear the red!" It was the burden of the man's last thoughts, and will be remembered as his last words: "I belong to the red! I wear the red!"
In the Elmira Reformatory an honor system appeals to the inmates, and tests their self-respect. All new arrivals are encouraged to earn by good conduct their release from their first suit — a suit of red. If they respond to this encouragement, they are promoted to a suit of blue. If they win still higher praise, they are allowed to wear citizens' clothes.
The words of the dying convict meant that he was hopelessly stranded among the worst. He wore sin's conventional color; and it was a color that clung. It always clings. But the despair of that unhappy young man could have found its antidote — where all the human race can find it — in humble appeal to him who said, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." — Youth's Companion.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
A Second Sight
1899
A story is told of Dorothea Dix, who forty years ago did good work in the prisons and jails of this country. She became interested in one woman condemned to serve out a sentence of ten years. and tried in vain to reach and touch her heart. She remained stolid and immovable, unaffected by either kindness or reproof.
One day Miss Dix saw her eyes lighten when she entered her cell; they were fixed on a little spray of rose-geranium leaves which the good Quakeress had pinned on her breast. Miss Dix gave it to her. The woman broke into an eager laugh.
The next time the visitor came she brought a wooden tray full of earth, which she placed in the window of the cell, and a half dozen slips of flowers. Two years later she wrote to a friend:
"C. is a human being. I found the key. I think I can help her."
The old Scotch believed that certain persons were gifted with a second sight, which enabled them to read in each person's face their future. The sight which enabled this helper of mankind to see the possibilities of good in others was a keen spiritual perception that had been fostered and strengthened by her charity and patience in dealing with the degenerate souls for whom she gave her life. — Youth's Companion.
A story is told of Dorothea Dix, who forty years ago did good work in the prisons and jails of this country. She became interested in one woman condemned to serve out a sentence of ten years. and tried in vain to reach and touch her heart. She remained stolid and immovable, unaffected by either kindness or reproof.
One day Miss Dix saw her eyes lighten when she entered her cell; they were fixed on a little spray of rose-geranium leaves which the good Quakeress had pinned on her breast. Miss Dix gave it to her. The woman broke into an eager laugh.
The next time the visitor came she brought a wooden tray full of earth, which she placed in the window of the cell, and a half dozen slips of flowers. Two years later she wrote to a friend:
"C. is a human being. I found the key. I think I can help her."
The old Scotch believed that certain persons were gifted with a second sight, which enabled them to read in each person's face their future. The sight which enabled this helper of mankind to see the possibilities of good in others was a keen spiritual perception that had been fostered and strengthened by her charity and patience in dealing with the degenerate souls for whom she gave her life. — Youth's Companion.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Minister of Gospel Under Arrest for Counterfeiting Coins
1907
Preacher Made Coin
Minister of Gospel Is Under Arrest for Counterfeit
SPRINGFIELD, Il., June 17. — A federal grand. jury Saturday night returned an indictment against Rev. James R. Kaye, formerly pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and now editor of the Home Herald, published at Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago, charging him with manufacturing counterfeit money.
Molds for the manufacture of counterfeit dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars were found in the basement of the house which the Rev. Kaye occupied while pastor of the First Presbyterian church in Lincoln.
When arrested he confessed to making the molds, but explained that he was only experimenting with them to see if he could manufacture medals to be presented to the children of the Sunday school as rewards for getting new pupils for the school.
—La Crosse Tribune, La Crosse, Wisconsin, June 17, 1907, p. 4.
Pastor Charged with Counterfeiting
Rev. James R. Kaye, of Oak Park, was indicted by the federal grand jury on a charge of having in his possession molds in similitude with United States coins. Rev. Mr. Kaye came to Springfield for the investigation, expecting to be indicted. As soon as the bill was reported Mr. Kaye furnished bond for his appearance for trial.
The molds and dies were found in the basement of the house formerly occupied by the minister in Lincoln, Ill., where he was pastor of the First Presbyterian church. After the church was combined with the Cumberland church, Mr. Kaye went to Oak Park and conducted a prohibition publication. The dies were found early in the winter by workmen repairing a furnace in the basement of the house. The facts at that time were suppressed.
Early in May gossip about the finding of the dies was revived and Capt. Porter, of the secret service bureau, began an investigation, which ended in finding a number of dies and a plate for printing one dollar bills. The plate and some of the dies were found in an outhouse and others were secreted in the basement of the dwelling. Some babbit metal was also discovered, but there was no trace of counterfeit coins. The dies were declared to be exceedingly crude and would not have turned out coins which would pass, but this plate was said to be an excellent one.
Capt. Porter and a number of witnesses from Lincoln and other parts of Logan county were the principal witnesses before the grand jury. When the accusation was first made against Kaye, he denied the seriousness of the charge and declared the dies were for the purpose of making souvenir medals for his Sunday school class. He said he used lead and even melted some old silver but finding he couldn't get the sharp finish, abandoned the work. He insisted that the finding of the dies was conclusive proof of his innocence.
Rev. Mr. Kaye was a popular pastor and leader in social reforms in Lincoln. He was a conversationalist of exceptional ability. He was in great demand as a speaker before women's clubs and stood high in the councils of the Lincoln Ministers' association. Mr. Kaye lives with his wife and two children at 302 Wisconsin avenue, Oak Park.
—The Pointer, Riverdale, Illinois, June 21, 1907, p. 6.
Notice has been received at the United States District Attorney's office in Springfield that Rev. James R. Kaye of Oak Park, former pastor of the Wheaton Congregational Church, who was convicted on a charge of counterfeiting, has filed his appeal in the United States District Court at Chicago.
—Daily Herald, Chicago, July 16, 1909, p. 15.
KAYE DODGES FEDERAL PRISON
Former Pastor Is Re-Sentenced to Peoria Workhouse.
Rev. James R. Kaye, the former Lincoln minister and later pastor of a fashionable church at Oak Park, and convicted of counterfeiting two years ago, has won his fight to escape the federal penitentiary at Fort Leavenworth. He appeared before Judge J. Otis Humphrey in the United States District Court in Springfield, and was re-sentenced to a six months' term in the Peoria workhouse. Kaye began his sentence to-night.
The efforts of the counterfeiting preacher to keep from wearing a convict's garb have attracted wide attention. Members of former congregations have contributed liberally to make a notable legal fight. Kaye's frank explanation of how molds and counterfeit money came to be found in his former home at Lincoln and his denial of any criminal intent find partial vindication in his reduced sentence.
Kaye was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Lincoln, where he also gave lectures at Lincoln College on Shakespeare and Browning and occupied the chair of theology. He had more than a local reputation for his literary and educational abilities. After leaving the Logan County town to go to Oak Park to take the pastorate of a prominent church, Lincoln's citizens were surprised to learn that molds used for making money had been found in the Presbyterian parsonage.
The Federal authorities caused Kaye's arrest and had him indicted in June, 1907. The following January the minister was found guilty by a jury in the United States Circuit Court in Springfield and was given a two years' sentence at Fort Leavenworth on a charge of counterfeiting.
—Daily Herald, Chicago, March 4, 1910, p. 11.
Note: There apparently was a Saturday Evening Post article about Rev. Kaye. It is mentioned in an article from Lincoln, Nebraska, and apparently in the Saturday Evening Post article Kaye's former residence is given as Lincoln, Nebraska. The Lincoln newspaper checked old directories and couldn't find anything about him, so referred to him as "the alleged Lincoln minister," then went on to tell his story. (Lincoln Daily News, Lincoln, NE, April 19, 1912, p. 16.) But of course the Illinois articles make clear he was pastor in Lincoln of Logan County, which is definitely Illinois.
Comment: This sentence carries some weight: "He insisted that the finding of the dies was conclusive proof of his innocence." He must not have felt guilty of much. It also is conclusive proof of his ignorance. Obviously when he moved, or before, he should have disposed of the dies and not left them lying around. And obviously he should have been experimenting with some other pattern than United States coins and one dollar bills. Smart about Shakespeare and Browning and conversation, not so smart about making Sunday School medals.
Preacher Made Coin
Minister of Gospel Is Under Arrest for Counterfeit
SPRINGFIELD, Il., June 17. — A federal grand. jury Saturday night returned an indictment against Rev. James R. Kaye, formerly pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and now editor of the Home Herald, published at Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago, charging him with manufacturing counterfeit money.
Molds for the manufacture of counterfeit dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars were found in the basement of the house which the Rev. Kaye occupied while pastor of the First Presbyterian church in Lincoln.
When arrested he confessed to making the molds, but explained that he was only experimenting with them to see if he could manufacture medals to be presented to the children of the Sunday school as rewards for getting new pupils for the school.
—La Crosse Tribune, La Crosse, Wisconsin, June 17, 1907, p. 4.
Pastor Charged with Counterfeiting
Rev. James R. Kaye, of Oak Park, was indicted by the federal grand jury on a charge of having in his possession molds in similitude with United States coins. Rev. Mr. Kaye came to Springfield for the investigation, expecting to be indicted. As soon as the bill was reported Mr. Kaye furnished bond for his appearance for trial.
The molds and dies were found in the basement of the house formerly occupied by the minister in Lincoln, Ill., where he was pastor of the First Presbyterian church. After the church was combined with the Cumberland church, Mr. Kaye went to Oak Park and conducted a prohibition publication. The dies were found early in the winter by workmen repairing a furnace in the basement of the house. The facts at that time were suppressed.
Early in May gossip about the finding of the dies was revived and Capt. Porter, of the secret service bureau, began an investigation, which ended in finding a number of dies and a plate for printing one dollar bills. The plate and some of the dies were found in an outhouse and others were secreted in the basement of the dwelling. Some babbit metal was also discovered, but there was no trace of counterfeit coins. The dies were declared to be exceedingly crude and would not have turned out coins which would pass, but this plate was said to be an excellent one.
Capt. Porter and a number of witnesses from Lincoln and other parts of Logan county were the principal witnesses before the grand jury. When the accusation was first made against Kaye, he denied the seriousness of the charge and declared the dies were for the purpose of making souvenir medals for his Sunday school class. He said he used lead and even melted some old silver but finding he couldn't get the sharp finish, abandoned the work. He insisted that the finding of the dies was conclusive proof of his innocence.
Rev. Mr. Kaye was a popular pastor and leader in social reforms in Lincoln. He was a conversationalist of exceptional ability. He was in great demand as a speaker before women's clubs and stood high in the councils of the Lincoln Ministers' association. Mr. Kaye lives with his wife and two children at 302 Wisconsin avenue, Oak Park.
—The Pointer, Riverdale, Illinois, June 21, 1907, p. 6.
Notice has been received at the United States District Attorney's office in Springfield that Rev. James R. Kaye of Oak Park, former pastor of the Wheaton Congregational Church, who was convicted on a charge of counterfeiting, has filed his appeal in the United States District Court at Chicago.
—Daily Herald, Chicago, July 16, 1909, p. 15.
KAYE DODGES FEDERAL PRISON
Former Pastor Is Re-Sentenced to Peoria Workhouse.
Rev. James R. Kaye, the former Lincoln minister and later pastor of a fashionable church at Oak Park, and convicted of counterfeiting two years ago, has won his fight to escape the federal penitentiary at Fort Leavenworth. He appeared before Judge J. Otis Humphrey in the United States District Court in Springfield, and was re-sentenced to a six months' term in the Peoria workhouse. Kaye began his sentence to-night.
The efforts of the counterfeiting preacher to keep from wearing a convict's garb have attracted wide attention. Members of former congregations have contributed liberally to make a notable legal fight. Kaye's frank explanation of how molds and counterfeit money came to be found in his former home at Lincoln and his denial of any criminal intent find partial vindication in his reduced sentence.
Kaye was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Lincoln, where he also gave lectures at Lincoln College on Shakespeare and Browning and occupied the chair of theology. He had more than a local reputation for his literary and educational abilities. After leaving the Logan County town to go to Oak Park to take the pastorate of a prominent church, Lincoln's citizens were surprised to learn that molds used for making money had been found in the Presbyterian parsonage.
The Federal authorities caused Kaye's arrest and had him indicted in June, 1907. The following January the minister was found guilty by a jury in the United States Circuit Court in Springfield and was given a two years' sentence at Fort Leavenworth on a charge of counterfeiting.
—Daily Herald, Chicago, March 4, 1910, p. 11.
Note: There apparently was a Saturday Evening Post article about Rev. Kaye. It is mentioned in an article from Lincoln, Nebraska, and apparently in the Saturday Evening Post article Kaye's former residence is given as Lincoln, Nebraska. The Lincoln newspaper checked old directories and couldn't find anything about him, so referred to him as "the alleged Lincoln minister," then went on to tell his story. (Lincoln Daily News, Lincoln, NE, April 19, 1912, p. 16.) But of course the Illinois articles make clear he was pastor in Lincoln of Logan County, which is definitely Illinois.
Comment: This sentence carries some weight: "He insisted that the finding of the dies was conclusive proof of his innocence." He must not have felt guilty of much. It also is conclusive proof of his ignorance. Obviously when he moved, or before, he should have disposed of the dies and not left them lying around. And obviously he should have been experimenting with some other pattern than United States coins and one dollar bills. Smart about Shakespeare and Browning and conversation, not so smart about making Sunday School medals.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
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.
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.
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