Illinois News Index
Libertyville in the Twenties
Crime
Mail Train Robbed Near Libertyville
Mail Train Robbed Near Libertyville Details
Libertyville in the 1920s had its share of crime and lawbreakers just as in any other decade. Some of the more sensational stories are highlighted below, including the train robbery at nearby Rondout that made national news. Through almost the entire decade, Dennis Limberry led the crime fighting and peace-keeping efforts in Libertyville. (You can read more about “Denny” in the People section of this website.) Marshal Limberry was not alone in his efforts; the “bank robber” article below testifies that the entire town was willing and ready to help keep Libertyville safe.

 

 

Libertyville has Bank Robber Scare
Libertyville has Bank Robber Scare Details
Libertyville Independent 12/29/1921
Shoot and Kidnap Watchman at Insull Estate
Shoot and Kidnap Watchman at Insull Estate Details
Early on New Year’s Day, 1921, Insull estate night watchman Samuel Van Derney surprised three youths who were attempting to break into the estate. They shot Van Derney in the chest and then put him in their car, which they drove to Chicago. They abandoned their vehicle and Mr. Van Derney when the car wrecked at North Kedzie and Fullerton avenues. Mr. Van Derney was found by a pedestrian and taken to St. Elizabeth’s hospital. Mr. Insull hired Pinkerton detectives to find the robbers, although nothing was taken from the house or the grounds.

 

 

Murder Victim Identified as Chicago Giant
Murder Victim Identified as Chicago Giant Details
The body of an unidentified man was found 6 miles south of Libertyville in July, 1921. The man had been shot 4 times and his skull was crushed. Further investigations found him to be “Big Steve” Wiesniewsky of the west side of Chicago. Frank Lake and Terry Drugan, members of Chicago’s “valley gang,” were charged with Wiesniewsky’s murder in 1925.

 

 

Axe Murder at Libertyville Near Solution
Axe Murder at Libertyville Near Solution Details
Joseph Sobeck was murdered by his roommate Dominik Enrico on November 9, 1924. The two apparently had a disagreement over payment of a jug of wine (both had been drinking). Sobeck was employed at St. Mary’s of the Lake Seminary, Dominik Enrico worked at Foulds Macaroni Factory and Thomas Olechna, another roommate, worked at the American Wire Fence company. The three shared a home at 717 Broadway in Libertyville. Enrico was sentenced to Joliet state prison in 1925 and was deported to Italy in 1929.

 

 

Moonshine Still Seized in Raid at Libertyville
Moonshine Still Seized in Raid at Libertyville Details
Of course, Prohibition was a factor in Libertyville as well as any other town in the country, as this article from the October 11, 1923 Libertyville Independent shows.

 

 

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