Recently reading the newspaper columns from a century
ago, I gained a greater appreciation for the hard work of the police and law
enforcement in Sherburne County. In
1900, crime seemed prevalent in the county. Perhaps because the residents held onto a small-town sense of security,
while criminals capitalized on Sherburne County’s proximity to the metropolitan
area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. More
than once, the newspapers noted the ease in which thieves preyed upon Sherburne
County residents. Even before thefts
were discovered, the bandits sold stolen goods in the twin cities. It must have been frustrating for law enforcement
in Sherburne County. Yet, the County Sherriff
and local police noted significant apprehension of thieves and criminals in the
county. At the turn of the twentieth
century, criminals often preyed upon Sherburne County residents, and police
stepped up to provide protection.
100
years ago, the newspaper columns provide interesting detail and appreciation for
crime and law enforcement in Sherburne County.
