May 8, 1928: Chicago Mystery Abortionist

On May 8, 1928, 27-year-old Margaret Barnts died from a criminal abortion attributed to 39-year-old midwife Pauline Zickerman. The defendant was indicted for felony murder on May 15, 1928.

According to public records, Margaret had led a sad life. One younger brother died in infancy when Margaret was seven years old, another when when she was eight years old. She had one surviving younger brother. Margaret left behind an 8-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter, both the children of her first marriage, which had ended in divorce. 

Sources:

• "Investigate Death of Mother," Chicago Daily Tribune, May 16, 1928
• Homicide in Chicago Interactive