A String of Deaths in Oklahoma, and Possible Corruption in Chicago

The Beginning of a Tragic Series of Deaths

Dr. Richard Thacker

On April 14, 1932, 21-year-old Mrs. Isabelle Ferguson died of suspected abortion complications. Two physicians in the University of Oklahoma area, J. W. Eisiminger and Richard E. Thacker, were suspected in the case. Isabelle's husband, S. E. Ferguson, sued Thacker for $10,000 in damages, indicating that Thacker was probably the perpetrator. Thacker was also implicated other abortion cases:

• Feb. 26, 1929: Marie Epperson (Thacker suspected)
• Mar. 19, 1932: Geraldine Easley (Thacker suspected)
• Apr. 3, 1932: Ethel Hestland (Thacker suspected)
• Apr. 15, 1932: Ruth Hall (Thacker convicted of murder)
• Apr. 23, 1932: Robbie Lou Thompson (Evidence used in Ruth Hall case)
• Apr. 24, 1932: Lennis May Roach(Evidence used in Ruth Hall case)
• Apr. 25, 1932: Nancy Joe Lee Evidence used in Ruth Hall case)

Thacker was sentenced to life in prison for Ruth Hall's death. His attorney announced an immediate motion for an appeal, on the grounds that Thacker's other abortions should not have been admitted as testimony.


Possible Corruption in Chicago

Mamie Ethel Crowell, age 20, died on April 14, 1930, in the Chicago office of Dr. Hans Paulsen, from an abortion performed on her that day. Two days later, Paulsen was booked for manslaughter by abortion. The father of the baby, Uriah Denniston, was booked as accessory. Paulson was held by the Coroner for murder by abortion. Denniston wasn't mentioned in the verdict. On September 1, the indictment was quashed. The source notes "Circumstances suggesting judicial corruption."