January 4: One Amateur and Two Dubious Abortionists

Chicago Deaths, 1924 and 1921

On January 4, 1924, 28-year-old Elizabeth Strobl died in Chicago's Columbus Hospital from complications of an illegal abortion performed that day. Mrs. Anna Wenzig, whose profession is not given, was arrested January 15 for Elizabeth's death.

On January 4, 1921, 21-year-old Jennie Chubb died in her Chicago home from complications of an abortion performed that day. The coroner identified Veronica Rypcznski as the person responsible for Jennie's death. Veronica's profession is not mentioned in the source.

Third Time was Fatal, 1887

Bertha Minnie "Bertie" Hammarmiller, age 19, had lived with her mother on Langdon Street in Chicago. She already had one child to 19-year-old Fred C. Dethloff. 

On January 4, 1887 Bertie died from a botched abortion. Dethloff admitted that he'd helped Bertie to abort two other pregnancies with medications in the three years they'd been together. 

Dethloff had the gall to go to Bertie's mother and ask her to return a ring and a chain he'd given her daughter. She refused.

For the third, fatal, abortion Dethloff was put on trial for his life. He was convicted of murder in February. However, he appealed and was given the right to a new trial. The case was not pursued.

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Sources:

• "The Criminal Courts," The Inter-Ocean, January 22, 1887
• "Two Men On Trial For Their Lives," Chicago Tribune, February 25, 1887
• "Police Court Jottings," The Inter-Ocean, April 5, 1887