Harriet "Hattie" Reece was a 25-year-old primary school teacher in Browning, Illinois. Her husband, Frank, was also a teacher and principal at the school where Hattie taught. They had been married two and a half years in 1899, when the events unfolded that ended Hattie's life on March.
On March 3, after dismissing class, Hattie took the night train from Browning to the town of Tennessee, Illinois. She met Dr. James W. Aiken, who took her to a room he had booked for her in a hotel. On March 15, Aiken brought in Dr. Lewis from Macomb, Illinois. The two of them were unable to save Hattie and she died on March 16.
Hattie's body was put on a train back to Browning, but it was stopped in transit by Coroner Stapp, accompanied by the state's attorney and two doctors from Macomb. The doctors conducted an autopsy in the freight room of the depot. An inquest was held, with the coroner's jury recommending the arrest of Aiken for murder by abortion.
Aiken seemed to be a bit of a George Tiller precursor -- somebody who could do no wrong in the eyes of his supporters. The June 8, 1899 Stronghurst Graphic praised his poise: "When the jury's verdict was read not a tremor was observed in Dr. Aikin. His expression was tranquil and serene. His bearing all through the trial has marked him as a man of iron nerve and wonderful fortitude."
would find a "life of the mother" case in any pregnancy.
But unlike Tiller, Aiken couldn't just buy his way out of trouble. He was found guilty. Six of the jurors wanted to see him hanged for Hattie's death, and the other six each recommended a prison sentence from 5 to 75 years, with the average request being 33. After many hours and ballots they agreed upon a sentence of 15 years. Aiken immediately appealed, but was denied a new trial.
Aiken's friends rallied to protest. They passed out handbills reading:
A mass meeting of the citizens of Tennessee and vicinity will be held in the hall tonight. Action will be taken looking towards justice and equity to all concerning a matter of grave importance to our people.By Order of Committee
The gathered supporters denounced Hattie's bereaved husband "and regarded him equally guilty with other parties."
Resolved, That we consider the penalty imposed upon our fellow townsman to be excessive; and be it further
Resolved, That we extend our sincere sympathy to Dr. Aiken and especially to his wife in the hour of their great trouble.
Sources:
- "Feeling is Intense," Macomb (IL) Journal, June 1, 1899
- "Gets Fifteen Years," Macomb (IL) Journal, June 1, 1899
- "McDonough County's Sensation," Stronghurst (IL) Graphic, June 8, 1899
- "McDonough," Macomb (IL) Journal, December 5, 1901
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