March 10, 1934Chicago, IllinoisMary Bregovy dies in a car crash, eventually becoming associated with a local legend of Resurrection Mary On March 10, 1934, Mary Bregovy (referred to as “Marie” in contemporary newspaper articles), was traveling with three companions when driver John Reiner lost control of his vehicle and struck an elevated structure at the…
Man executed for murders of wife, two young children
February 16, 1906Chicago, IllinoisJohn Mueller is executed for the murders of his wife and two young daughters Around 2:30 a.m. on January 11, 1905, neighbors of the Mueller family heard shots and a muffled scream which seemed to end abruptly. One of the neighbors ran to the street where he encountered two detectives whom he…
Man executed for the murder of his wife, ostensibly due to a feud with his father-in-law
January 21, 1881Danville, IllinoisFrederick Kester is hanged for the murder of his wife On the morning of August 22, 1879, Caroline Burmeister (also spelled as Bearmiester or Burmaster in contemporary newspapers) visited her sister Minnie Kester (alternately spelled Koester). Minnie was approximately 7 months pregnant at the time and Caroline often assisted with the chores…
Man found fatally wounded after killing a man while under hypnotism
January 10, 1909Carthage, IllinoisReverend John Carmichael is found fatally wounded days after killing and dismembering a man On January 5, Rev. Carmichael told his wife and children he had business to attend in a church in Rattle Run, Michigan. Later the same day, the church was found to have been a scene of violence. Blood…
Man murders his wife for accepting help from their neighbors
January 7, 1886Western Saratoga, Union County, IllinoisWilliam Stubblefield Wilson (45) fatally shoots his wife Margaret (43) after their neighbors helped supply the family with firewood William left his pregnant wife and their seven children to travel to Kentucky; he habitually left the family for extended periods of time during his 20-year marriage. Before he left,…