Miss Winterabortifacient, illinoisSUMMARY: A young woman identified only as “Miss Winter” died in Monticello, Illinois shortly before July 4, 1876 from effects of an abortifacient.

In Monticello, near Champaign, Illinois, “Robert M. Boggs, a highly respected young man of this city, left two years ago to work in Monticello, where he became acquainted with Miss Winter (or Winchester), an estimable young lady. He soon accomplished her seduction, and two weeks ago coaxed her to take a drug to commit abortion.” She took ill and died about a week, then was buried July 4. Bogs fled.

Sources:

• “A Nice Young Man,” San Francisco Chronicle, Jul. 24, 1876
• Untitled clipping from the Rochester Union Spy, Jul. 28, 1876