Serial Murderer. Known as "Chicago's Bluebeard." Aliases included Jacob Schmidt, Johann Hoch, Albert Huschberg, Count Otto von Kein, Jacob Erdorf, Henry Martels, Dr. L. G. Hart, Martin Dotz, Jacob Duss, C. A. Meyer, H. Frick, Dr. James, C. A. Calford, Jacob Huit, DcWitt C. Cuduey, Henry F. Hartman, John C. O. Schulze, Heinrich Valtzand, and many others besides. He traveled the country marrying, often, wealthy widows. It is believed he may have married as many as 44 women, and murdered as many as 15 of them. Usually his method was slow poisoning with arsenic. When the women became ill he would call a local doctor who would usually diagnose kidney disease, for which there was no treatment. He took his time, spending months. After spending a short time in the Cook County jail for swindling, he sped up the process, murdering some of his wives within a week of their marriage. His last victim was Marie Walcker whom he married in Chicago on December 5, 1904. He poisoned her only days after. On the night of Marie's death, her sister Amelia came to the home. True to form, Johann proposed to her that same night. He maintained his innocence even on the gallows when he was hanged.
Serial Murderer. Known as "Chicago's Bluebeard." Aliases included Jacob Schmidt, Johann Hoch, Albert Huschberg, Count Otto von Kein, Jacob Erdorf, Henry Martels, Dr. L. G. Hart, Martin Dotz, Jacob Duss, C. A. Meyer, H. Frick, Dr. James, C. A. Calford, Jacob Huit, DcWitt C. Cuduey, Henry F. Hartman, John C. O. Schulze, Heinrich Valtzand, and many others besides. He traveled the country marrying, often, wealthy widows. It is believed he may have married as many as 44 women, and murdered as many as 15 of them. Usually his method was slow poisoning with arsenic. When the women became ill he would call a local doctor who would usually diagnose kidney disease, for which there was no treatment. He took his time, spending months. After spending a short time in the Cook County jail for swindling, he sped up the process, murdering some of his wives within a week of their marriage. His last victim was Marie Walcker whom he married in Chicago on December 5, 1904. He poisoned her only days after. On the night of Marie's death, her sister Amelia came to the home. True to form, Johann proposed to her that same night. He maintained his innocence even on the gallows when he was hanged.
Bio by: David M. Habben
Gravesite Details
Unmarked grave. The cemetery has reused and renumbered this section since the time of Mr Hoch's burial. Block C would ha e been close to where the Greater Benaficial Union Chicago Marker stands.
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