This article covers sensitive topics that may not be comforting to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
Ed Gein was born on August 27, 1906, in Plainfield, Wisconsin, with an older brother named Henry, born in 1901. The Geins lived on a farm isolated from society and were rarely allowed out of the house. The boys’ mother believed moving away from the city would leave the sinners who inhabited it.
Gein faced a tough childhood. His father George was a physically abusive alcoholic, and his mother Augusta was very psychologically abusive towards the boys. George was not around much as he was usually out drinking or working, which led Augusta to raise the boys and become the head of the household. Gein had always idolized his mother, which was a concern to Henry, who would confront his mother if she said something he didn’t agree with.
Augusta was very religious and wanted to preach her religion to her boys, as she made them believe women were sin and the world was a dark and dangerous place, which they should fear. She made both of her sons promise to always remain virgins in 1927, and called their genital areas the “curse of man.” Her psychological influence on Ed’s early childhood is considered to be a primary factor in his future crimes.
On April 1, 1940, Gein’s father died of heart failure at the age of 66. Augusta said his death was due to his weakness and claimed he would go to hell. Ed was not overly affected by his death, as Augusta was the dominant figure of their household.
In 1944, Henry started to openly critique his mother. He was worried that Gein’s attachment to his mother was very unhealthy, which was a criticism that shocked and mortified Gein. In the same year, on May 16, Henry was found dead with bruises on his head while fighting a brush fire. The injuries were not consistent with injuries that are common from fires. It was ruled as an accident, but many have suspected Gein to be connected to the killing in some way or another.
Augusta then died on December 19, 1945, after a stroke. Her death left Gein devastated and alone on the farm, which was when his mental state took a turn for the worse. After the death of his mother, Gein began to study anatomy and grave robbery.
Between 1947 and 1951, Gein started to make nightly visits to over four cemeteries, often leaving without doing much, but on at least nine visits, he dug up newly-buried women. He would use the corpses to make various household items.
Gein has been proven to have killed at least two women. He shot and killed Plainfield tavern owner Mary Hogan on December 8, 1954, and admitted this to Elmo Ueeck, local sawmill owner, saying he hung her up at his house. Ueeck dismissed the confession and didn’t believe him, as many people in the town never thought Gein was capable of killing anyone.
On November 16, 1957, Bernice Worden, owner of a hardware store, went missing. Deputy Frank Worden, Bernice’s son, thought that Gein had some sort of connection to the disappearance, as some witnesses were saying they saw Gein’s car around the time of the disappearance.
Sheriff Schley and Deputy Worden entered Gein’s house just one day after Bernice was found missing. They found masks made from human faces, organs in the refrigerator, and a “woman suit.” There were also numerous household items made of human skin, such as lampshades and chairs. Police further found Bernice Worden’s body decapitated and disemboweled like an animal hanging in Gein’s shed. Gein was arrested the day of the search.
After Gein was arrested, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and described as a “sexual psychopath.” He was found legally insane, so he could not stand trial. When Gein was asked about the murders, he said he didn’t remember killing anyone, which was the ultimate reason for his diagnosis of schizophrenia. He was admitted to the Central State Hospital for the Criminally Insane until further notice.
After spending nearly ten years in the institution, Gein was determined to stand a trial. On November 14, 1968, Gein was found not guilty by reason of insanity; however, he remained at Central State Hospital until 1968.
In 1974, Gein asked for freedom from a judge, but they sent him back to Central State Hospital. Four years later, Gein was transferred to the Mendota Mental Health Institute.
Gein died at age 77 from respiratory failure caused by cancer on July 26, 1984. He was buried on his family’s plot in Plainfield Cemetery in Wisconsin.
Ed Gein has disgustingly inspired many serial killers, and there are now multiple horror movies inspired by the famous grave robber. His crimes introduced a new type of killer that is absolutely terrifying.
