Restell, Madame, 1812-1878

Abortionist and purveyor of patent medicines, Madame Restell was born Ann Trow in England, daughter of a laborer. She married a tailor, Henry Summers, and in 1830 their daughter Caroline was born. Early the next year the family immigrated to the United States, arriving in New York where they made their living as needleworkers. In August 1831, Henry Summers died of bilious fever. In 1836 she met Charles Henry Lohman, a printer; by 1839 they had married and launched an abortion and patent medicine enterprise. Restell was repeatedly charged for her illegal activities, and in 1878, facing charges brought by Anthony Comstock of the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice, committed suicide.