Ed Gein's Brothers: What Happened To Them?

Ed Gein, infamously known as the "Butcher of Plainfield," is a figure deeply etched in the annals of true crime. While much has been written about his gruesome acts, the lives of his family, particularly his brothers, often remain in the shadows. This article delves into the lives of Ed Gein's brothers, exploring their stories and the impact Ed's actions had on their legacy.

Who Were Ed Gein's Brothers?

Ed Gein had one confirmed brother, Henry Gein, who was older than him. Some sources mention a possible second brother, but Henry is the one consistently documented in biographical accounts.

Henry Gein: Life and Untimely Death

Henry was more outgoing and seemingly better adjusted than Ed. While Ed remained closely tied to their domineering mother, Augusta, Henry attempted to break free from her influence. He worked various odd jobs and occasionally voiced concerns about Ed's peculiar behavior and unhealthy attachment to their mother.

• Disagreement and Fire: On November 16, 1944, a fire broke out on the Gein farm. Ed and Henry were fighting a fire. When the fire was extinguished, the authorities found Henry Gein dead. Ed told authorities that his brother died laughing. The death was officially ruled as accidental, attributed to asphyxiation. However, some investigators and true crime enthusiasts have speculated about Ed's involvement in his brother's death.
• Speculation and Unanswered Questions: Given Ed Gein's later crimes, the circumstances surrounding Henry's death have always been viewed with suspicion. Did Ed play a role in the fire, or was it truly an accident? The official record states that Ed led the investigators directly to his brother's body, which eliminated him as a suspect.

The Shadow of Ed Gein's Crimes

Ed Gein's horrific crimes, uncovered in 1957, cast a long shadow over his entire family. The revelation that he had been robbing graves and crafting objects from human remains shocked the world and forever tainted the Gein name.

Impact on the Family Legacy

The association with Ed Gein undoubtedly brought immense shame and stigma to any surviving family members. The Gein family became synonymous with horror, forever linked to Ed's depravity in the public consciousness.

The Aftermath and Public Perception

• Small-Town Impact: The crimes deeply impacted the small community of Plainfield, Wisconsin, shattering its sense of security and exposing a darkness that few could have imagined.
• Lasting Infamy: Ed Gein's story continues to fascinate and horrify, serving as inspiration for numerous books, films, and documentaries. His crimes remain a chilling reminder of the potential for evil lurking beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.

Conclusion

The story of Ed Gein's brothers, particularly Henry, is a tragic footnote to a much larger horror story. While Henry sought to distance himself from the unhealthy dynamics of his family, he ultimately met a mysterious and untimely end. The shadow of Ed's crimes continues to loom large, a stark reminder of the enduring impact of one man's depravity on his family and community.

Do you want to know more about infamous criminals? Read more true crime stories to uncover the dark side of humanity.