Loeb, Richard A., 1905-1936
Dates
- Existence: 1905 - 1936
Biography
Richard Albert Loeb was born 1905 June 11 in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Anna Henrietta (née Bohnen) and Albert Henry Loeb. He had three brothers: Allan Moritz Loeb, Ernest Loeb and Thomas Henry Loeb. His father Albert was a lawyer and former vice president of Sears, Roebuck & company. He grew up in the Kenwood neighborhood of South Side Chicago. He graduated from the University of Michigan at 17, and went on to pursue graduate studies in history at the University of Chicago. He gained notoriety when he and fellow wealthy University of Chicago student Nathan Freudenthal Leopold Jr (1904-1971), murdered Bobby Franks (age 14) in May of 1924. Lawyer Clarence Darrow was the lawyer for their defense and argued against the death penalty; both Leopold and Loeb pled guilty. They each received life imprisonment plus 99 years. Leopold was eventually released on parole, but Loeb was killed by another prisoner (James Day) in Stateville Penitentiary, Illinois, January 1936.
Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:
Elmer Gertz Collection
Harold S. Hulbert Papers
The Papers of psychiatrist Harold Hulbert include notes and correspondence pertaining to his examination of John Kammerer, a convicted murderer executed February 13, 1925; and statements, reports, and evidence Hulbert obtained as a consultant in the celebrated Leopold and Loeb murder case of 1924.
Leopold and Loeb Collection
Richard Loeb Papers
The Richard Loeb Papers consist of 1 box and 1 oversize folder of correspondence, photographs, and miscellaneous biographical information dating 1886 to 1956 related to the Loeb family and the prosecution and incarceration of Richard Loeb and his friend Nathan Leopold following their May 1924 murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks.