Hamilton Howard “Albert” Fish, born May 19, 1870, was a notorious American serial killer, child molester, rapist and cannibal, known for his monstrous deeds from 1924 to 1928.
Known by several chilling aliases like the Gray Man, the Werewolf of Wysteria and The Boogey Man, Fish’s criminal legacy is marked by fear and revulsion.
Although a suspect in multiple murder cases, he openly confessed to three and boasted of injuring others.
Fish’s disturbing claim that he “had children in every state” and his implication of around 100 victims, although unverified, adds to his frightening image.
The nature of these alleged crimes—rape or cannibalization—remains unknown. Apprehended in 1934, he was tried and convicted for the horrifying kidnapping and murder of Grace Budd.
Albert Fish was executed by electric chair on January 16, 1936, putting an end to his reign of terror.
I have made a list of the best quotes by Albert Fish.
Best Albert Fish Quotes
Going to the electric chair will be the supreme thrill of my life. ~ Albert Fish.
None of us are saints. ~ Albert Fish.
I saw so many boys whipped, it took root in my head. ~ Albert Fish.
Misery leads to crime. I saw so many boys whipped it ruined my mind. ~ Albert Fish.
I always seemed to enjoy everything that hurt. The desire to inflict pain, that is all that is uppermost. ~ Albert Fish.
I like children they are tasty. ~ Albert Fish.
I am not insane, I’m just queer. ~ Albert Fish.
Famous Albert Fish Quotes
I always had a desire to inflict pain on others and to have others inflict pain on me. I always seemed to enjoy everything that hurt. ~ Albert Fish.
What a thrill that will be if I have to die in the electric chair. It will be the supreme thrill. The only one I haven’t tried. ~ Albert Fish.
I have no particular desire to live. I have no particular desire to be killed. It is a matter of indifference to me. I do not think I am altogether right. ~ Albert Fish.
So these were the 11 top Albert Fish quotes and sayings.
Short Biography of Albert Fish
Albert Fish an American serial killer was infamous for his heinous crimes including child abuse and cannibalism.
Known by many eerie nicknames Fish claimed to have harmed kids across all states with an unclear total victim count.
He admitted to several murders with police linking him to more.
| Birth Name | Hamilton Howard Fish |
| Born | May 19, 1870, Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Died | January 16, 1936 (aged 65), Ossining, New York, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Execution by electrocution |
| Convictions | Murder, Kidnapping, Theft |
| Sentence | Death |
| Span of Killings | 1924–1932 |
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| Motive | Sexual gratification |
| Date Apprehended | December 13, 1934 |
| Also Known As | Frank Howard, Thomas A. Sprague, Robert Hayden, John W. Pell |
| Nicknames | Gray Man, Moon Maniac, The Boogey Man, The Brooklyn Vampire, Werewolf of Wysteria |
| Children | Gertrude Fish, Henry Fish, Albert Fish Jr., Anna Fish, Eugene Fish, John Fish |
| Spouse | Estella Wilcox (m. 1930–1930) |
| Parents | Randall Fish, Ellen Fish |
| Buried | January 16, 1936, Sing-Sing Prison Cemetery |
His trial for the murder of Grace Budd ended in his execution. Disturbingly Fish also self-harmed and engaged in grotesque behaviors.
His criminal methods sometimes got mixed up with another killer Peter Kudzinowski.
Quick Facts about Albert Fish
- Born Hamilton Howard Fish on May 19, 1870, in Washington, D.C., he later changed his name to Albert.
- Fish’s father passed away when he was five, leading to a childhood filled with abuse and neglect at an orphanage.
- Mental illness ran in Fish’s family, with relatives experiencing mania, depression, and religious fanaticism.
- As an adult, Fish worked in manual jobs and had six children, displaying sadistic behaviors and involving his family in masochistic rituals.
- Deeply religious, Fish believed his crimes were acts of atonement, drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac.
- He targeted vulnerable individuals like orphans and the homeless, believing they wouldn’t be missed.
- Fish confessed to three murders but is suspected of up to 100, mainly targeting young children.
- Known for his gruesome acts, Fish’s crimes included cannibalism, sadism, and mutilation, using a “kit” of disturbing tools.
- Nicknamed “The Werewolf of Wysteria,” Fish had other aliases like Thomas A. Sprague and John W. Pell.
- He taunted police and victims’ families with letters detailing his horrific acts.
- Fish evaded capture for years, despite his criminal history, until his arrest in 1934 linked to the murder of Grace Budd.
- X-rays revealed Fish had inserted 29 needles into his pelvic region for self-torture.
- At his trial, Fish’s insanity plea was rejected despite evidence of psychiatric disorders; he was deemed sane and guilty.
- Fish wrote letters from prison detailing his crimes, contributing to his notorious legacy.
- Executed by electric chair on January 16, 1936, Fish’s life and crimes continue to fascinate and horrify, influencing pop culture and true crime narratives.
Top Questions about Albert Fish
A: Albert Fish was born in Washington, D.C. on May 19, 1870.
A: Albert Fish kidnapped Billy Gaffney, beat him, drank his blood, and made a stew out of his body parts.
A: Albert Fish kidnapped Grace, choked her, cut her throat, dismembered her, and buried her body near his home.
A: In 1934, Albert Fish sent a letter to Grace Budd’s mother, detailing how he murdered and ate Grace, which led to his arrest.
A: Fish lured Thomas Kedden to a farmhouse, tortured him for two weeks, mutilated him, and left him with ten dollars.
A: Albert Fish was abandoned and left in a state orphanage at five years old after his father died.
A: Delia Budd was the mother of 10-year-old Grace Budd.
A: “Deranged” by Harold Schechter, which tells the true story of Albert Fish’s life and his crimes.
