These things I love.
Dark history.
Haunted locations that seem to beckon you inside.
A full moon night when the wind is silent.
Ancient stones in old graveyards.
A great ghost story that holds your attention.
You have come to the right place. I can give you everything BUT the full moon. You will have to arrange that one for yourself. If you know me, you know I love to share history, ghost stories, folklore and gravestone symbolism. Over the last 25 years of owning and operating Haunted Heartland Tours, I've had thousands of opportunities to explore haunted locations, interview people who have had experiences and visit many, many historical sites all over the world. I hope to share a bit of these with you in a sampling of some of my columns and articles I have put together over the years. The article below feature locations in the state of West Virginia. Please enjoy!
Dark history.
Haunted locations that seem to beckon you inside.
A full moon night when the wind is silent.
Ancient stones in old graveyards.
A great ghost story that holds your attention.
You have come to the right place. I can give you everything BUT the full moon. You will have to arrange that one for yourself. If you know me, you know I love to share history, ghost stories, folklore and gravestone symbolism. Over the last 25 years of owning and operating Haunted Heartland Tours, I've had thousands of opportunities to explore haunted locations, interview people who have had experiences and visit many, many historical sites all over the world. I hope to share a bit of these with you in a sampling of some of my columns and articles I have put together over the years. The article below feature locations in the state of West Virginia. Please enjoy!
The Headless Ghost Of Centralia
Braxton County, WV
The best known literary example of headless ghost stories is that of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. The Mountain State has several legends featuring headless ghosts and one of them took place smack dab in the middle of the state. Located in the geographical center of West Virginia, lies the little community of Centralia which is located in Braxton County.
Many years ago, a man by the name of Jacob Beamer was living in Centralia. Jacob was known as a local character of sorts and many thought him a wee bit odd. You see, Jacob made it known to all who would listen to him, that his ancestors lived on the moon. He had come to the area to work on the building of the West Virginia & Pittsburgh Railroad. (Later known at the B&O) The line ran from Buckhannon to Camden-on-Gauley and in 1890, Jacob was employed on this project. He was a hard worker but also enjoyed spinning yarns to those who would take the time to listen.
One of the rare stories that Jacob claimed to be true, was the fact his family came from the moon and that he had a guardian moon ghost. He claimed his family had the uncanny ability to travel back and forth among the planets. (Keep in mind this was many years before this was actually attempted by mankind) One story spoke of tragedy. While his family traveled from the moon to the earth on one trip, a terrible accident occurred. A large meteor roared past earth and shook the land mass as it formed continents and changed the earth’s poles. This meteor also threw the moon farther into space and the Beamer family was left on trapped on earth. The family adjusted to living here with the help of their 'guardian' moon ghost who Jacob claimed would speak to him very often.
Jacob was a wanderer at heart and had a bit of a gypsy streak in his soul. He was fond of taking late night strolls in the country while the moon was round and full. Some of the locals speculated that Jacob took these late walks to speak with his guardian moon ghost. On one night while walking, Jacob was accidentally caught on the tracks when an fast approaching train struck him down. The train was venturing through a deep cut in the hill near the community of Centralia when it violently plowed over Jacob. His dead body was found lying next to the tracks the next day. He had been decapitated with the impact and his head was not with the body or anywhere in the vicinty. People searched high and low for Jacob’s head but it was never found.
Many people through the years who have visited the area have claimed a peculiar sight takes place. Moonbeams would shine down brightly on the full moon night near the anniversary of Jacob Benders death. Near the big cut and the railroad tracks, a grayish-colored ghost was often observed leading a headless man by the hand. Their movements are slow and precarious as they search both sides of the tracks... apparently looking for Jacob’s lost head.
The last time that the two ghosts were observed, a deer hunter saw them as they ambled about. The hunter paused and as he did, he saw Jacob Beamer clutching the hand of the gray ghost and in his other arm, he cradled what appeared to be a white human skull. The deer hunter stood as if frozen in place and watched as the ghost led Jacob into the dense rhododendron bushes, disappearing into the shadows.
The apparitions of the moon ghost and Jacob Bender have not been seen in a very long time.
Many say Jacob is finally at rest.
Many years ago, a man by the name of Jacob Beamer was living in Centralia. Jacob was known as a local character of sorts and many thought him a wee bit odd. You see, Jacob made it known to all who would listen to him, that his ancestors lived on the moon. He had come to the area to work on the building of the West Virginia & Pittsburgh Railroad. (Later known at the B&O) The line ran from Buckhannon to Camden-on-Gauley and in 1890, Jacob was employed on this project. He was a hard worker but also enjoyed spinning yarns to those who would take the time to listen.
One of the rare stories that Jacob claimed to be true, was the fact his family came from the moon and that he had a guardian moon ghost. He claimed his family had the uncanny ability to travel back and forth among the planets. (Keep in mind this was many years before this was actually attempted by mankind) One story spoke of tragedy. While his family traveled from the moon to the earth on one trip, a terrible accident occurred. A large meteor roared past earth and shook the land mass as it formed continents and changed the earth’s poles. This meteor also threw the moon farther into space and the Beamer family was left on trapped on earth. The family adjusted to living here with the help of their 'guardian' moon ghost who Jacob claimed would speak to him very often.
Jacob was a wanderer at heart and had a bit of a gypsy streak in his soul. He was fond of taking late night strolls in the country while the moon was round and full. Some of the locals speculated that Jacob took these late walks to speak with his guardian moon ghost. On one night while walking, Jacob was accidentally caught on the tracks when an fast approaching train struck him down. The train was venturing through a deep cut in the hill near the community of Centralia when it violently plowed over Jacob. His dead body was found lying next to the tracks the next day. He had been decapitated with the impact and his head was not with the body or anywhere in the vicinty. People searched high and low for Jacob’s head but it was never found.
Many people through the years who have visited the area have claimed a peculiar sight takes place. Moonbeams would shine down brightly on the full moon night near the anniversary of Jacob Benders death. Near the big cut and the railroad tracks, a grayish-colored ghost was often observed leading a headless man by the hand. Their movements are slow and precarious as they search both sides of the tracks... apparently looking for Jacob’s lost head.
The last time that the two ghosts were observed, a deer hunter saw them as they ambled about. The hunter paused and as he did, he saw Jacob Beamer clutching the hand of the gray ghost and in his other arm, he cradled what appeared to be a white human skull. The deer hunter stood as if frozen in place and watched as the ghost led Jacob into the dense rhododendron bushes, disappearing into the shadows.
The apparitions of the moon ghost and Jacob Bender have not been seen in a very long time.
Many say Jacob is finally at rest.
The Hatfield Ghost Procession
Logan County WV
Murders, feuds and ghost stories seem to be entwined in the very fabric of Logan County history.
The Hatfield-McCoy feud is possibly the most well-known feud in American history with recent documentaries and books still being written about the event. With all violent feuds, it unfortunately may seem, comes bloodshed. The Hatfield-McCoy battle of the clans is proof enough.
The Hatfield-McCoy feud takes its place not only in the annals of history books, but in the papers of many paranormal researchers’ files. According to various reports, the unusual activity takes place in the Hatfield cemetery about 7 miles from Sarah Ann in Logan County. The earliest marked grave in this cemetery is that of a child named Captain S. Hatfield who perished at age 7 in the year of 1898. The cemetery holds the grave of the Hatfield Patriarch, Devil Anse. Anse passed away at the age of 82 years in 1921.
The cemetery bears a life size statue of Captain Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield which is quite impressive and may catch you off guard if you are not expecting to see something like this. It was erected by his children in 1926 and was made of Carrera Marble in Italy. The sculptor used actual photographs and physical descriptions of Anse to make his creation which adds a bit to the errieness as the sun begins to set on his likeness.
The reports of ghostly activity claim that on foggy nights the specters of Devil Anse and six of his sons rise up from their graves and begin a supernatural march down the hillside to Island Creek. The apparitions are said to halt at the river as the ghost of William Garrett baptizes them, washing their sins away in the river water.
Those who have witnessed the spooky procession say it proceeds quietly and that as the fog rises up from the river, it can make the scene appear almost dream-like. Paranormal investigators and those who research the phenomena call this type of occurrence a residual haunting or imprinted energy. It tends to play like an old broken LP record repeating itself over and over. The apparitions have never tried to interact with those who have seen the activity occur, at least to my knowledge and through my research. This leads further evidence that it is residual.
Don’t be surprised on one of these foggy nights in the Mountain State, that you may see me headed through Logan County and down route 44 with my camera at my side. I’ll be seeking out the hillside cemetery with a good overlook of the Island Creek. Just in case!
The Hatfield-McCoy feud is possibly the most well-known feud in American history with recent documentaries and books still being written about the event. With all violent feuds, it unfortunately may seem, comes bloodshed. The Hatfield-McCoy battle of the clans is proof enough.
The Hatfield-McCoy feud takes its place not only in the annals of history books, but in the papers of many paranormal researchers’ files. According to various reports, the unusual activity takes place in the Hatfield cemetery about 7 miles from Sarah Ann in Logan County. The earliest marked grave in this cemetery is that of a child named Captain S. Hatfield who perished at age 7 in the year of 1898. The cemetery holds the grave of the Hatfield Patriarch, Devil Anse. Anse passed away at the age of 82 years in 1921.
The cemetery bears a life size statue of Captain Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield which is quite impressive and may catch you off guard if you are not expecting to see something like this. It was erected by his children in 1926 and was made of Carrera Marble in Italy. The sculptor used actual photographs and physical descriptions of Anse to make his creation which adds a bit to the errieness as the sun begins to set on his likeness.
The reports of ghostly activity claim that on foggy nights the specters of Devil Anse and six of his sons rise up from their graves and begin a supernatural march down the hillside to Island Creek. The apparitions are said to halt at the river as the ghost of William Garrett baptizes them, washing their sins away in the river water.
Those who have witnessed the spooky procession say it proceeds quietly and that as the fog rises up from the river, it can make the scene appear almost dream-like. Paranormal investigators and those who research the phenomena call this type of occurrence a residual haunting or imprinted energy. It tends to play like an old broken LP record repeating itself over and over. The apparitions have never tried to interact with those who have seen the activity occur, at least to my knowledge and through my research. This leads further evidence that it is residual.
Don’t be surprised on one of these foggy nights in the Mountain State, that you may see me headed through Logan County and down route 44 with my camera at my side. I’ll be seeking out the hillside cemetery with a good overlook of the Island Creek. Just in case!
Devil Anse Hatfield
The Incident on Gamble's Creek
Wetzel County, WV
It was in the early autumn of the year 1850. Wetzel County farmer John Gamble had harvested an abundant apple crop once again and was in the process of making apple cider when he realized he had run out of barrels. John was very proud of his product and planned a trip to New Martinsville to purchase a few containers. It was on the way back home when the terrible incident would occur. John would become the victim of a horrific crime.
History tells us that John Gamble did indeed purchase several barrels as he had planned. He then stopped to see the Whitmore brothers on the trip home to see if they could cash a twenty dollar note that he had on his person. The brothers said that they could not as they did not have enough change on hand. A man by the name of Leb Mercer was also at the home and he mentioned to John that he still needed payment from him for the balance of two dollars regarding the calf that John had recently bought from him. Gamble mentioned that he had two hundred dollars on him but only in big bills and that perhaps Leb could stop by and see him later that week when he was home and had the correct change.
Gamble left the Whitmore home and continued his trip. As darkness fell, he made his way to the river and the small skiff he had left along the bank. Witnesses saw they saw him get in the boat. That was the last time he was seen alive. The next morning, witnesses say that they came across Leb Mercer soaking wet and the body of John Gamble murdered and robbed.
Gamble’s body was on the banks of the river he would soon lend his name to. His upturned boat sat nearby. No money was found. Suspicions ran as high as the river water but Leb had a pretty solid alibi as he had been seen at the Whitmore home the night before. He was questioned, believed to be innocent and was let go.
Weeks passed and live continued on. A corn husking event on nearby Point Pleasant Ridge brought together many folks, one of them being a man by the name of John Hindman. On his way home along Gamble’s Run, he saw a sight he would carry with him the rest of his life. A ghostly specter suddenly appeared in his path. The apparition stood eerily still and glared at him while stating plainly “I am John Gamble. I was murdered by Leb Mercer. Take him in and have justice done.” The form dissipated and soon Hindman was headed quickly back to town.
Leb was arrested and charged with 1st degree murder. The future looked dim for Leb until he finally found an attorney who convinced the court that the testimony of a ghost could not be entered into court evidence. Leb was free, but not completely. You see, Leb was seen wandering later around the streets of his new home in St. Mary’s. He often wandered aimlessly and muttered to himself as if he had lost his senses. Some say he was tortured by the ghost of the man he ruthlessly murdered and robbed.
Regardless, the incident at Gambles Run left its mark on many. The ghost of John Gamble was never seen again. Let us hope he rests in peace.
History tells us that John Gamble did indeed purchase several barrels as he had planned. He then stopped to see the Whitmore brothers on the trip home to see if they could cash a twenty dollar note that he had on his person. The brothers said that they could not as they did not have enough change on hand. A man by the name of Leb Mercer was also at the home and he mentioned to John that he still needed payment from him for the balance of two dollars regarding the calf that John had recently bought from him. Gamble mentioned that he had two hundred dollars on him but only in big bills and that perhaps Leb could stop by and see him later that week when he was home and had the correct change.
Gamble left the Whitmore home and continued his trip. As darkness fell, he made his way to the river and the small skiff he had left along the bank. Witnesses saw they saw him get in the boat. That was the last time he was seen alive. The next morning, witnesses say that they came across Leb Mercer soaking wet and the body of John Gamble murdered and robbed.
Gamble’s body was on the banks of the river he would soon lend his name to. His upturned boat sat nearby. No money was found. Suspicions ran as high as the river water but Leb had a pretty solid alibi as he had been seen at the Whitmore home the night before. He was questioned, believed to be innocent and was let go.
Weeks passed and live continued on. A corn husking event on nearby Point Pleasant Ridge brought together many folks, one of them being a man by the name of John Hindman. On his way home along Gamble’s Run, he saw a sight he would carry with him the rest of his life. A ghostly specter suddenly appeared in his path. The apparition stood eerily still and glared at him while stating plainly “I am John Gamble. I was murdered by Leb Mercer. Take him in and have justice done.” The form dissipated and soon Hindman was headed quickly back to town.
Leb was arrested and charged with 1st degree murder. The future looked dim for Leb until he finally found an attorney who convinced the court that the testimony of a ghost could not be entered into court evidence. Leb was free, but not completely. You see, Leb was seen wandering later around the streets of his new home in St. Mary’s. He often wandered aimlessly and muttered to himself as if he had lost his senses. Some say he was tortured by the ghost of the man he ruthlessly murdered and robbed.
Regardless, the incident at Gambles Run left its mark on many. The ghost of John Gamble was never seen again. Let us hope he rests in peace.
The White Wolf of French Creek
Upshur County WV
Dating back to pioneer days, Western Virginia has had more than its share of weird and unusual creatures seen in hollers, up in the mountains and deep in the green expanse of forests. One such unusual creature is the white werewolf -like creature that appears in folklore. This tale comes to us from Upshur County in the area of French Creek.
During the mid 1800′s there was an unusual sighting of a white creature that roamed around the outskirts of French Creek. Townspeople were frightened as the last wolf sighting had been quite a few years prior to the sighting of this albino colored animal.
One farmer said that the white beast had killed several of his sheep and escaped after being shot three times. Later in the same month, this phantom creature stalked the French Creek area and this time, was shot at very close range by his hunters. The wolf had succeeded in killing various farm animals and pets while evading death itself. People were beginning to whisper that the creature was a supernatural entity and feared that a human may fall victim to its gnashing fangs.
Bill Williams was a local in the French Creek area and had been a well known wolf hunter in earlier years when wolves dominated the countryside. He had killed hundreds of wolves in the past and became wealthy due to the bounties paid upon presentation of a wolf carcass. He had also sworn to never take up a rifle to kill a wolf again but his view was soon to change.
The wolf’s latest kill was one of Bill’s cows and Bill set out with his trusted rifle to track the murderous animal and put an end to the towns apprehension. Using a lamb tied to a stake in an area where he figured the wolf would attack, Bill waited in the darkness figuring a quick kill. The next morning, to the horror of local townspeople, Bill Williams, the great wolf hunter was found dead. The lamb was unharmed, alive and still tied to the wooden stake. Bill had suffered greatly and lay dead and cold.
Apparently, the corpse had been the victim of a grisly death. His neck had been ripped and mostly torn from the stiff body with no traces of blood, or paw tracks anywhere.
Many believed the White Wolf was a ghostly avenging entity that struck Bill down because he broke a vow to never hunt wolves again. Others believed the wolf was a demon of sorts, exacting death at will again and again. Across the state of West Virginia, white wolves continue to be seen again and again and always escape death or capture by simply seeming to disappear into the night air.
Elkins has also had its share of white wolf sightings. These sightings always occur on full moons, just like on television and in folklore. All attempts to catch or kill the white predator are in vain. The evasive carnivore returns full moon after full moon, filling its stomach with its prey time and time again.
As you sit outside on these beautiful West Virginia summer nights huddled next to the campfire, try not to think of the bloodthirsty white wolves that may be lurking just beyond the tree line. Or maybe you tend to roll your eyes at stories such as this? As the shadows around your campfire move to and fro, believer of this tale or not… better throw another log on the fire.
Upshur County WV
Dating back to pioneer days, Western Virginia has had more than its share of weird and unusual creatures seen in hollers, up in the mountains and deep in the green expanse of forests. One such unusual creature is the white werewolf -like creature that appears in folklore. This tale comes to us from Upshur County in the area of French Creek.
During the mid 1800′s there was an unusual sighting of a white creature that roamed around the outskirts of French Creek. Townspeople were frightened as the last wolf sighting had been quite a few years prior to the sighting of this albino colored animal.
One farmer said that the white beast had killed several of his sheep and escaped after being shot three times. Later in the same month, this phantom creature stalked the French Creek area and this time, was shot at very close range by his hunters. The wolf had succeeded in killing various farm animals and pets while evading death itself. People were beginning to whisper that the creature was a supernatural entity and feared that a human may fall victim to its gnashing fangs.
Bill Williams was a local in the French Creek area and had been a well known wolf hunter in earlier years when wolves dominated the countryside. He had killed hundreds of wolves in the past and became wealthy due to the bounties paid upon presentation of a wolf carcass. He had also sworn to never take up a rifle to kill a wolf again but his view was soon to change.
The wolf’s latest kill was one of Bill’s cows and Bill set out with his trusted rifle to track the murderous animal and put an end to the towns apprehension. Using a lamb tied to a stake in an area where he figured the wolf would attack, Bill waited in the darkness figuring a quick kill. The next morning, to the horror of local townspeople, Bill Williams, the great wolf hunter was found dead. The lamb was unharmed, alive and still tied to the wooden stake. Bill had suffered greatly and lay dead and cold.
Apparently, the corpse had been the victim of a grisly death. His neck had been ripped and mostly torn from the stiff body with no traces of blood, or paw tracks anywhere.
Many believed the White Wolf was a ghostly avenging entity that struck Bill down because he broke a vow to never hunt wolves again. Others believed the wolf was a demon of sorts, exacting death at will again and again. Across the state of West Virginia, white wolves continue to be seen again and again and always escape death or capture by simply seeming to disappear into the night air.
Elkins has also had its share of white wolf sightings. These sightings always occur on full moons, just like on television and in folklore. All attempts to catch or kill the white predator are in vain. The evasive carnivore returns full moon after full moon, filling its stomach with its prey time and time again.
As you sit outside on these beautiful West Virginia summer nights huddled next to the campfire, try not to think of the bloodthirsty white wolves that may be lurking just beyond the tree line. Or maybe you tend to roll your eyes at stories such as this? As the shadows around your campfire move to and fro, believer of this tale or not… better throw another log on the fire.
The Morris Massacre and the Peggy Apple
Nicholas County WV
The pioneers were a sturdy bunch. They had to be…they had no choice. Death, starvation and sickness were common. Fear of the Native American Indians caused many a sleepless night.
Henry Morris had married himself a young girl from Virginia. Mary Bird came from Bath County where she and her sister had been captured during an Indian raid. They lived seven years with their captors before escaping. Mary well knew the dangers of the pioneering live but none the less, followed Henry into what is now Nicholas County. To this union were born seven daughters and one son.
One fall day in 1790, a man appeared at the cabin appearing to be a friendly Indian. The man and Henry became friends and they spent the winter hunting together. In the spring of 1791, Henry made a solo trip to nearby Fort Clendenin where he spoke to others about his native friend back at Peters Creek. Some cautioned Henry that the stranger could be the renegade, Simon Girty. Girty was a dangerous man to be around and Henry knew this. He was told that Girty had a deep scar across the forehead and that he should look close for this telltale sign which would alert him to his dangerous house guest.
Henry returned home and upon arriving, grabbed his friend while pushing his long hair back from his face. Indeed, a scar was present and Henry realized the danger he had exposed his family to. Girty had murdered many men and when he was told to leave immediately he did so with great anger.
Things were peaceful enough for a few months after that. In the summer of 1791, Henry killed a bear and when he was walking back thru the forest. He noticed his dogs acting very strangely. He returned home and was asked by his wife if two of their daughters could go get the cows. The girls, Margaret (Peggy) and Betsy went up the path towards Conrad Young’s cabin. It was there that they met danger. Their parents heard the screams and within seconds, Henry had his gun and was making tracks.
He found Peggy lying in the path almost within sight of the cabin. She had been tomahawked and her back appeared broken. She died before he could get her back to the cabin and to her grieving mother. She named a “mysterious stranger” and two Indians as her assailants.
Henry hurried out to find Betsy and saw an Indian crossing the creek. He attempted to shoot but his gun failed to fire. Seeing nothing of Betsy and believing she had been carried away, he went back to the cabin. Peggy died after uttering “Father, I am killed.”
They found Betsy’s body scalped and thrown into the underbrush when day broke. A rude coffin was shaped from slab wood and the two little sisters were buried in a solo grave. Henry planted an apple tree where Peggy had fallen. Grafts from this tree in orchards of local neighbors preserved the “Peggy Apple” for many years to come.
Several years later while Henry visited Fort Clendenin, he saw some of his friends. Among them was an old Native American, who was heavily intoxicated and was bragging about the scalping of Peggy and Betsy. No one knows who this man was but legend says it could have been Simon Girty of one of his accomplices. After he left, Henry Morris followed into the darkness. A shot was heard and no one ever saw the old Indian again.
Henry Morris was the son of William Morris, the first permanent settler of the greater Kanawha County area of West Virginia.
Nicholas County WV
The pioneers were a sturdy bunch. They had to be…they had no choice. Death, starvation and sickness were common. Fear of the Native American Indians caused many a sleepless night.
Henry Morris had married himself a young girl from Virginia. Mary Bird came from Bath County where she and her sister had been captured during an Indian raid. They lived seven years with their captors before escaping. Mary well knew the dangers of the pioneering live but none the less, followed Henry into what is now Nicholas County. To this union were born seven daughters and one son.
One fall day in 1790, a man appeared at the cabin appearing to be a friendly Indian. The man and Henry became friends and they spent the winter hunting together. In the spring of 1791, Henry made a solo trip to nearby Fort Clendenin where he spoke to others about his native friend back at Peters Creek. Some cautioned Henry that the stranger could be the renegade, Simon Girty. Girty was a dangerous man to be around and Henry knew this. He was told that Girty had a deep scar across the forehead and that he should look close for this telltale sign which would alert him to his dangerous house guest.
Henry returned home and upon arriving, grabbed his friend while pushing his long hair back from his face. Indeed, a scar was present and Henry realized the danger he had exposed his family to. Girty had murdered many men and when he was told to leave immediately he did so with great anger.
Things were peaceful enough for a few months after that. In the summer of 1791, Henry killed a bear and when he was walking back thru the forest. He noticed his dogs acting very strangely. He returned home and was asked by his wife if two of their daughters could go get the cows. The girls, Margaret (Peggy) and Betsy went up the path towards Conrad Young’s cabin. It was there that they met danger. Their parents heard the screams and within seconds, Henry had his gun and was making tracks.
He found Peggy lying in the path almost within sight of the cabin. She had been tomahawked and her back appeared broken. She died before he could get her back to the cabin and to her grieving mother. She named a “mysterious stranger” and two Indians as her assailants.
Henry hurried out to find Betsy and saw an Indian crossing the creek. He attempted to shoot but his gun failed to fire. Seeing nothing of Betsy and believing she had been carried away, he went back to the cabin. Peggy died after uttering “Father, I am killed.”
They found Betsy’s body scalped and thrown into the underbrush when day broke. A rude coffin was shaped from slab wood and the two little sisters were buried in a solo grave. Henry planted an apple tree where Peggy had fallen. Grafts from this tree in orchards of local neighbors preserved the “Peggy Apple” for many years to come.
Several years later while Henry visited Fort Clendenin, he saw some of his friends. Among them was an old Native American, who was heavily intoxicated and was bragging about the scalping of Peggy and Betsy. No one knows who this man was but legend says it could have been Simon Girty of one of his accomplices. After he left, Henry Morris followed into the darkness. A shot was heard and no one ever saw the old Indian again.
Henry Morris was the son of William Morris, the first permanent settler of the greater Kanawha County area of West Virginia.
The grave of "Sis" Linn
The Spirit of Sis Linn
Gilmer County WV
In 1919, actor Charlie Chaplin ruled the motion picture market. The song “Forever Blowing Bubbles” was at the top of the American music charts and the average car cost just $525.00. The pop-up toaster had just been invented and crime rates everywhere were low. Life was good. Perhaps that is what made the violent murder of an innocent woman in a small town in West Virginia more horrifying.
Sarah Louisa Linn was born in Fairmont in 1853. Most called her “Sis”. She taught school at several locations in the state before marrying Mr. Chrisman in 1905 and at the matronly age of 52. It is not known why, but her husband abandoned her just six months later. The courts allowed her to take her maiden name back and it was well known that she had acquired a fairly large estate.
Sis lived in a house that is now part of the grounds of Glenville State College. In February of 1919, and by an attacker never found, she was beaten to death leaving the town reeling in horror at the violent act. She had been found in her bedroom with an old and bloody club nearby. No valuables were gone and no money had been taken. The assailant was never found. Sis Linn had become an cold case.
Several years later, her home was bought and was demolished to make way for the building of a new women’s dormitory. It was named after Verona Mapel. The hall was completed in 1926 and became home to 80 students. The building was later torn down in 1978.
Unusual occurrences have happened on campus and many speculate it may be the spirit of Sis Lin who is behind the acts. Most activity reported seems to be centered on Clark Hall and the site of the old Verona Maple Hall. Most activity experienced ranges from strange sounds to the old cemetery gates being left open for no reason. Many stories seemed to circulate by the time the 1970s rolled around with some tales making the schools newspaper, “The Mercury”. Individuals who came forward with stories included staff, students and faculty.
One professor stated that she had been in her office on a top floor before the school session started. She heard loud noises like people moving metal desks and throwing things around yet the noises seem to come from all over. She was totally alone. She thought “I wonder if this is Sis Linn?” and suddenly the sounds stopped.
Another incident was of a student working alone in the basement of Clark Hall. He heard loud noises coming from up above and when investigating he reached out to turn on the light switch and the lights came on even before he touched the switch. He ran to the top of the steps, and the lights went off casting him into darkness. He then looked down the hall and by the glow of the red exit sign he saw an object about the size of a small black bear. He noticed it looked as if it were swaying back and forth. The light suddenly came back on.
Other occurrences are in the form of hearing unexplained noises, feelings of being watched all alone and blinds moving when no one is near and no indoor breeze can be explained. One couple swear they saw a “dense gray mass” rise up from the cemetery grounds located behind Louis Bennett Hall.
The curiosities continue to happen on the campus. More recent reports surfaced again in 2010. Some say she is continuing to search for her murderer while others say she just wants attention.
If you drive through Glenville during the day, stop at the old cemetery were Sis is buried. Pay your respects, be sincere and say a prayer. Perhaps one day she will find eternal peace.
Gilmer County WV
In 1919, actor Charlie Chaplin ruled the motion picture market. The song “Forever Blowing Bubbles” was at the top of the American music charts and the average car cost just $525.00. The pop-up toaster had just been invented and crime rates everywhere were low. Life was good. Perhaps that is what made the violent murder of an innocent woman in a small town in West Virginia more horrifying.
Sarah Louisa Linn was born in Fairmont in 1853. Most called her “Sis”. She taught school at several locations in the state before marrying Mr. Chrisman in 1905 and at the matronly age of 52. It is not known why, but her husband abandoned her just six months later. The courts allowed her to take her maiden name back and it was well known that she had acquired a fairly large estate.
Sis lived in a house that is now part of the grounds of Glenville State College. In February of 1919, and by an attacker never found, she was beaten to death leaving the town reeling in horror at the violent act. She had been found in her bedroom with an old and bloody club nearby. No valuables were gone and no money had been taken. The assailant was never found. Sis Linn had become an cold case.
Several years later, her home was bought and was demolished to make way for the building of a new women’s dormitory. It was named after Verona Mapel. The hall was completed in 1926 and became home to 80 students. The building was later torn down in 1978.
Unusual occurrences have happened on campus and many speculate it may be the spirit of Sis Lin who is behind the acts. Most activity reported seems to be centered on Clark Hall and the site of the old Verona Maple Hall. Most activity experienced ranges from strange sounds to the old cemetery gates being left open for no reason. Many stories seemed to circulate by the time the 1970s rolled around with some tales making the schools newspaper, “The Mercury”. Individuals who came forward with stories included staff, students and faculty.
One professor stated that she had been in her office on a top floor before the school session started. She heard loud noises like people moving metal desks and throwing things around yet the noises seem to come from all over. She was totally alone. She thought “I wonder if this is Sis Linn?” and suddenly the sounds stopped.
Another incident was of a student working alone in the basement of Clark Hall. He heard loud noises coming from up above and when investigating he reached out to turn on the light switch and the lights came on even before he touched the switch. He ran to the top of the steps, and the lights went off casting him into darkness. He then looked down the hall and by the glow of the red exit sign he saw an object about the size of a small black bear. He noticed it looked as if it were swaying back and forth. The light suddenly came back on.
Other occurrences are in the form of hearing unexplained noises, feelings of being watched all alone and blinds moving when no one is near and no indoor breeze can be explained. One couple swear they saw a “dense gray mass” rise up from the cemetery grounds located behind Louis Bennett Hall.
The curiosities continue to happen on the campus. More recent reports surfaced again in 2010. Some say she is continuing to search for her murderer while others say she just wants attention.
If you drive through Glenville during the day, stop at the old cemetery were Sis is buried. Pay your respects, be sincere and say a prayer. Perhaps one day she will find eternal peace.
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