The Telltale Lilac Bush and Other West Virginia Ghost Tales

2. Wives Who Return

2 Wives Who Return MOST GHOST WIVES were in life mistreated, sometimes murdered, women, and their return is usually prompted by a desire to revenge themselves upon their former spouses. Two of the stories here, as well as others included in different sections, have examples of this kind of ghost. A third story is more a reenactment, as though the wife were conscious that she had in a way deserved punishment and she is merely repeating the circumstances of her death. Another story contains a kindly ghost; although the woman suffered to the point of ultimate despair, yet her manifestation guides her husband to safety and is responsible for his reform. West Virginia's most publicized wife murderer, Harry Powers, who married women and killed them for their money, seems, however, to have brought forth comparatively few ghosts. Although there have been strange noises 11 reported from his farm, Quiet Dell, I have received only four accounts of actual ghosts there, so far. 8. The Telltale Lilac Bush AN OLD MAN and woman once lived by themselves along the Tygart Valley River. There had been trouble between them for many years. Few people visited them, and it was not immediately noticed that the wife had unaccountably disappeared. People suspected that the old man had killed her, but her body could not be found, and the question was dropped. The old man lived a gay life after his wife's disappearance , until one night when a group of young men were sitting on his porch, talking of all the parties which the old man was giving. While they were talking, a large lilac bush growing nearby began beating on the windowpane and beckoning towards them as though it were trying to tell them something. No one would have thought anything of this if the wind had been blowing. But there was no wind-not even a small breeze. Paying no attention to the old man's protests, the young men dug up the lilac bush. They were stunned when the roots were found to be growing from the palm of a woman's hand. The old man screamed and ran down the hill towards the river, never to be seen again. 9. The Chain EZRA GORDON was a hard-working carpenter, slightly eccentric , thrifty, and religious. Until his recent marriage to Sarah Garlow, he had seemed a confirmed bachelor. There 12 was considerable gossip about the marriage, and it was generally agreed that Sarah had married Ezra for his money. Ezra built a house for his bride on five acres of ground he had owned for several years. All went well for a few months, but Sarah soon tired of the house, and living in the country irked her. About that time oil companies began extensive drilling operations in the area and Brooksville became their headquarters . It rapidly changed from a sleepy village into a boomtown, with all the evils of fast growth and excess money. The change had little effect upon Ezra Gordon. His services were always in demand and he had all the work he could handle. Such was not the case with Sarah. The gay life of the town had a special lure for her, and she made frequent trips, often returning home late at night. It was whispered that she had been seen in the company of other men, so it came as no surprise when Ezra reported that Sarah had run off with an oilfield supply salesman. Ezra then quickly settled his business, sold his house to Joe and Mary Blake, withdrew his money from the hank, and disappeared, leaving all who knew him feeling sorry for him. Joe and Mary Blake felt sorry for him too, but their sorrow was overshadowed by their pleasure in acquiring his house. They had bought it at a bargain price, and it was just what they wanted. The day they moved in, they worked all day long setting up furniture, cleaning, polishing, and making plans.' Sleep came quickly that first night, since they were tired and worn out from moving. At about midnight, however, they were awakened by the sound of a dragging chain, but when Joe went to see what it was, he found nothing at all, although he looked everywhere. The following night, the sound was repeated. At midnight , the clock struck twelve clear, deliberate notes. Mary 14 [3.145.47.253] Project MUSE (2024...