TALA Tales: An Escape Gone Wrong

The summer of 1891 was a summer of death for the Weston State Hospital, formerly known as the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. When four patients died from either suicide or violent accidents within a short amount of time, authorities finally decided to look into matters. Although the hospital was not found to be at fault, one can't help but to notice that if properly supervised, at least a few of these deaths would never have happened. In addition to William 'Frank' Cook, who scalded himself to death in a bathtub (see William Cook, Cooked Alive), Guenther Schnelle, who hanged himself from a bar in his room (blog upcoming), and an unnamed man who committed suicide, there is Abraham Haines. 

72-year-old Abraham Haines was originally from Wood County but made Ward 9 on the fourth floor of the asylum home, along with other patients deemed demented, but generally harmless. On the evening of July 14th, the ward attendant took a group of patients out for some fresh air. Abraham declined to join them, claiming he was feeling unwell. But, instead of taking to his bed to rest, Abraham used this time alone to attempt an escape.

He used a piece of flooring to break a window, and then tied together his bedclothes into a rope, which he had tied to a pipe. Unfortunately, Abraham had just started his descent when the makeshift rope broke. He fell to his death on the pavement below. Originally, no inquest was held.  According to his entry in the Lewis County death archives, he "jumped or fell from roof of building." 

On that summer day, Abraham Haines did 'escape' asylum life, but he wouldn't be able to escape Weston State Hospital for good. He was buried two days later in the hospital cemetery. 

The News Journal
Lancaster, PA
7 September 1891

West Virginia Argus
29 October 1891

TALA Tales: Too Much Fiddlin'

Bill Hensley, Mountain Fiddle Player
(NOT Insane)

My last several stories from the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum have focused on some interesting causes for admittance, based on the infamous info-graphic (found HERE). There are quite a few strange reasons why someone would find themselves as a patient at West Virginia's most infamous hospital for the mentally ill, but one reason I didn't find was: Too Much Fiddlin'.

Okay, actually too much fiddlin' IS one of the reasons, but in that case it had a different meaning! What we're talking about today is a man named James Conart from Wetzel County who went insane after getting a little too engaged in playing the actual fiddle at local dance. 

While playing the fiddle for a dance in Pine Grove during the summer of 1909, it is said that Conart suddenly became demented and had to be taken to the Wetzel County Jail at New Martinsville, where several days later, Justice Gordon deemed him insane and sentenced him to the state hospital at Weston (also known as the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum). But it wasn't just fiddle playing that seemed to agitate Conart's disordered thinking. The newspaper article about his incarceration also stated that he constantly asked anyone and everyone for some cider, but when it was brought to him in hopes of settling him down, he refused it.

Music absolutely has a way of affecting us in a variety of ways, and I can see where someone, already fragile, may become so obsessed with sawing the strings that their mind takes a temporary break from reality. However, I can't help but wonder if there was some other reason behind this man's condition. Did he see his sweetheart dancing with another at the dance? Was he already exhausted and stressed from other things going on in his life? Or was he just simply a mentally ill individual who finally snapped? Unfortunately, as of yet, I've been unable to find any follow-up on Conart and his condition, but as always, I hope it had a good outcome. 

Update September 2024: 

Thanks to an article from the Point Pleasant Register that I stumbled upon by complete accident, I was able to uncover some more information. James Conart is actually James Cozart, with a Z! According to that article, Cozart's affliction began due to his fiddle playing at a Fourth of July celebration. He began playing at 10am and went to midnight during Pine Grove's Independence Day celebration, and then kept it up for two more days. This was thought to have turned his mind, as he became violent.

With a correct spelling of his name, I was also able to find an unfortunate update to this story. James Cozart passed away on July 2, 1917 while still at the Weston State Hospital. He died of exhaustion from acute mania. He was only 45 years old. Ironically, he was taken on to Wetzel County and buried on July 4th. His mania began with the Fourth of July, and it ended on the same day, eight years later. 

Clarksburg Telegram
July 15, 1909

 

The Point Pleasant Register
21 July 1909

James Cozart's Death Certificate
WV State Archives

TALA TALES: Thomas Funk

Bathroom at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Source: Trip Advisor

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, also known as Weston State Hospital or Weston State Hospital for the Insane has a long and tragic history, with a reported ghost population that accurately reflects the violence, anger, sadness, and despair that were surely experienced within its walls over it's 100+ years in use. But, not every death that occurred in the building has a connected ghost story. I like to include these TALA Tales features on my blog to help spotlight some of the people who made the asylum home and possibly, spent their last moments there. You never know when you're going to get an EVP, spirit box, or some other type of communication from a previously un-named entity. Plus, I just like to share the stories of the everyday life at the asylum and give remembrance to those who can no longer speak for themselves. Today's story is a quick, but tragic snapshot into the death of Thomas M. Funk. 

According to a Find-a-Grave researcher, Thomas M Funk was born about 1863 to parents John Nathan Funk and Catherine Cassedy Funk. Thomas was from Preston County, living out at Buffalo, near Jones' Ridge. In his mid 30's, Thomas was single and, unfortunately, had a history with mental illness. Once before, he was committed to the Weston State Hospital and was treated. He was deemed cured, and sent home. However, it wouldn't be too long before his mind would again become agitated and was said to have become violent at times. On May 5, 1898, an article appeared in the West Virginia Argus newspaper that  Funk had been taken to Kingwood by Constables Fried Halbritter and John M. Devall and jailed there for insanity, to await transportation BACK to the Weston State Hospital. A week earlier, he had been arrested and committed by Justice John Carrico of Rowlesburg. 

Thomas was taken to Weston and became a resident of Ward 8. But, on August 11, 1898, tragedy would strike. Thomas would take his own life in the toilet room of the ward that afternoon. He looped a towel around his neck and apparently hanged himself from the towel rack. His body was still warm when found, but unfortunately, he could not be revived. As per custom, an investigation was held and it was deemed that Thomas did in fact take his own life, and no fault was to be found in regards to hospital staff or administration. He was buried in the hospital's on-site cemetery. It was said that he had no previous suicidal tendencies. 

It's an unhappy story, with an unhappy ending. However, this story and the fate of Thomas Funk are not unusual. The grand old building has seen a lot of death over the years, from illness to violence to suicide. The next time you're investigating or simply visiting the haunted and historic Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, take a moment to remember Thomas' story...and if you find yourself in the area of Ward 8's toilet room, maybe say hello. You might just get a response. 

Sources:

West Virginia Argus. 05 May 1898. Page 3

Martinsburg Independent. 20 August 1898. Page 3

The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer. 22 August 1898. Page 4

WV State Archives: Thomas Funk Death Certificate

Find-a-Grave

*If you or a loved one has thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, please dial the new Suicide Hotline at 988. It's free, available 24/7, and has plenty of caring people willing to talk or text with you.*

TALA Tales: The Tragedy of Karl Kunst

Superintendent's Office
WV Hospital for the Insane
Source: WV History on View

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Weston State Hospital. West Virginia Hospital for the Insane. Whatever name you choose to call it, West Virginia's massive hospital  building is no stranger to death and tragedy. However, the patients committed to its halls aren't the only ones at risk for being taken too soon. Sometimes the staff are at the heart of TALA's tragedies...and sometimes, it's the staff's FAMILY.

Around 8pm on November 2, 1904, G. Karl Kunst was found dead in his room at the State Hospital for the Insane. Upon hearing a gunshot, Kunst's parents, including his father, Dr. A.H. Kunst, superintendent of the hospital, rushed in. Karl was found fully dressed, lying on the side of his bed, dead from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the temple. He was 28 years old. 

Interestingly, while The Fairmont West Virginian, dated 03 November 1904 explicitly states the cause of death to be a suicide, it is recorded at the WV State Archives as being 'accidental'. Did Karl take his own life on purpose, or was the 'accidental' designation simply for the family's peace of mind and societal pressures?

At the time of his death, Karl was a Colonel on Governor White's staff, and well known and seemingly well-liked by many. He had served as First Lieutenant with the Second West Virginia Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War. In February of 1904, it was noted in local papers that Kunst, a strong Republican with many Democratic friends, would have made an excellent political candidate, and could run for public office that year, although it doesn't appear he did. But, Karl was no stranger to tragedy.

On Christmas Day, 1889, Karl, who would have been about 14 years old at the time, joined several other boys for some target practice in West Weston. In a tragic accident, the gun Karl was holding discharged, striking four year old Guy Davis in the head. The little boy miraculously held on a full day before succumbing to his injuries. Guy was the son of Henry M.L. Davis, farmer for the WV Hospital for the Insane. Karl was described by the WV Argus, 09 January 1890 edition as being "prostrated from the effects of this sad accident." Assuredly, it was a dark day for people of Weston, and especially the families associated with this tragedy. 

No one really knows for sure what victims of suicide are ever really thinking leading up to their decision to end their lives.  In Karl's case, it could have been lingering guilt from his involvement in a young boy's death. It could have been PTSD from his service in the war. It could have been anything or nothing. It's sadly ironic, however, that Karl's own father was the superintendent for the state hospital AND he lived on-site of the facility, yet was unable to get the mental health treatment needed to prevent this tragedy. 

*A new suicide prevention lifeline rolls out on July 16, 2022. Call or text 988 to be put in contact with trained counselors to help you or a loved one through a tough situation.*

Want more information on the everyday lives (and deaths) of the patients of Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum? Check out my collection of posts, linked below:

COLLECTIONS: TRANS-ALLEGHENY LUNATIC ASYLUM

The Fairmont West Virginian
03 November 1904

WV Argus
09 January 1890

TALA Tales: Annie All Alone

Ladies' Ward at
Weston State Hospital

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, formerly known as Weston State Hospital, is one of West Virginia's most haunted locations. Each year, hundreds of people ascend upon the massive stone Kirkbride building in hopes of experiencing one of the many ghosts believed to still walk the hospital halls. Every once in awhile, I like to bring in a human element by spotlighting the story of an actual patient committed to the institution. With a history dating back before the Civil War, there are plenty of souls with stories to tell. Although not everyone featured in TALA Tales has a known ghost story associated with them, I still feel like it is important to share their background. Not only does doing so give investigators and students of history a clearer look at everyday life in the hospital, but you never know when an EVP or other response will reveal a name not previously well-known to the building's ghost lore. So, without further ado, here is Annie's story:

 

On August 22, 1917, Deputy Sheriff Phil Bachman of Wheeling, WV published a plea to the public in the local newspaper, the Wheeling Intelligencer. He had recently received a letter from the administration of the Weston State Hospital. One of the patients, an elderly lady by the name of Annie Bogart, was critically ill and not expected to live much longer. Annie had been a patient at the Weston State Hospital for 35 years, and staff was desperately trying to reach out to any remaining family members who might still be living in the Wheeling area. Bachman even suggested that the name might be 'Bogard' instead of 'Bogart.'

As of this writing, not much is known about Annie. Her name appears in an article from the (Wheeling) Daily Register on November 17, 1882.  That article simply states that Dr. Bland, superintendent of  Weston State, was picking Annie up to transport her to the Weston State Hospital after waiting for such a transfer in the county jail since September 13th. Dr. Bland would also be transporting 2-3 other patients from other counties. No further articles could be found on file indicating why Annie was being held in the county jail, nor why she needed to be treated at the Weston State Hospital. 

Unfortunately, it doesn't appear as if any family or friends were ever located, or at least, none chose to come forward. Annie passed away at the Weston State Hospital on December 17, 1917 and was buried in the hospital cemetery, an act usually reserved for those whose bodies remained unclaimed. Her death certificate doesn't really shed any more light on who Annie was. It simply states that she was a 73 year old single, white female who died from "exhaustion from terminal dementia." There was no mention of parents, location of birth, or any other identifying characteristics. 

Sadly, Annie's story is not unique. In 1882, a woman could be confined to an asylum for pretty much no  reason at all. (Check out this blog post listing reasons why patients were admitted to TALA between 1864 and 1889!) Women had very few rights and could be admitted indefinitely simply if her husband, father, or even brother decided she needed to be. It's heartbreaking to think that Annie spent 35 years alone, and didn't even have anyone willing to come claim her body when she passed. By adding Annie's story to TALA Tales, I hope that even if she was forgotten in life, she'll never again be forgotten, even in death. Keep her in mind as you're investigating the ward that used to house the elderly female patients. Perhaps Annie is still around, just waiting for the right person to share her story with. 

Want MORE TALA Tales?

Sonny's Story

Ivan's Story