TALA Tales: Dean Metheny

Find-a-Grave
Photo by Elaine Everitt

Whether there for an overnight investigation, or just a paranormal tour, visitors to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, WV are inundated with tragic tales of the patients who once called the old hospital home. Many believe that quite a few of those patients remain there to this day, and guides share their stories, as well as possible interactions with them in the spirit realm. One particular haunting that leaves an impression on all who hear of it, is the ghost of Dean Metheny and his tormentors. 

Dean Metheny was born October 20, 1937 to parents Pauletta and Lewis Metheny. Unfortunately, Dean would suffer developmental delays. Those who knew him described him as very sweet and child-like. For the most part, he was a docile, happy guy...until he wasn't. Dean was prone to violent outbursts, most likely an expression of frustration brought on by not being able to clearly communicate his needs and wants to those around him. 

As a grown man, it would have been increasingly difficult for aging parents to not only control these violent outbursts, but provide adequate treatment and care for his condition. It was decided that the best place for him to be was in a state institution, which in this case was the Weston State Hospital. 

In September of 1987, Dean was just a month away from celebrating his 50th birthday. Due to his violent outbursts, he was assigned to Ward F, along with some of the more violent patients at the hospital. It is said that on the day in question, Dean spent time coloring with a nurse, before being sent to a seclusion dorm. Secluded, it was not, however. In the room with him were David Michael Mason (25 years old) and James Woods (30 years old). Annoyed by Dean's child-like demeanor, the two men decided to make him be quiet. They wrapped a bedsheet around his neck and strung him up over a pipe in the room. There they kept him until he lost consciousness. Then, they took him down, let him regain consciousness....and then they did it again. This went on for several sessions before the two men either got bored, tired, or scared they were going to get in trouble. 

To put an end to their games, one of them held Dean's head down and positioned one of the legs of the metal-framed bed over his head. The other man then jumped up and down on the bed, piercing Dean's skull and killing him. On one of my visits to the asylum, a tour guide said that when asked why they had killed him, Mason and Woods claimed that they didn't kill him---a ghost did. I'm not sure if this was actually the case, because I can't currently find any other mention of that story. It may be something confused with an 1877 murder at the asylum where a patient killed his roommate and then claimed that God had made him do it (see article HERE). 

Dean's body was taken home to his family, and he was buried in the Shady Grove Cemetery in Bruceton Mills. His killers, already institutionalized for violent crimes, didn't really suffer any consequences for taking a life. In fact, Mason would go on to be involved in the death of ANOTHER patient several years later. In 1992, Mason beat up George Bodie, who died shortly after. It was ruled that even though he died of a heart attack, it was a result of the interaction with Mason. (See article HERE)

TALA 2017

Today, ghost hunters have claimed that the quiet, shy ghost of Dean likes to interact them in the area of his death, which was ironically fairly close to the nurse's station. Dean, who was believed to be mute (possibly deaf/mute) enjoys communicating in ways he wasn't able to in life, by using devices such as flashlights and the Ovilus. Some visitors have even felt a gentle hug in what is known as 'Dean's Room.' But witnesses have often reported that not long after making contact with Dean, at least one (and sometimes two) shadowy male figures will show up. These shadow beings produce a feeling of nausea and uneasiness to many who witness them, and it is reported that there is a considerable mood shift. This is when Dean tends to quiet down and disappear, prompting many to believe that the shadows, which didn't show up until AFTER Mason's death off-site, are the spirits of his tormentors. 

Theresa's Note: For years, I've put off sharing this particular story out of respect for both living family members/parties involved, and because I never actually LIKE to share tragedies. As a paranormal researcher/investigator, I have a lot of conflicting feelings about sharing stories like this. On one hand, I don't want to exploit the tragic nature of death and suffering for the sake of a good ghost story. But on the other hand, since these stories ARE a part of history and ARE a piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding why locations are haunted, I feel like it's important to share them as accurately as possible, giving a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves. 

Interestingly, the sources that I remember being available on this specific case are almost impossible for me to find now. I can't even find any relevant newspaper articles on my archive services of choice. Sometime in the near future, I plan on going to check out the microfiche collection at the library, so if I find anything of note, I'll update then. And, if you do get the opportunity to investigate this fascinating location, maybe take along some crayons and paper and take a few minutes to color with Dean. Speak gently to him and listen for him to communicate back in his unique way. Hopefully, he'll one day finally find the peace and safety he deserved, but was so tragically denied. 

Want MORE TALA Tales?

The Death of George Dorsey

Weston State Hospital, aka Trans-Allegheny 
Lunatic Asylum, 1908
Source: RootsWeb

TALA Tales: A Collection of Articles from the Weston State Hospital

"Where there's a will, there's a way." That old adage is one I've heard all my life and is usually meant as a pep talk. You can do anything you put your mind to, if you just try hard enough. Such a positive message...except when it comes to the will to commit certain acts. Today's blog is another unfortunate tale from the Weston State Hospital, currently known as the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. A young man, despite receiving treatment for his melancholia and suicidal threats was able to secure the means to end his own life.

George Dorsey, born around October of 1886, was the son of Wilbur and Amelia Dorsey. The Dorseys, despite being a prominent family in the Morgantown area, had divorced several years prior. George was living with his mother in Monongalia County, while his father resided in Pennsylvania. 

It is said that George was always a rather despondent, melancholy person, who had often made threats to end his own life. His condition became so bad, that it was decided that it would be in his best interest to be admitted to the state hospital in Weston. He was only 21 years old. 

Dorsey's Grave in Oak Grove Cemetery
Photo by Find-a-Grave
contributor, Rhonda 

It's unclear just how long George resided at the state hospital, but it was clear that whatever treatment he was receiving wasn't working. George had planned on taking his own life by drinking two bottles of ink he had gotten ahold of...but fate would intervene. One day, George was poking around the room of an attendant at the hospital and found a shot gun. Hidden in a trunk was the cartridge.

George decided this would be a much surer way to end it all than drinking ink, so he loaded the gun, held the barrel to his chest, and pulled the trigger. The bullet went just south of his heart, initially sparing his life. He was conscious, talking, and expected to survive his wounds. But again, fate would intervene. On September 21, 1908, George Dorsey died of a hemorrhage. His mother and brother came to collect his body and bring it home for burial. He is interred in the family plot at Oak Grove Cemetery in Morgantown. 

George Dorsey, despite having his whole life ahead of him, and a good family name to back him up, was determined that he should not be long for this world. In 1908, there really weren't any good treatment options for those suffering so severely from depression.  Overcrowding and lack of attendants had also been an issue at the asylum for a long time, but this was a tragedy that seems like it could have so easily been prevented with proper safety and security protocols. But, George also had a backup plan with the ink, and if that didn't work, would have surely found another way. One can only hope that George is finally at peace, a peace not afforded to him during his brief time on earth. 

The Daily Telegram (Clarksburg, WV)
17 September 1908

The Daily Telegram (Clarksburg, WV)
22 September 1908

George Dorsey Death Register
Note: Last name listed as 'Daisy'
Source: WV Vital Statistics

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: The Strange Death of George Elkins

Source: WV History on View

Friday, July 3rd, 1896 started out as a nice summer day for George W. Elkins. Despite being a patient at the Weston State Hospital, he was considered a "better class of patient," suffering not from insanity, but epileptic seizures. He had gone to town that afternoon to do some shopping at the local stores, and even got a negative made for some photographs. 

However, presumably upon returning to the hospital later that afternoon, something happened. George Elkins was found dead, lying face down in a bed of mortar. It was assumed that George had an epileptic fit, but unfortunately, no one saw the accident, and he was not found until he was already deceased. His official cause of death in the Lewis County registry is asphyxia. George Elkins was only 22 years old at the time of his death, and according to a Find-a-Grave entry for the young man, he was buried in the hospital cemetery. 

I haven't been able to track down much more about George Elkins, unfortunately. In a newspaper article from the Wheeling Daily Register that erroneously states that Elkins died at the state hospital in Spencer (debunked by the listing in the Lewis County death registry), Elkins is said to have been from Kanawha County (although his death registry and Find-a-Grave listing note he was born in Pennsylvania). 

If that's true, ANOTHER newspaper article I found may give some insight into George's medical condition. In November of 1895, the Shepherdstown Register ran a short blurb about a George Elkins from outside of Charleston who had fallen off a high porch and broken his neck. Although his injuries were severe, he was expected to survive. If this is our same George Elkins, is it possible that his fall off the porch was the result of another epileptic seizure...or did the potential head injuries sustained in that fall lead to his development of a seizure disorder?

Collections: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

The Clarksburg Telegram
24 July 1896

Lewis County Death Registry
Entry for George Elkins 1896

The (Wheeling) Daily Register
14 July 1896

Shepherdstown Register
28 November 1895

TALA Tales: William Cook--Cooked Alive

Photo by Donnie Nunley
Source: Only in Your State

The summer of 1891 was pretty rough for the Weston State Hospital, also known as the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Over the course of two months, four patients died tragically by their own hand, either through suicide or accident. I'll discuss those other patient tragedies in upcoming blogs, but for today's story, I wanted to discuss the horrific fate of William T. "Frank" Cook. 

Cook was a thirty-seven year old cigar maker from Wood County, WV who had been admitted to his second stay at the hospital on August 15, 1890. After being released the first time, he spent a few months at home before once again becoming erratic, and needing treatment. Generally known as being from a good family and being a calm and inoffensive patient, it's probably safe to say that in an overcrowded hospital, Cook was most likely not watched super closely...at least not as closely as some of his fellow patients on Ward 3. 

On Saturday, August 22, 1891, Cook was suffering from diarrhea associated with dysentery, and had become quite weak. After he had accidentally soiled himself, instead of waiting for the help of a nurse or other staff member, Cook entered the bathroom and drew his own bath. After climbing into the tub of water, it was found to be scalding hot. Too weak of mind and/or body to remove himself from the scalding water, Cook remained in the tub until, as the sensationalized headlines of the time reported, he cooked himself alive.  

Around 5pm a staff member finally entered the bathroom and found Cook in a horrific state. It is noted that when he was removed from the water, his flesh literally fell off, leaving exposed skeleton. One would imagine the shock associated with such injuries would result in a quick death, but Cook would cling to life until the next day. He died on Sunday, August 23 and was buried in the hospital cemetery. 

GHOST ALERT!

Cook is believed to be one of the spirits still haunting the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. According to the Miami Ghost Chronicles, he has been known to communicate on Ward 5 (2nd floor) by turning flashlights on and off in response to questions. His spirit has also been witnessed on Ward 3 (third floor) in and around the bathroom where his accident occurred. He makes himself known through loud bangs, dragging noises, and the sound of footsteps moving through water. 

More stories from the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum can be found at my page:

Collections: The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer 
28 August 1891

The Courier (Waterloo, IA)
29 August 1891

West Virginia Argus
29 October 1891

TALA Tales: J.G. Whitten

Source: WV History on View

In my quest to document the lives (and deaths) of the men and women who called Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum home, today's blog is about the unfortunate end of John G. Whitten, a 52 year old man from Monroe County who managed to escape the hospital...but not with his life.

On March 13, 1890, Whitten was admitted as a patient to the asylum in Weston, but it wouldn't take him long to realize that institution life was not for him. After only six weeks, John managed to escape on April 26th. A search was implemented, and he was tracked three miles away from the asylum, where evidence was uncovered that he had had help crossing the river. From there, the trail ran cold, and the search was abandoned. 

A month later, on May 27th, Mrs. Joseph Markley and her young son were out harvesting ginseng in the woods near the William Propst Farm. They came across a horrific sight; a man's body lying beside a large log. Alerting the officials, Coroner Conelly, accompanied by two officials from the asylum went out to the location, which was in the neighborhood of where Whitten was last seen. They arrived at about 9:30am. 

The body was severely decomposed. The head had separated from the shoulders, the hair and beard had detached, and what little flesh remained was black and rotting. However, Whitten was able to be identified due to the fact that his name was written on his shirt. Because the decomposition was so advanced, it was suggested that Whitten be buried where he lay, but the asylum Superintendent insisted that he be brought back to the hospital and buried in the patient cemetery.

Following the discovery, an inquest was held, and it was presumed that Whitten had been dead for three weeks and had died from starvation and exposure. The hospital was found not to be at fault, as all efforts had been made to find him. It was noted that the area in which he found was high up a mountain and in dense woods. That fact alone makes it remarkable that his body wasn't in worse condition than it was, and that he was found at all. Those circumstances also kind of remind me of modern Missing 411 cases. How did Whitten get up the mountain? Why didn't he seek help at the nearby Propst farm, unless he had planned on dying? Why didn't the local wildlife do more damage? Did the hospital REALLY thoroughly search his last known area?

These are questions that will never have answers, and unfortunately J.G. Whitten has become just one of many tragedies associated with the old hospital in Weston. If you would like to learn more about the tragic (and haunted) history of the former Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, please see my page:

Collections: The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

West Virginia Argus
05 June 1890

Entry for Lewis County's
Death Registry

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

'Crazy on Religion'

Weston State Hospital, 1892
Source: WV History on View

In my last blog, I brought up a list of reasons why one may have been admitted to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in the 1800s. While 'superstition' was the focus of the story of Mrs. Callahan, today's tale is inspired by another 'condition' listed: Religious Excitement.

According to the 21 April 1892 edition of The Buckeye (a newspaper from Troy, Ohio), Miss Rose Hardy was the engaged daughter of a wealthy and well-respected citizen near Parkersburg, West Virginia. Some time before her wedding, however, Miss Hardy attended a series of religious meetings, that for whatever reason, left her 'insane.' 

She went missing from her home, and after a few days, was found in the woods, suffering from exposure. After being formally adjudged insane by the court, she was admitted to the Weston Asylum, also known as the Weston State Hospital or Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. 

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any further information on Miss Rose Hardy. However, I hope that she was able to overcome her condition, and go on to happily marry and live a full life outside of the asylum walls. It does make ya wonder, though...what exactly broke in her mind to cause this condition, and what exactly was going on at these religious meetings that would lead to a young woman losing her mind??

*I've got a few more upcoming blogs about the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, many that will focus on the alleged ghosts who haunt this fascinating and spooky old building. Until then, check out my page, TALA TALES, for many more blogs on this topic!*

Gypsy Curse Sends Woman to Weston Asylum

Female Patients on Ward B
Weston State Hospital 1924
Source: WV History on View

A few years ago, a compiled list of outlandish reasons why patients were sent for treatment at the Weston State Hospital (Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum) in the 1800s was making its rounds on social media. Many were shocked to see reasons such as 'novel reading,' asthma, and laziness being enough to have someone locked away.  Among the causes of insanity listed was 'superstition,' and just recently, I ran across a story that seems to illustrate this example.

In the autumn of 1897, Mary Susan Callahan was at her home on the Charles Miller farm, just outside of Shepherdstown. Nearby, a group of 'gypsies' had set up camp. One day, a gypsy woman approached the Callahan home, asking to come in and tell fortunes. Mrs. Callahan met her at the door and told her to go away. The gypsy woman obliged, but as she was walking away, she suddenly turned around and matter-of-factly told Mrs. Callahan that her husband would be dead within two months.

It's unclear whether this statement was intended to be a curse, a warning, or simply a prediction of future events. Either way, those words uttered by that unknown gypsy woman in 1897 would have dire consequences for Mrs. Callahan, and...depending on what you believe, Mr. Callahan as well. Because, you see...the prediction came true.

About a month later, Thomas Callahan, Jr. would be stricken ill. For over three weeks, he languished with what various news articles reporting on his condition would label as typhoid-pneumonia, pneumonia, or inflammatory bowels. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to recover from his illness(es) and he passed away on Sunday, December 5, 1897 at the age of 47. The obituary listed his cause of death as pneumonia, although for whatever reason, the vital statistics registry has him dying of 'heart disease.' 

Thomas was buried in the Elmwood Cemetery with members of the Cliff City Lodge Shield of Honor in attendance. In addition to Mary, Thomas was survived by several siblings, both of his parents, and two sons. But, just as Thomas was unable to recover from his illness, Mary was never able to recover from both the shock of losing her husband and the persistent idea that she was responsible for his death for refusing the gypsy woman entry into the home. 

This idea that Thomas' death could have been prevented if only she hadn't turned the woman away ate away at Mary over the next year. She quickly descended into insanity and even became violent and uncontrollable. Things deteriorated to the point where finally, in May of 1899, Mary was sentenced by Justice Moorehead Miller to be admitted to the Weston Asylum. 

Whether WE believe that gypsy curses are real and that this one caused the death of a man is a moot point. What's important is that MARY held onto that belief to the point where it drove her mad. It's a horribly sad case and I hope that in her lifetime, Mary was able to realize that Thomas' death was not her fault. 

*Did you enjoy this story? If so, you might be interested in my blog, 'Bewitched Man Adjudged Insane.' It seems like Mary wasn't the only person who was committed to a state institution here in West Virginia for holding on to a superstitious belief!*

Also, check out my collection of stories from the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum!

TALA Tales

Shepherdstown Register
25 May 1899

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.*

Wild Man of Weston

 

From The Daily Telegram (Clarksburg, WV)

March 14, 1903

Source: Chronicling America

Somewhat by accident, I stumbled upon quite a few stories of wild men running amok through the hills of West Virginia recently. Up until now, I haven't really featured these stories too often here at Theresa's Haunted History of the Tri-State. Sure, I love a good monster story and my heart skips a beat when I find tales that mirror early reports of Bigfoot-type creatures in our area. However, I've kinda shied away from the wild man tales that are obviously modern humans who, for whatever reason, have shunned the norms of everyday society. These men, whether they're just loners, or mentally ill, as supposed in the story above, just didn't fit the mold I was going for.

But, the more I come across such tales, the more I realize that they're a unique part of our state's folklore and history as well. And, if they were important enough to be written about in newspapers at the time, they're surely important enough to find a cozy lil' spot here on my blog. So, until I run out of tales to share, Wednesdays will be Wild Men Wednesdays here at Theresa's Haunted History. Stay weird, stay spooky, stay wild. 

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

The Murder of John Rose at the West Virginia Hospital for the Insane

 

West Virginia State Hospital 
for the Insane-Weston, WV
July 10, 1884
Source: WV History on View

On October 7, 1881, what started as a normal Friday night at the West Virginia Hospital for the Insane at Weston (now known as the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum) would turn deadly for one inmate. Blaine Starry, an inmate from Jefferson County, WV, was in his room for the night---Room No. 6, to be precise. He was alone, but his room was separated from another patient room by means of a mere flimsy partition that didn't even reach the ceiling. In the adjoining room were John Rose and an unnamed roommate. John Rose, described as an inoffensive elderly gentleman, was from Point Pleasant. 

For whatever reason, Starry, in possession of what one newspaper article called a 'club,' climbed over the low partition into Rose's room and beat the man to death. He severely wounded the roommate as well before guards could subdue him. Starry was said to be a powerful man, wielding his weapon with terrific force, so I can imagine how violent and brutal the death of Mr. Rose truly was. And, unfortunately, it would become just one in a string of brutal killings committed by asylum patients against their fellow inmates.  And, like, so many other deaths of this nature, may have been preventable---at least in the eyes of one citizen from Wheeling, WV.

Going by just the name 'W.,' a gentleman wrote several letters to the editor of the local Wheeling Daily Register newspaper about the incident. He states that although the murder was discussed freely around the town of Weston the next morning, the local papers didn't cover it. Even the Wheeling paper failed to mention the rumors of a coroner's jury. Would this tragic death simply be played off as just an unfortunate accident, or would someone be to blame for Rose's demise?

Obviously, if the events took place as described, then Starry would obviously be guilty of the crime, but could the administration and staff at the hospital helped prevent it? It seems likely, as W. goes on to mention the rooms the male patients were in were both too small AND the partitions, being designed for the female patients, were too low. Was there neglect on part of the current superintendent? Perhaps. 

Back in April of that same year, a board had voted to replace Dr. Camden, long time superintendent of the asylum with a new, inexperienced doctor named Dr. W.J. Bland. This decision was apparently upsetting to, well, just about everyone. It is said the patients, upon hearing the news, screamed and cried and carried on. The general public was outraged as well, and sent in letters of support, petitions, and prayers in order to keep Dr. Camden instated. But, on May 15th, 1881, Dr. Camden was out and Dr. Bland was in, without any reason ever being given as to why the switch was made. 

The mysterious W. of the editorial mentions that there's no way that the new superintendent could know what was going on with the patients. Unlike Dr. Camden who made it a point to walk the wards multiple times a day and speak with the patients, Dr. Bland maybe visited the wards once every 2 to 3 WEEKS. He also failed to keep up correspondence with friends and family of the patients, missing out on valuable insight into their behavior and state of mind. Also...just where were all the funds set aside for the improvement of the hospital going exactly?

These are all fair concerns and questions, and so many years later, we'll probably never know the full truth. Unfortunately, I could not find any death certificates or any additional information at all on John Rose.  I was able to finally track down Blaine Starry in the WV Vital Statistics Death Certificates database. It seems as if Mr. Starry passed away from unknown causes at the asylum on February 6, 1891. He was 44 years old, and had been diagnosed with 'insanity' since he was a teenager. He was buried in the hospital cemetery. 

Want MORE tales from the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum? Check out my page:

Collections: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Sources:

The Weekly Register (:Point Pleasant, WV). 13 April 1881. Page 2

South Branch Intelligencer (Romney, WV). 21 October 1881. Page 4

The Daily Register (Wheeling, WV). 12 October 1881. Page 1

The Daily Register (Wheeling, WV). 19 October 1881. Page 1

The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer. 12 October 1881. Page 4

Starry, Blaine. Register of Deaths for Lewis County. WV Vital Statistics Database

Collections: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Today's blog post is a result of a request for information. When a friend contacted me about some information regarding the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, WV, I decided the easiest way to share my writings on the subject would just be to compile them all together, in one place. But something odd kinda struck me as I was doing so. You see, although the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is often credited as being one of the most haunted locations in West Virginia, if not the country, as of today, I have actually written very little about the many documented ghost stories and suspected encounters with the paranormal!

Rather, I've chosen to highlight some of the more forgotten stories from the asylum, from interesting inmate stories, to tragic murders not currently associated with any hauntings. Part of this is because I feel like so much has already been written about the ghosts of the former Weston State Hospital. The Miami Ghost Chronicles is an awesome website that I reference often when it comes to TALA hauntings, and Sherri Brake's massive book, The Haunted History of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, is a wealth of information. So, I feel like that aspect has been covered pretty thoroughly already. What has received far less attention is just the normal, day-to-day glimpses into asylum life, and those who died tragically but have largely been forgotten in time.

I promise that in the future, I will post more stories about the actual ghosts who haunt the halls of the old hospital. But until then, if you find yourself making a visit to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, take a look at some of the stories below. You never know if some of the people mentioned here are still sticking around, waiting for the right person to tell their story to. Happy Haunting! 

1. Reasons for Being Admitted to an 1800's Asylum: This list of reasons why patients were admitted to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Weston State Hospital between 1864 and 1899 is pretty scary. Examples such as uterine derangement, novel reading, and time of life make it easy to see how an 'unwanted' woman could easily be committed by her father, her husband, or even a brother and locked away for however long they wanted her gone. I also go into a short explanation of how diagnoses worked at the time, explaining some of the more...interesting...reasons for committal. 

2. The Legend of Lilly: A TALA Ghost Story: Who is Lilly, the first little girl of the Trans-Allegheny to make herself know to staff members? She was first spotted back when the hospital was running a Halloween haunted house attraction and has quickly become a favorite spook of paranormal investigators. Was she the child of a patient, or a patient herself?

3. Suspicious Deaths at the Weston State Hospital (1992): In September of 1992, the Weston State Hospital reported two patient deaths that made the newspaper. George Edward Bodie was murdered by another patient (who was involved in a previous murder at the hospital) and Brian Scott Bee's badly decomposed body was discovered, believed to have been a victim of suicide. 

4. TALA Tales: Sonny's Story: In 1975, William P. Hall, otherwise known as Sonny, was set on fire by another inmate while the two and several other men were locked into an enclosed balcony area. Sonny passed from his injuries and his father was able to successfully sue the hospital. 

5. TALA Tales: The Tragic Case of Ivan Hoover: Ivan Hoover was a troubled young man who had suffered a tragic accident, leaving him mentally delayed. When he decided that his aging parents could no longer care for him, he killed them, and attempted to head South to find a job, but was found by law enforcement and sentenced back to the asylum. He made several escapes, but always found himself back in the institution until later in life when he was presumably released into the care of his brother.

6. Forgotten Murder at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum: In 1963, Muriel Creamer was killed by another patient, Wanda Janes. Janes freely admitted to strangling Mrs. Creamer because she had made improper advances against her. 

7. 1877 Murder at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum: A local newspaper reported in 1877 that a patient at the hospital had been murdered by another patient. The unlucky fellow had been beaten to death with a bed slat. The perpetrator had no history of homicidal tendencies, but claimed that God had told him to do it. 

8. TALA Tales: Annie All Alone: In 1917, the sheriff of Wheeling received a request for help from the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. They were looking for any living friends or relatives of a lady named Annie Bogart, who had been at the asylum for over 35 years and was now gravely ill. No one ever came forward, and Annie died alone, then was buried in the hospital cemetery. 

9. Madness and Mistaken Identity at the Weston State Hospital: In 1931, hospital officials notified Mrs. Amanda Kurl that her brother, George Marzic, had died. He had been admitted two years prior. However, in 1936, a recently lucid patient now claimed that HE was George Marzic...and the family and hospital agreed!

10. 1881 Murder of John Rose: In October of 1881, patient Blaine Starry beat to death an elderly dementia patient by the name of John Rose and severely wounded another man before guards could subdue him. Did neglect from a new superintendent and/or poorly designed room features play a part in the violent attack? 

11. The Tragic Suicide of Karl Kunst: In November of 1904, the son of Weston State Hospital's superintendent took his own life. What caused the young man to make such a tragic decision? 

12. 1898 Suicide of Thomas Funk: On August 11, 1898 a patient at the asylum, Thomas Funk took his own life. He wrapped a towel around his neck and hanged himself from a towel rack in the toilet room of Ward 8. 

13. Gypsy Curse Sends Woman to Asylum: After turning away a gypsy woman at her door, a muttered 'curse' and her husband's sudden death would send Mrs. Callahan into madness.

14. Crazy on Religion: A young woman attended a series of religious meetings, and as a result, would lose her sanity. Just what went wrong for Rose Hardy in the spring of 1892?

15. Too Much Fiddlin': In 1909, a man was adjudged insane and sent to the Weston State Hospital for...fiddle playing. Unfortunately, he spent seven years as a patient, before passing away from exhaustion due to acute mania. 

16. The Death of J.G. Whitten: In 1890, a 52 year old man named John Whitten escaped from the asylum. He was found more than a month later, having succumbed to the elements. 

17. The Horrific Death of William Cook: William 'Frank' Cook was scalded to death in 1891 as he was trying to bathe himself after having a bathroom mishap, due to dysentery. He was unable or unwillingly to pull himself out of the scalding tub full of water, and died a painful death, many saying he literally cooked himself alive. Today, his ghost is said to haunt the area of the bathroom where this happened. 

18. George Elkins' Accidental Death: Upon suffering an epileptic seizure, a 22 year old patient fell face-first into a bed of mortar. By the time he was found, it was too late. 

19. An Escape Gone Wrong: Abraham Haines, a 72 year old man from Wood County, died on July 14, 1891 when he tried to escape his fourth floor room. His death was one of four accidents/suicides that occurred within a very short amount of time at the hospital. 

20. George Dorsey Takes His Own Life: In 1908, a young man, suffering from melancholy, stole a gun from an attendant and took his own life. Barely missing his heart, he survived for a week, and admitted that he had originally planned on drinking two bottles of ink in order to accomplish the deed, before finding the weapon. 

21. Dean Metheny and the Bedpost Murder: In 1987, two inmates were accused of killing deaf/mute Dean Metheny in a brutal way. After hanging him several times with a bedsheet from a pipe in their room, they then positioned the leg of a metal bedframe over his head...and jumped on the bed. Dean's ghost is still said to interact with staff and visitors to the hospital to this day. 

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