The Greenbrier Ghost is a popular name given to the ghost of Elva Zona Heaster Shue, who was murdered in 1897 in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. Her death became a sensational case in the region, as her husband, Trout Shue, was convicted of her murder based on the testimony of her ghost. The case is unique in American legal history as it is the only known case where a ghost’s testimony was used to convict a murderer.
Elva Zona Heaster Shue was a young bride who was found dead at the bottom of the stairs leading to the second floor of the log house where she lived with her new husband. Her body was discovered by a neighbor, a boy of about 11 years, who did chores for her. Her husband, Trout Shue, was the prime suspect in the case, but the local authorities could not find any evidence against him. It was only when Elva’s ghost appeared to her mother and revealed that her husband had murdered her that Trout Shue was finally arrested and convicted of the crime.
The Greenbrier Ghost case has become a part of American folklore and is still remembered today. The case has been the subject of books, plays, and even a movie. The case is a reminder of the power of belief in the supernatural and the lengths people will go to seek justice for their loved ones.
The Legend of the Greenbrier Ghost
Origins of the Tale
The Greenbrier Ghost is a famous tale of the supernatural that originated in the late 19th century in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. The legend tells the story of Elva Zona Heaster, a young woman who was murdered in 1897. Her death was initially believed to be accidental, but later evidence suggested that her husband, Erasmus Shue, had killed her.
Elva Zona Heaster’s Story
Elva Zona Heaster was a young woman who lived in Greenbrier County in the late 19th century. She was known for her beauty and charm, and she quickly caught the eye of a local blacksmith named Erasmus Shue. The two were married in 1896, but their marriage was short-lived.
In January of 1897, Elva was found dead at the bottom of the stairs in her home. Her body was discovered by a neighbor, who immediately alerted the authorities. At first, it was believed that Elva had died of natural causes, but her mother was convinced that something more sinister had happened.
Elva’s mother claimed that her daughter’s ghost had appeared to her, telling her that she had been murdered by her husband. The authorities were skeptical of this claim, but they decided to investigate further. Upon examination of Elva’s body, it was discovered that her neck had been broken. Erasmus Shue was arrested and charged with murder.
The trial was highly publicized, and it was reported that Elva’s ghost had appeared in the courtroom to testify against her husband. Erasmus was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. The legend of the Greenbrier Ghost was born, and it has been passed down through generations as a cautionary tale of the dangers of domestic violence.
In conclusion, the legend of the Greenbrier Ghost is a fascinating tale of the supernatural that has endured for over a century. While the truth behind the legend may never be fully known, it serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to the voices of victims and taking domestic violence seriously.
Key Figures
Elva Zona Heaster
Elva Zona Heaster Shue was a young woman who was born in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in 1873. She was known for her beauty and charm, and in 1896, she met Erasmus Shue, a drifter who had recently moved to the area. The two fell in love and were married soon after.
Erasmus Shue
Erasmus Shue was a mysterious figure who arrived in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in the late 1890s. He was known for his good looks and charm, and he quickly caught the eye of Elva Zona Heaster. The two were married in 1896, but their happiness was short-lived.
Mary Jane Heaster
Mary Jane Heaster was the mother of Elva Zona Heaster Shue. She was a devoutly religious woman who was deeply devoted to her daughter. After Elva’s death, Mary Jane claimed that her daughter’s ghost had visited her and revealed the true cause of her death. This claim would eventually lead to the conviction of Erasmus Shue for murder.
Overall, these three figures played a crucial role in the story of the Greenbrier Ghost. Elva’s tragic death, Erasmus’s mysterious past, and Mary Jane’s unwavering devotion to her daughter all contributed to the legend of the ghost who solved her own murder.
Investigation and Trial
Discovery of the Body
In January 1897, the body of Elva Zona Heaster Shue was discovered at her home in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. Her husband, Erasmus Shue, claimed that she died of natural causes. However, her mother, Mary Jane Heaster, suspected foul play and requested an autopsy.
Autopsy Findings
Dr. George W. Knapp, the local physician who performed the autopsy, found that Elva’s neck had been broken. He concluded that she had been murdered. Mary Jane Heaster claimed that her daughter’s ghost had appeared to her and revealed that Erasmus Shue had killed her.
Court Proceedings
Erasmus Shue was arrested and charged with the murder of his wife. During the trial, it was revealed that he had been married twice before, and both of his previous wives had died under mysterious circumstances. The jury heard testimony from Mary Jane Heaster about her encounter with her daughter’s ghost.
Erasmus Shue was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison. The case became famous as the “Greenbrier Ghost” trial, as it was the first time in American history that testimony from a ghost was used to convict someone of murder.
Cultural Impact
Folklore and Superstition
The story of the Greenbrier Ghost has become a part of local folklore and superstition. The legend of Elva Zona Heaster Shue’s ghost has been passed down through generations of West Virginians. The story has been retold in various forms, including plays, musicals, and books. The tale of the Greenbrier Ghost has inspired many to believe in the supernatural and the power of maternal instinct.
Media Representations
The story of the Greenbrier Ghost has also been adapted into various forms of media. In 1958, the story was featured in an episode of the television series “One Step Beyond.” The story has also been featured in various documentaries and podcasts. In 2018, the story was adapted into a feature film titled “The Greenbrier Ghost.”
Tourism and Legacy
The story of the Greenbrier Ghost has had a significant impact on tourism in West Virginia. The legend of Elva Zona Heaster Shue’s ghost has become a part of local ghost tours. The story has also inspired various businesses and products, including a microbrewery that was named after the Greenbrier Ghost. The legacy of the Greenbrier Ghost continues to live on through the many retellings of the story and the impact it has had on the local community.