The Great Amherst Mystery
Esther Cox became the focus of violent poltergeist activity—fires started spontaneously, objects flew, and writing appeared on walls. Thousands witnessed events. A book documented the case in 1879.
The Great Amherst Mystery was one of 19th century Canada’s most documented poltergeist cases. Young Esther Cox became the unwilling focus of terrifying phenomena that drew crowds of witnesses.
The Trigger
According to historical accounts:
In August 1878, Esther Cox (age 18) was attacked by a man named Bob MacNeal. Though she escaped, traumatic events followed:
- She became ill
- Her body swelled dramatically
- Loud banging sounds emanated from the house
- The disturbances had begun
The Phenomena
Over the following months:
- Objects flew through the air
- Fires started spontaneously
- Writing appeared on walls (“Esther Cox, you are mine to kill”)
- Loud pounding shook the house
- Bedclothes moved on their own
- Pins and other objects appeared from nowhere
Witnesses
The phenomena were witnessed by:
- Family members
- The local doctor, Dr. Carritte
- A local minister
- Actor Walter Hubbell (who wrote a book about the case)
- Hundreds of townspeople
Dr. Carritte’s Account
The local doctor examined Esther and witnessed:
- Her body swelling to nearly twice its size
- Writing appearing on the wall
- Loud crashes with no apparent source
- He remained convinced the events were genuine
Walter Hubbell
Actor Walter Hubbell:
- Stayed with the family to investigate
- Witnessed phenomena firsthand
- Published “The Great Amherst Mystery” in 1879
- His book became a bestseller
- Some accused him of exaggeration for profit
The Fires
The most dangerous manifestations were fires:
- Fires started in various locations
- Esther was arrested for arson
- She was convicted and jailed briefly
- The fires were blamed on her even without evidence of how she started them
The End
The poltergeist activity subsided:
- After Esther married and moved away
- Activity diminished over time
- She lived quietly until her death in 1912
- The house no longer exhibited phenomena
Skeptical Views
Critics suggest:
- Esther may have faked events for attention
- Post-traumatic stress could explain some symptoms
- Hubbell may have exaggerated for book sales
- Mass hysteria played a role
Legacy
The Great Amherst Mystery remains:
- One of Canada’s most famous hauntings
- A classic poltergeist case study
- An example of how alleged phenomena interact with the legal system
- A cautionary tale about Victorian attitudes toward women’s trauma