The Great Amherst Mystery

In 1878, Esther Cox, a nineteen-year-old woman living in Amherst, Nova Scotia, became the focus of one of the most dramatic poltergeist cases in Canadian history. The entity tormented her for over a year and attracted worldwide attention.

The Beginning

Shortly after a traumatic assault, Esther began experiencing swelling of her body and loud noises in her room. Objects moved. Her bedding was thrown about. The activity escalated rapidly.

The Phenomena

The poltergeist threw objects, started fires, moved furniture, and physically attacked Esther. Most dramatically, it wrote messages on the walls: “Esther Cox, you are mine to kill.” The phenomena continued regardless of location.

The Investigation

Actor Walter Hubbell spent time in the house and later published “The Great Amherst Mystery.” Numerous visitors witnessed phenomena. Doctors and clergy attempted intervention without success.

The Escalation

The entity started fires throughout the house. Esther was sent away for everyone’s safety, but the activity followed her. She was eventually charged with arson when a barn burned. The courts, unable to prove human agency, gave her a light sentence.

The Resolution

After approximately eighteen months, the activity gradually subsided. Esther married, had children, and lived a normal life. She never fully discussed what had happened to her.

Assessment

The Great Amherst Mystery combined poltergeist phenomena with apparent intelligence and malevolent intent. The writing on walls and the pursuit of Esther across locations suggest something beyond typical poltergeist activity.