Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.

By Theresa's Haunted History of the Tri-State
Contributor profile | More stories

Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Solomon Efaw's Christmas Pardon

Thursday, December 25, 2025 1:07

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.

WV State Penitentiary ca 1922
Source: WV History on View

Merry Christmas from Theresa’s Haunted History of the Tri-State!

Today it is known as one of the most haunted places in the country, but at one time, the West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville was simply the home to some of the state’s worst criminals. Overcrowding issues, combined with violence, sickness, and despair, led to the prison’s haunted reputation, but every once in a while, there was a glimmer of hope. For example, every Christmas, it was customary for the governor of West Virginia to grant a Christmas pardon to the oldest and/or longest serving inmate at the prison. In 1909, that inmate was Solomon Efaw.

Solomon Efaw, who was around 60 years old at the time of his pardon, had been at the penitentiary for around 19 years. He was serving a life sentence for the 1891 murder of B.B. Bennett in Upshur County.

On May 8, 1891, B.B. Bennett was staying at a relative’s home in the Sand Run area, just north of Buckhannon. While asleep in a bedroom shared with two young cousins, around 11pm, someone threw oil-soaked rags through a window, right at the foot of Bennett’s bed. The commotion awoke Bennett and the rest of the family, and the fire was put out, but not before burning a large hole in the floor.

Bennett went to stoke the fire in the fireplace in order to bring in additional light to see the damage. As he looked toward the window, a shot was fired, hitting him in the chest and killing him almost instantly.

Witnesses said they saw Solomon Efaw’s face, and later identified the murder weapon, a Marlin rifle, as belonging to Efaw. No motive was given for the murder, other than the idea that Efaw and a man named Isaac Kesling had a beef with Bennett earlier.

While in prison, Efaw became a model prisoner, and was well-liked by guards and fellow inmates alike. He played the fiddle and even learned to write. He used this new skill to write many letters, pleading his innocence over the years, and even applying several times for the yearly Christmas pardon.

He was finally granted his pardon in 1909 by Governor Glasscock. Apparently, this conditional pardon was Governor Glasscock’s first Christmas pardon, he having taken the oath of office earlier that year. Warden Matthews delivered the news personally. Solomon Efaw ate one last Christmas dinner with the rest of the inmates, and then was released with a gift of $25, courtesy of the prison staff.

Following his release, Solomon Efaw led a long life. He passed away from heart disease at the age of 86 on December 10, 1936. There are some who believed that Solomon, although probably implicated in the murder, was not the one who pulled the trigger.

The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer
09 May 1891

The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer
08 June 1891

The Fairmont West Virginian
23 December 1909

The Point Pleasant Register
29 December 1909

Source: http://theresashauntedhistoryofthetri-state.blogspot.com/2025/12/solomon-efaws-christmas-pardon.html

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

LION'S MANE PRODUCT

Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules

Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.

Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.

Comments

Visits:	1,761,756,529
Stories:	8,554,993