Unsolved Mysteries of the Copper Country

Trouble comes in threes--one from the devil, one from his wife, and one from

their son.



Because George Shelden was not a superstitious man, he paid no heed to this axiom. Had George been superstitious, he may have broken a match stick under running water to break this chain of trouble. George Shelden did not believe in this superstition, nor did he believe that trouble, bad luck, and death traveled together. In the Fall of 1896, he was about to find out firsthand whether or not there was any truth to this superstition.



Enter the world of 1896. August 17 is a perfect summer day. The City of Houghton is a teeming young municipality. George Shelden is in his prime of life; well satisfied with his accomplishments. His business ventures are thriving, his family is a source of joy and pride, and his offices and home are the finest in the area. His younger daughter, Mary, is getting married in a few weeks, and he is pleased with her choice of husbands. His older daughter had married well, and he felt assured that both of his daughters would present him with grandchildren to carry on his many enterprises.



George C. Shelden didn't think anything could be better than being George Shelden. He didn't believe that trouble, bad luck, and death came in threes. When he did believe that they came in threes, the chain of trouble, bad luck, and death had already begun. It would be too late for him to break a match under running water.