Who was Sallie White?

African American Chambermaid

 "ANOTHER OUTRAGE 
Malicious and Probably Fatal Shooting of a Negro Woman by her Crazed Husband  

The peaceful neighborhood to the rear of the Menger Hotel was yesterday morning suddenly disturbed by pistol shots, succeeded by the shrill shrieks of a female. A negro by the name of Henry Wheeler was murdering his wife. The tale runs thus:  

Wheeler and his wife have been very quarrelsome for some time, and complaints of abuse from her husband have been carried to the Recorder's court, where the offender has met justice. Monday evening, Wheeler seemed to be very angry about something, and finding that his wife was absent from home, proceeded to search for her in the surrounding neighborhood. He was successful in his search, and immediately upon meeting her, began to abuse her to the extent of his calumnious capacity. On returning to their dwelling, Wheeler made the open and bold declaration that he would murder her-storming and swearing all the while. The woman could bear his threats and abuse no longer, and sought the protection of the police. The house was searched, but no arms found, but still the woman said, "he will kill me if I stay here tonight." Finally, arraignments were made for her to spend the night at the Recorder's office, where she went in peace, and slept until yesterday morning, undisturbed. She awoke between the hours of six and seven, and proceeded to go home. Arriving near the dwelling, she was again met by her husband, who, with a six shooter in his hand, proceeded to carry out the determined work of her death.  
He seized her, he fired, the ball wounding her severely in the bowels. She ran, and after her he went, firing two other shots and felling the partner of his bosom on the south side of the Menger Brewery. The act from beginning to end is a revolting one, being actuated by pure malice aforethought, making him, it would seem, if the woman dies, subject to the highest punishment the criminal offender has to bear."  

- San Antonio Daily Express March 29th, 1876 
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Sallie's Death

Sallie Haunts the Menger Hotel Today  They say Sallie White's spirit can be seen today, roaming the hallways of the Menger Hotel and carrying on with her normal chambermaid duties. Guests that stay the night at the hotel have reported to see a maid in an old fashioned uniform coming into their rooms and disappearing right in front of their eyes. One woman saw a maid at the end of the hallway and approached her to ask for more towels, but when she called out to her, she ignored her! Perplexed, she walked closer to the maid who then turned and walked into an empty room. When she approached the room and looked inside there was no one in it. The maid had disappeared!   A few months back one of our staff members had just finished a Dinner and Ghost Tour inside of the Menger Hotel. As they were putting the remaining supplies into the storage closet, the door suddenly slammed behind them. Startled they turned and saw the door knob begin to twist and turn violently. They approached the door, turned the still moving knob, and slowly opened the door. But they found no one in site! Perhaps this was Sallie continuing on with her daily duties.   ​ ​

A hotel ledger displayed inside of the Menger today, shows the cost of Sallie White's funeral. Lobby of the Menger Hotel The Menger Hotel

The Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours visits the inside of the Menger Hotel on the Dinner and Ghost Tour and Haunted Ghost Bus Tour. 

Have you heard the Legend of the San Antonio Railroad Tracks?

"On Dec. 1, 1938, a school bus was heading to Jordan High School through a dense winter storm as a loaded Denver and Rio Grande freight train rolled north toward Salt Lake City, according to information posted on the city's website. Near the railroad crossing at 10200 South and 400 West, the driver stopped the bus. He opened the door to look beyond the thick fog, but did not see the 80-plus car "Flying Ute" train approaching at over 50 miles per hour. At 8:43 a.m., the bus pulled slowly forward across the tracks. Upon seeing the bus, the train crew immediately applied the brakes, but the collision was inevitable. The collision claimed the lives of 23 children and the bus driver. The 15 survivors faced a lifetime of serious physical injuries and emotional scars. In the wake of the horrific crash, came railroad crossing laws, mechanical crossing arms and national regulations that are still in place today — including the mandatory requirement for bus drivers to not only stop at railroad crossings, but also to open their door and driver side window to look and listen for oncoming trains, according to the city's website."

A Real Railroad Tragedy

"TRAIN WIPES OUT PARTY OF 6 MOTORISTS  Mother, Her Three Daughters, a son-in-law and Granddaughter killed when Flier Hits Auto. Car Struck Directly in the Center. Dead: Mrs. K. W. Smith, 54 years old, 330 Mission Street; Mrs. William Alex Garrett, 30 years old, 330 Mission Street; Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Krueger, each 28 years old, 405 Stieren Street; Katherine Adele Krueger, their 3 year old daughter, Miss Mary Smith, 24 years old. Fatally injured William Alex Garrett, 31 years old.  All of the bodies will be lowered into the graves at the same time. The little Krueger girl will be buried in the same grave with her mother."

Daughter and her child buried together after their car was struck by a train.

The Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours visits this site and many others on their Haunted Ghost Bus Tour