title: The Ghost of Elias McCormick
author: Reffel, Timothy
description: Elias McCormick, a Corporal in the Ninth Scottish Division, is wounded fighting with the First New Army in Langemark, Belgium during the early days of World War One. While recovering he meets and befriends an American also wounded in the fighting. Through an exchange of stories Elias learns of life in far away Denver, Colorado. Elias' fears of an enemy invasion of Scotland to get to England sparks an idea that would ultimately change the course of his and his wife's lives. Elias and his wife leave their home in Elgin, Scotland and begin a voyage that would take them across the Atlantic to the United States. They arrive in Colorado in 1916 and begin establishing a new life with his friend in Denver. While their new life appears to be blossoming, Elias and his friend inadvertently get caught in the building tensions of a labor union dispute. The dream of a new beginning and happy life are shattered when they are murdered and their property nearly destroyed. Elias is unaware that he has been killed and spends the following decades in frustration, awe, and loneliness watching the city and people of Denver change before his eyes. It isn't until he learns of the history of his home after his death that he is able to learn valuable lessons that lead to his reunion with his wife and friends.