Unsolved Cases of Famous People Who Disappeared Mysteriously

Ambrose Small, Canadian Millionaire (disappeared in 1919)

Ambrose Small, the owner of several theaters including the famous Grand Opera House in Canada disappeared after leaving his Opera House on 2nd December 1919 right after receiving a million dollars check. His mysterious disappearance was followed by decades of scandals and controversies. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had once considered investigating the case if asked by authority, but for unknown reasons, he was never asked. The mystery was fueled by stories that Small had been cremated by his murderer in the furnace in the basement of his opera house and his ghost had haunted that place ever since. Michael Ondaatje told a fictitious story of Small’s disappearance in his novel In the Skin of the Lion. This mystery also inspired a 1999 TV Movie Sleeping Dogs Lie. The police launched an extensive manhunt but no result was yield. Several psychics also involved with the case. They gave various non-conclusive explanations lead to nowhere.

Before his disappearance, Small was known for his extensive gambling and drinking habits. Parts of his fortune were made of illegal gambling. He was also a notorious womanizer often seen squiring beautiful showgirls about town. He designed a secret chamber adjoining his office in his Opera House in order to discreetly conduct his affairs. His wife, Theresa Small came from a wealthy and respectable family and it is no secret that Small took advantage of his wife’s fortune and good connections. Theresa Small was allegedly connected with her husband death, but the court ruled that Theresa’s reputation was beyond questions and she was not linked in any manner to her husband’s disappearance. However, a document written by Hammond, the lead investigator of this case, which had been recently found, revealed that Theresa Small might have had some roles in her husband disappearance. Not only that, Hammond also accused Austin Mitchell, a police inspector, involved in covering up the crime by intimidating witnesses. This accusation had not been confirmed yet.

The haunted building of Grand Opera House. Image credit.

The case was closed in 1960. However the story of ghost sightings in the Opera House continued. In 970, the Opera House prompted two séances on its stage. He was told the clue to Small’s disappearance will be found in the west wall. This clue was not pursued and the west wall was the only wall remained un-excavated during the Opera House’s renovation in 1977.  

See also :

The Most Notorious Psychopaths in History

Famous Mysterious Dissapearance in History

The Most Sensational Unsolved Murders in History

Most Notable Unsucessful Attempts to Kill Hitler