While grieving her death , husband Benton MacKaye began formulating the idea that became the Appalachian Trail .
Jessie Stubbs died by suicide in 1921 by drowning herself in the East River .
While grieving Jessie Stubbs ' death , husband Benton MacKaye began formulating the idea that became the Appalachian Trail .
Jessie Stubbs died by suicide in 1921 by drowning herself in the East River .