The first proper ghost train ride was invented by Joseph Emberton, a British architect.
Joseph Emberton: The Architect of the Ghost Train
In 1930, Joseph Emberton designed what is considered the first real ghost train ride in the UK. This initial design bears a striking resemblance to the ghost trains found in modern fairgrounds and amusement parks. Emberton's creation set the standard for the spooky amusement ride we know today.