The White House
How Mary Todd Lincoln sought solace in spiritual circles after the death of her son in the Civil War era. Spiritualism was popular among families who lost their loved ones during the war.
The article also recounts the story of Jeremiah “Jerry” Smith, who served in the White House for over three decades. Smith was known for his storytelling abilities, and he claimed to have witnessed something unimaginable.
The most spine-chilling account mentioned in the article is that of the “Thing.” In 1911, members of the Taft domestic staff claimed to have been confronted by the spirit of an unidentified 15-year-old boy. Major Archibald Butt, President Taft’s military adviser, described the spirit’s appearance as that of a younger boy, and it was initially felt as a gentle pressure on the shoulder. President Taft ordered that any staff member found reciting reports about the “Thing” was to be dismissed from their position.
The Franklin Castle
The Franklin Castle in Ohio City, Cleveland, is a notorious haunted location in America. The castle has a tragic history of the Tiedemann family, who once resided in the house. Despite rumors of suspicious deaths, William Krejci, co-author of “Haunted Franklin Castle,” claims the negative rumors are not true. Krejci has experienced strange occurrences in the castle, but he is fascinated by its rich history that includes secret rooms, extravagant parties, and fascinating guests, such as Michael DeVinko, the former husband of actress Judy Garland. According to Krejci, four people have been killed in the castle, but none were found to be the result of foul play. The building is currently undergoing significant renovations and is privately owned.
- The Franklin Castle is a notorious haunted location in America.
- The Tiedemann family’s tragic story fuels rumors of strange events in the castle.
- The co-founder of the bank and founder of Union Banking & Savings Co., Hannes Tiedemann, built the castle in 1881. However, he and his wife Louise were both afflicted by the death of four of their children, and both Hannes his wife and mother died at a young age.
- William Krejci, co-author of “Haunted Franklin Castle,” claims negative rumors about Hannes Tiedemann are not true.
- Michael DeVinko, the former husband of actress Judy Garland, was one of the castle’s owners and would throw massive events with fascinating guests.
- Four people have been killed in the castle, but none were found to be the result of foul play.
- The building is currently undergoing significant renovations and is privately owned.
Sprague Mansion
The house belonged to the Sprague Family and was converted into a textile mill in the early 18th century. After the death of Amasa, one of the Sprague brothers, the family’s wealth and political ambitions came to an end due to a tragic event. The text suggests that the house may be haunted by unrestful spirits, and that the family’s legacy and downfall have left a lasting impact on Rhode Island.
Highlights:
- Certain dwellings have a terrible reputation due to strange events that occur in their walls.
- The Sprague family’s house was converted into a textile mill in the early 18th century.
- Amasa Sprague was brutally beaten to death in 1843 and his killer was never identified.
- Rhode Island abolished capital punishment as a result of the trial and hanging of John Gordon, who was initially accused of the crime.
- The family’s legacy and downfall have left a lasting impact on Rhode Island.
Chambers Mansion
There is limited information available about Eudora Chambers, the wife of Robert Chambers, except for the tragic incidents documented in the San Francisco Call. In May of 1893, Eudora disappeared from her home, but was found weak and fragile seven days later on a beach close to Mussel Rock. Later, in January 1894, Eudora attempted to commit suicide by throwing herself in front of a train, but she only suffered non-lethal injuries. Eudora’s nieces, Lillian and Harriet, filed a lawsuit against the Chambers family after Robert’s death, claiming that they deserved a share of the estate. However, they were unsuccessful in their legal battle.
Highlights:
- Eudora Chambers disappeared from her home in May 1893 and was found seven days later weak and fragile on a beach close to Mussel Rock.
- Eudora attempted suicide in January 1894 by throwing herself in front of a train but only suffered non-lethal injuries.
- Lillian and Harriet, Eudora’s nieces, filed a lawsuit against the Chambers family after Robert’s death, claiming that they deserved a share of the estate.
- Lillian and Harriet were unsuccessful in their legal battle.
Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana is a famous antebellum mansion known for its rich history and legends. It was built by General David Bradford in 1796, and later sold to Sara and Clarke Woodruff in the 1820s. The mysterious death of Sara and her children in 1830, possibly by poison from a slave named Chloe, added to the legends. Since then, the plantation has been sold many times and experienced bizarre incidents like robberies, deaths, and murders. Ghost sightings were first documented by Marjorie Munson in the 1950s, and the plantation became an inn in the 1970s. A journalist’s visit in 1984 led to sightings of two ghost children calling his name. The current owner, Teeta Moss, was initially skeptical but later experienced ghostly sightings and voices. The Myrtles Plantation remains a popular attraction for those seeking a spooky experience.
Highlights:
- Built by General David Bradford in 1796
- Sara and Clarke Woodruff bought it in the 1820s
- Sara and her children died mysteriously in 1830, possibly poisoned by Chloe the slave
- Sold multiple times and experienced bizarre incidents
- Ghost sightings first documented in the 1950s by Marjorie Munson
- Became an inn in the 1970s
- Journalist’s visit in 1984 led to sightings of ghost children
- Current owner Teeta Moss experienced ghostly sightings and voices.
Stranahan House
The Stranahan House is the oldest standing structure in Broward County, built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan and Ivy Julia Cromartie. It was originally used as a trading post and event hall for the community. The Stranahans’ real estate business was devastated by two massive storms, and Frank eventually committed suicide, making the house a popular attraction for the supernatural. Six spirits, including Frank, Ivy, and a young Seminole girl, are said to haunt the house. The house was eventually turned into a church and then a museum, now accessible to visitors. The early history of Fort Lauderdale is also explored, including the town’s establishment as a small outpost accessible only by boat, and the role of the Seminole tribe in the area’s development.
Highlights:
- Stranahan House is oldest structure in Broward County, built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan and Ivy Julia Cromartie
- Originally used as trading post and event hall for community
- Stranahans’ real estate business devastated by two massive storms, Frank committed suicide, making the house a popular attraction for the supernatural
- Six spirits, including Frank, Ivy, and a young Seminole girl, said to haunt the house
- House eventually turned into a church and then a museum, now accessible to visitors
- Early history of Fort Lauderdale explored, including its establishment as small outpost accessible only by boat and the role of the Seminole tribe in the area’s development
Whaley House
The Whaley House is a historic residence located in San Diego, California. Constructed in 1856, the two-story residence was built in an elegant Greek Revival style and cost over $10,000. The interior was decorated with furniture made from rosewood and mahogany and adorned with Brussels Carpets and damask curtains. The Whaley House served as a center for social gatherings, as well as a commercial theater, courthouse, and general store. The San Diego County government rented some space in the Whaley House to house its records and offices. The Whaley House was also known for its ghostly events, which were attributed to the family’s tragedies. Thomas Whaley passed away in 1890, and the house was neglected for nearly two decades before being restored to its former glory by Francis Whaley in 1909. The Whaley family returned to live and die in their family home, including Francis who died just one year after his mother in 1913.
Key highlights:
- Built in 1856 in a Greek Revival style
- Served as a center for social gatherings, commercial theater, courthouse, and general store
- San Diego County government rented some space in the Whaley House to house its records and offices
- Known for ghostly events attributed to family tragedies
- Neglected for nearly two decades before being restored by Francis Whaley in 1909
- Whaley family returned to live and die in their family home
