In 1916, Indiana, a rectory was reportedly haunted by the ghost of a suicide. As no one in their right mind wanted to stay in the home, it was torn down and inspected for a possible source of the strange occurances.
Haunted House Will Be Razed to Find Ghost
ELKHART, Ind. – The haunted rectory of Elkhart is to be razed. This building, the property of St. John’s Episcopal church, is in good condition, but has been unused for many years. The strange stories told by many persons who have stayed all night in it have frightened all occupants away. Now, although they do not admit it is haunted, the vestrymen have decided to tear it down.
Ghost Frightens Woman
The last occupant was Rev. W.W. Daup and wife. Mrs. Daup was driven almost to nervous prostration by the stalking of the alleged ghost. So severely shaken was her nervous system that the belief that a ghost really haunted the house became general and no one would occupy it.
Many persons have entered the rectory to remain all night within its bare walls and prove to the populace that the ghost theory was foolish. Some have remained all night and said they heard nothing – others have come out of the house, shaking with fright, declaring they heard strange noises, that electric lights were turned off and on and that bed clothes mysteriously disappeared.
Spirit Belongs to Girl
A spiritualistic medium was once prevailed on to enter the rectory. The next morning she announced that the ghost was the spirit of a young girl who had committed suicide in the house while her father was rector. Many old residents recalled the suicide and the belief in the ghost grew stronger.
Workmen will examine the walls carefully when they tear the building down to find out if any peculiarity in the construction of the building could have caused strange noises at night.
Source: The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. (Richmond, Ind.), 11 July 1916.
