Real Mississippi Hauntings

LOCATION:

King's Tavern can be found near the corner of North Union Street and Jefferson Street, in the Historical downtown section of Natchez.

Get off 84 at the South Canal exit. Go right on Canal Street until you come to Jefferson Street. Turn right and travel around 4 blocks until you come to N. Union St. The King's Tavern is on the left hand side of Jefferson, a few buildings past N. Union St.

Address: 619 Jefferson Street, Natchez, Mississippi 39120.

Open 5 - 10 pm, 7 days a week, as a restaurant and bar. Specializes in hickory smoked Prime Rib. Other strong favorites of its patrons include Steak, Seafood and Pasta Entrees.

Phone: 601-446-8845.

DESCRIPTION / HISTORY:

The King's Tavern building is 237 years old, making it the oldest structure in the very old river port city of Natchez, which got its start during the time of Spanish settlement way back in the 1700's. Around 1769, when the British moved in and established Fort Panmure, the King's Tavern building was originally built to be a block house for the fort. As there was no saw mill near this frontier town, this building and other structures were constructed using beams taken from scrapped New Orleans sailing ships, which were brought to Natchez via mule.

Another source of wood used in the King's Tavern building construction were barge boards from flat river boats, which were dismantled and sold after arriving in Natchez with their goods after traveling down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Boatmen couldn't take their flat boats back up these rivers, so they just added to their profit by selling the boats as wood, which was needed to build Natchez.

Besides the wood, sun-dried bricks also were used as building material. The result is a building which has an ambiance and decor of another era from the outside. Though the outside of the Kings Tavern has the rustic 1780's authentic wooden /brick architectural style, the inside is a lovely place for cozy, quiet, intimate meal or to host luncheons, dinner parties, receptions meetings. The King's Tavern also provides meals for the large tour buses full of visitors who are traveling along the Natchez Trace Pathway.

After the Revolutionary War in 1776, the British left town, leaving this wild and woolly frontier river port open for other interests. In 1789, a New Yorker by the name of Richard King moved his family to Natchez where he bought this block home and opened a combination tavern / inn / as well as the place where the town's mail was dropped off. His inn business was very successful because of the need for boatmen and weary stage riders to have a secure place to rest for the night. The upstairs rooms on the third floor were comfortable accommodations.

Selling drinks to townspeople and visitors as well was also a money maker. He also found himself to be very popular with people, because he received / sent the town's mail. Everyone congregated on the steps of his tavern, socializing and reading their mail. He enjoyed a celebrity status, and he and his wife became prominent and very much respected people in Natchez.

During this time, not so nice people with no redeeming values settled into Natchez, to prey on the boatmen and visitors, making a living from gambling, and robbing people, sometimes not thinking twice of killing their victims. After selling their goods and their flat boats for lumber, boatmen would spend the night at the King's Tavern, and then head home along the Natchez Trace Pathway. Highwaymen outlaws would hold them up, and usually kill them.

The infamous, sadistic Harpe brothers were such outlaws who took delight in torturing, mutilating and finally killing their victims. The Harpe brothers as well as other such men would then return to Natchez and stimulate the economy, perhaps staying at the King's Tavern, if not in the Natchez Under the Hill area, notorious for being a haven for people of questionable character.

Finally, one of the Harpe brothers stepped over the line, even for outlaws, and was killed and beheaded by his own kind. His head was displayed as a warning for others.

However, with the invention of the steamboat, which could travel down and up the river as well, the need for this dangerous travel along Natchez Trace ended with this form of modern transportation. This development cut down on the lucrative stage business significantly, dropping the economic activity taking place at the King's Tavern. Richard King sold the King's Tavern in 1817. The building was once again a private home, becoming the Postalwaith family home for several generations, a total of 150 years, beginning in 1823.

In 1973, the building was sold and it eventually became a tavern and restaurant to serve both locals and visitors, taking the original name, the King's Tavern, open to both the living and the entities which stay there.

HISTORY OF MANIFESTATIONS:

Baby Killer Strikes....

One of the Harpe brothers known as Big Harpe was staying at the tavern, paying for it from some money he stole from one of his victims. A mother with a fussy baby was staying in the attic room, trying to quiet the child. Big Harpe swaggered from the tavern area, went up to this attic room, grabbed the baby away. He swung the child by its feet, smashing it hard against the brick wall, killing it. He returned to the bar to buy another drink.

Adultery leads to Murder...

Sometimes being wealthy, prominent and well-liked can give one the false impression that one can get away with anything. Richard and his wife fell into that trap. Richard King had hired a pretty 16 year old girl to be a server, called Madeline, a beautiful, engaging young woman, who caught the attention of Richard. Forgetting his wedding vows, Richard seduced Madeline, because he wanted her. Madeline gladly became his mistress in a hot passionate affair. YIKES!

The stately Mrs. King found out about their illicit love. She decided to hire some thugs from Natchez Under the Hill to stab Madeline. Or, perhaps she killed Madeline herself. Madeline was made to go away, without a trace. While she didn't get a cement kimono or go to sleep with the fishes, Mrs. King or the men who killed her took Madeline's body and bricked them up in the chimney wall in the main room of the tavern, to hide this evil deed.

The Evil deeds are discovered....

During the 1930's the Portsmouth family needed to do some renovations to shore up the building. While repairing the chimney / fireplace in the main room of the tavern, 3 mummified bodies of one girl and two men were found.

One of them is believed to be Madeline. The murder weapon, a dagger, was found in another fireplace in another room.

The two men - Many theories abound as to who they are.

a) Slaves, servants or tavern guests who annoyed Mrs. King in some manner, prompting her to kill them.

b) Boatmen or travelers killed by the same men who killed Madeline, around the same time.

MANIFESTATIONS:

Changes stimulate the entities: Discovery of bodies and Building Renovations...

Although the bodies found in the chimney wall were respectfully reburied properly, this alarming discovery awakened some entities, as well as other restless spirits who had been quiet up to this point in time, but became active because of the renovations.

Shadowy forms have been seen passing right though the stairways.

The fireplace where the bodies were found would emit heat as if it had been burning wood, although it isn't used by the living to do so.

The mischievous entity of the murdered mistress, known as Madeline haunts the building.

A women's footprints can be seen on freshly mopped floors. Imagine the fright she gave one employee when he saw her foot prints coming toward him across the wet floor!!

An apparition of a young woman has appeared in front of patrons and staff.

Madeline likes to play jokes on the staff and visitors for her chuckles.

She likes to knock jars off shelves. Pours water from the ceiling and onto the floor. She likes to make the chairs rock that are hanging on the wall

Hard to open doors will suddenly open by themselves. When a staff member calls her name, the door shuts again by itself. She likes to turn faucets and lights on and off.

An EVP of a woman was made in one of the empty bedrooms by a Natchez news crew.

Shadowy forms have been seen passing right though the stairways.

A crying baby is heard by the living.

The baby murdered so quickly and brutally by Big Harpe still cries from the attic room on occasion.

An entity of a man with a top hat who has been described as sinister has appeared to the living. He could be a murder victim, or perhaps is one of the outlaws himself. The waiters and waitresses feel that he has an evil persona. Perhaps he is just angry for being killed.

He is also seen wearing a dark jacket, pants and a black tie string. Sometimes he appears behind people getting their pictures taken by the fireplace where the bodies were found.

People have felt a tightness in their necks & shoulders and a pressure on their chests.

Dishes have been thrown around in an aggressive manner, not in Madeline's style of mischief making.

In the mirror in one of the upstairs bedrooms, the face of a man is seen for an instant.

STILL HAUNTED?

Yes Indeed!

The King's Tavern has more than its fair share of entities who have their issues.

LOCATION:

Address: 36 Melrose Avenue, Natchez, Mississippi 39120.

(at the John A Quitman Parkway)

1-800-828-4531 * 601-442-5852 *

DESCRIPTION:

When General John Quitman bought Monmouth Plantation for his bride, he wanted this plantation to create "an atmosphere of performance and peace amidst a changeable world." This 2 story, Federal Style, stately brick mansion has been a labor of love for current owners Lani and Ron Riches who have worked hard to transform Monmouth Plantation from its 1977 sorry state of deterioration into a highly rated luxurious, beautiful and elegant top notch Bed and Breakfast, offering 16 suites and 15 guest rooms both inside the mansion itself and in the 8 out buildings situated around the estate.

It is one of the few historical homes which is even more beautiful and glorious after being fully restored than the original dream home retreat. It is no wonder that among other awards, Monmouth received a Four-Diamond rating from AAA and even the often critical New York Times has said that Monmouth is Natchez' "most elegant hotel."

All guest suites and rooms have been decorated with the elegant style of the antebellum period, making them a retreat into a peaceful atmosphere. The rooms inside the mansion envelope the visitor into a "full immersion of the antebellum experience." A suite in the Carriage House which overlooks the croquet lawn or a room in the Pond Cottages which overlook a serene lake are other choices.

American Historic Inns have declared that Monmouth is 'One of the Top Ten Most Romantic Inns of the Year." Both Glamour Magazine and USA Today agree with this, claiming that Monmouth is one of the 10 most romantic places. Many couples have been married here, in the romantic atmosphere of the "rolling lawns, flower gardens, fountains and ancient oak trees" found on its 26 acre estate.

Southern hospitality reigns supreme here. Guests are treated graciously with respect and friendliness. A five course gourmet dinner is offered for a basic price of $45 a person, served in the mansion's main dining room. Also, quite impressive is the complete Southern breakfast served to its overnight guests by waiters, who ask for preferences.

Monmouth Plantation is a wonderful place to stay and enjoy a holiday, or a special event.

HISTORY:

This beautiful and elegant large antebellum mansion first came into existence in 1818 through John Hankison, who built this 2 story, Federal Style brick Mansion. In 1826, General John A. Quitman, a hero of the Mexican War bought Monmouth for $12,000 just after the birth of his first child.

General John A. Quitman was born in New York, but made his fortune in Mississippi. He was a recognized hero of the Mexican War, and served as a Congressman in the United States Congress, among other things. He was a courageous man of principle, dearly loved his family and gave much of his life to serving others. He was away a lot from his family, his beloved wife and Monmouth Plantation. He took the Southern position about slavery, and argued before Congress that the South should be allowed to leave the Union. Right after this session in Congress he and a bunch of other Southerners came down with a mysterious illness, which sickened and killed many of them. Two year later, General John A. Quitman died also, just before the Civil War started.

Despite the persecution his family suffered during and after the Civil War, his family held onto Monmouth Plantation until 1914 when his youngest daughter, Rose passed away. A series of owners lived at Monmouth over the years. By the time 1977 rolled around, Monmouth Plantation was a great fixer-upper opportunity which was rescued by its present owners who fell in love with the place and dedicated their time, money and effort into restoring Monmouth Plantation.

HISTORY OF MANIFESTATIONS:

General John A. Quitman was a victim of a painful, drawn-out death.

It is thought that General John A. Quitman died as a result of being poisoned two years earlier by abolitionists in Washington D.C. when he and others from the South made the case for letting the South leave the United States.

His family was treated harshly by the occupying union troops and the reconstruction government who remembered John Quitman's stand on the South leaving the Union, conveniently forgetting his bravery in the Mexican War and his years of public service.

His family members were forced to renounce the South and proclaim allegiance to the Union, under duress of having their home burned to the ground.

Though their home wasn't destroyed, they still had troubles to overcome.

Right after the end of the Civil War, it was decreed that Southern land owners and home owners must pay a hefty tax or be forced to sell their property at auction. In order to meet the tax burden, the Quitman family had to sell a very valuable immense, wood carved German made piece of beautiful furniture which had been a family heirloom. It wasn't until the beginning of 2006 that this magnificent piece of furniture became available for sale in Europe, and it was repurchased and put back where it belonged at Monmouth Plantation, the family home!

Considering the size of Monmouth Plantation, it would take a lot of money, time and TLC to keep the place looking up to General John's standards over the years.

What a bunch of dolts the living had turned out to be! Former owners let his prized retreat home slip into disrepair and shabbiness, a disgrace!

The restoration process further stirred up this entity, who didn't have much confidence in this effort at first.

MANIFESTATIONS:

The entity of General John A Quitman began to make his presence strongly known when the new owners Lani and Ron Riches bought Monmouth Plantation in 1977, and began to carefully restore the mansion and property, which wasn't in very good shape, in a state of deterioration.

Restoration workers felt a strong presence watching what they were doing closely.

Being brave and courageous in life, the entity of General John A Quitman would boldly stomp around the hallways and areas around the inside of the mansion at all hours of the day.

Everyone in the owners' family heard the stomping except the wife. The restoration workers, the staff and even the police heard the heavy footfalls which seem to begin in the attic area, and spread downward into the mansion.

On occasion, guests have been treated to a late night inspection by the good general himself, checking up on his visitors to his home, perhaps trying to help the owners keep an eye on the visitors to Monmouth Plantation.

A patron in room 30 awoke to see the entity of General John Quitman, dressed in his blue, pre civil War military uniform walking toward his bed, his boots making a clicking sound on the room's brick floor. Satisfied with the guest, the entity disappeared.

STILL HAUNTED?

Yes.

Although the stomping around has stopped, the entity of General John A Quitman still does check up on his guests on occasion, quietly keeping a fatherly eye on the living, perhaps because he couldn't protect his own family like he wanted to do.

However, the entity of General John A Quitman has found some peace in that his beloved home is now in better shape than when he lived there so long ago. He is extremely happy with his restored home! He has accepted the new owners and the visitors as guests in his home.

The owners also had every room blessed and prayed over, which also helped to calm this entity down as well, no longer quite as disturbed about all the injustice done to himself and his family.

LOCATION:

The historic Anchuca Mansion can be found in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Vicksburg, called Spring Hill, a well-to-do area where many of the wealthy lived.

Traveling east on I-20, take exit 1A, (Washington Street). Go north 2.6 miles to South Street, turn right, proceed three blocks to Cherry Street, turn left, pass the Old Court House Museum, turn right on First East Street. Anchuca is immediately on the right, on the corner of Cherry Street and First East Street.

Address: 1010 First East Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180.

Phone/fax: (601) 636-4931

Toll free: 888.686.0111

reservations@anchucamansion.com

DESCRIPTION

The mansion's name, Anchuca, was a Choctaw word meaning "Happy Home." It is described as being a "palatial town home," built to meet the high living standard of the wealthy merchant who lived in Vicksburg during the 19th century.

It is a lovely 2 story mansion, with all of its original architecture, being a beautiful mix of Primitive Colonial Style, Greek Revival and Gothic influences. It featured wooden gallery floor, which was replaced in the 1950's. The original front door, which was destroyed during the battle of Vicksburg, matched the 2nd floor door which opened up to the balcony above. It was a single door 'with sidelight and a transom above."

The Entry Hall and the Ladies Parlor both have the original ceiling medallion with its acanthus leaf pattern, made of marble dust, horse hair, and molasses. The door leading to the balcony features the original stained glass side lights and transom which surrounds the door. These were imported from Europe, and made in a process using pure gold and mercury.

Be sure to check out the 1780 ish chandelier in the Gentleman's Parlor, made of Sevres porcelain and gilded bronze.

While none of the original furnishings remain, Anchuca today is "handsomely furnished with fine antiques and art representing the late 1700s to the mid-1800s." The antique furniture found in the home gives the guest / visitor an idea of what it must of looked like in the mansion's earlier years.

The Anchuca Historic Mansion is now a lovely Bed and Breakfast, which also serves meals to the public. Lunch is served Thurs.& Friday, 11-2 p.m. Saturday Brunch: 10-1:30 p.m. Supper: Thurs. - Saturday: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Tours are offered daily from 9:30-3:00, only 6 dollars a person.

HISTORY:

Many people have enjoyed this lovely town home, each adding a little to the mansion's history and look.

The original home was built in 1830 by a local politician, J. W. Mauldin, in the Primitive Colonial Style. The mansion faces North rather than west toward the river. At the time it was first built, the Mississippi River ran where the Yazoo canal is now. The whole area between Spring Hill and Fort Hill in the Military Park was flooded, creating the original Port of Vicksburg.

In 1837, another family moved in and improved the mansion, making room for the large family of Richard Archer, a plantation owner described as being eccentric and stubborn, who wanted to move his family into town. He had five daughters who he strictly brought up, keeping a tight leash on them.

In 1847, the mansion became the home of coal and ice merchant, Victor Wilson, who added the Greek Revival front addition that is seen today. Mr. Wilson liked to watch his own barges float coal and ice down the Mississippi to markets in the South.

The next owner was Joseph Emory Davis, the wealthy owner of Hurricane plantation and brother of Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States of America. It is from this balcony that Jefferson Davis conceded defeat to the Union forces in a speech to the townspeople.

HISTORY OF MANIFESTATIONS:

Out of Richard Archer's daughters, one was a carbon copy of not only his looks but also of his temperament. This headstrong lass, her father's favorite daughter, was called "Archie." She unfortunately fell in love with the overseer's son on her father's plantation. Richard Archer rejected this match, forbade their love and sent the young man away, seriously ruining his relationship with Archie. She wouldn't talk to him and ate by herself standing by the fireplace in the Ladie's Parlor and perhaps by the main Dining Room fireplace as well.

During the Civil War, during the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863, Anchuca Mansion was used as a hospital, as many private homes were called into service out of necessity.

MANIFESTATIONS:

The entity of the young woman, "Archie" Archer, dressed in a long brown dress has been seen since 1966, standing in either the Parlor or the Dining Room, close to the fire place.

She started appearing in 1966, when the Jack Lavendar, his wife and his daughter, Mel moved into Anchuca Historic Mansion. The Lavendar family and their butler had all seen her, as well as others throughout the years.

Her presence has been strongly felt on occasion in these rooms.

In the slave quarter, a strong presence is sometimes felt there by guests as well.

It seems that some entity left from the hospital days is still hanging around.

There are reports of unexplained activity, attributed to a soldier who had died here.

STILL HAUNTED?

Yes indeed.

It seems the Anchuca Historic Mansion is still home to several entities with issues which keep them from going to the other side.

It is interesting that the entity of Archie didn't start appearing until another teenage daughter moved in with her family, though this entity has been hanging around for years. Perhaps she died before she could make up with her father? Perhaps she is still waiting for the boy she loved to come and get her? Anyway, this entity is trapped in the home; angry and heart broken, not able to let go enough to go to the other side.

LOCATION:

Cedar Grove Mansion Inn and Restaurant, which has glorious view of the Yazoo River from it's location on the bluff, can be found in the Garden District on the corner of Klein Street and Oak Street, off of Highway 80, known as Washington Street. It is just one mile from historic downtown Vicksburg.

To find the Garden District, take I-20 Clay Street Exit 4B. Turn left on Washington. Continue until you reach Klein street and turn right. Take the first left onto Oak Street. Entrance will be on the left.

Address: 2200 Oak Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180.

601-636-1000* 800-862-1300

DESCRIPTION:

It is hard to know where to start in describing the place. For starters it is one of the largest B & B's in Mississippi. Not only is it an inn with a great, award-winning restaurant, but an ideal setting for weddings, receptions, special events and meetings.

"Cedar Grove offers numerous spacious and antique-filled rooms, suites, and cottages for your stay. The beautiful and elegant facilities include the mansion, a chapel, a corporate meeting facility and an outstanding restaurant." - discoverourtown.com

This gorgeous, huge, 3 story, impressive 1840 Roman Revival style mansion looks much like it did when it was built by John Alexander Klein in the two years before he married young Elizabeth. Then, as a couple, the newly weds went to Europe on a year long honeymoon to help pick out the finishing touches. What wasn't bought in Europe, was made by special order from artisans. In New Orleans, they commissioned Prudent Mallard to make several pieces of furniture.

From the outside one sees big columns, verandahs and porches, a roof-top garden, formal and romantic gardens, gazebos, water fountains, courtyards and a beautifully tiled swimming pool, complete with some unique, classy decorations.

The inside has many of the antiques, furnishings and finishing touches done by talented craftsmen. When we took the self-guided tour provided to guests, we saw the Italian marble fireplaces, French empire gasoliers, Bohemian glass for the doorway, towering gold leaf mirrors, exquisite clocks and paintings, and the craftsmanship of the woodwork and stone work around the place.

One piece of custom made furniture kept in the family dining room, turned out to be invaluable in the future of the Klein family. During the Civil War and Union occupation, the family fortune was kept hidden away in a compartment safe, well concealed in plain sight in a piece of lovely furniture, one of the pieces that John Alexander had specially made. The Union Army never suspected a thing. This piece of furniture still sits in the same place of honor in the dining room.

The bedrooms all have antique canopy beds, free-standing wooden closets and tables. There is a garden up on the roof line, where guests can enjoy the view.

There are two main dining rooms located on the east side of the mansion, not far from the kitchen. One large eating area has a lovely view of the large grounds. The other smaller eating area is located on an enclosed patio which offers a view of more gardens and a delightful fountain.

The original, renovated, tiled pool is in lovely shape and the pool house next to it was where John and Elizabeth first lived as a couple while their mansion was being finished.

HISTORY:

While John Klein was a talented man, not only an architect and jeweler, he had the foresight and smarts to diversify his wealth into other fields such as banking, cotton and lumber. He married young Elizabeth Bartley Day when she was 16 and he was 30. John had met her when the then 14 year old Elizabeth had first moved with her Ohio-based family to be with relatives in New Orleans.

John Alexander Klein gave Cedar Grove Hall to Elizabeth as a wedding present. The finishing touches were finished in 1852. John and Elizabeth had 10 children in this home, three of whom died, which wasn't bad for the times they lived in, with no vaccines or antibiotics.

During the Civil War, John Klein fought on the side of the South, leaving a pregnant wife behind. The inevitable Union attack from the Yazoo River left an embedded cannon ball in the parlor wall, their own souvenir! Luckily, Elizabeth was a relative of General Sherman. During the siege of Vicksburg, General Sherman moved the very pregnant Elizabeth to the Union side so she could safely have her son. Then General Sherman turned Cedar Grove Hall into a Union hospital which gave the home further protection.

After the war, the Kleins were able to meet the tax burden put on their home because of the money in the hidden safe mentioned above. Various members of the Klein family lived here until 1919, when they sold it to outsiders.

By 1983 when Estelle and Ted Macky bought Cedar Grove Mansion, it was a very long in the tooth fixer upper and needed TLC badly. They restored the mansion and put things back the way they were supposed to be, which surely pleased the entities of the John Klein family which began to show themselves soon after.

Estelle and Ted did a lot of work restoring the grounds as well, bought back the old carriage house, and bought the houses across the street, turning them into cottages to be part of the Cedar Grove Mansion Inn. Cedar Grove Mansion Inn and Restaurant now sits on 5 acres, and is a very impressive place to stay and enjoy.

HISTORY OF MANIFESTATIONS:

John and Elizabeth Klein loved their home.

John Klein liked to smoke a pipe in his favorite chair in the Gentleman's parlor on the first floor. Elizabeth Klein took pride in her home and family.

Though well-off because of good planning and lucky in other aspects, tragedy did strike the family several times.

Dumb kid accident: One of the Klein's sons, a 17 year boy, was accidentally shot on the back outside stairway when the gun he was carrying was accidentally dropped and discharged.

Deadly Illnesses or mishaps:

One daughter died in an upstairs bedroom probably from a childhood disease. Two infants died in the nursery of unknown causes; from disease or SIDS? When the family sold the property and mansion to someone outside the family in 1919, 3 family graves were moved to a cemetery.

Cedar Grove was used as a Union Hospital where some men obviously died.

A young woman from a family who lived in the mansion at a later time, shot herself in the ballroom.

MANIFESTATIONS:

Various entities of the Klein family have moved back in, willing to share their home with the living.

The entity of John Klein still is master of his home, perhaps not quite trusting the living's judgment, and keeps a fatherly eye on the staff, owners and guests.

When someone enters or goes near his gentleman's parlor and he doesn't like them for some reason, the smell of a pipe can suddenly be noticed.

The sounds of children playing and the sounds of a baby crying have been heard.

The entity of Elizabeth Klein has been seen walking down the front stairs of the home she loved so much, just happily going about her business.

One of the graves moved in 1919 was of a little girl, perhaps the daughter who died in the 2nd floor bedroom.

The entity of this little girl has been seen by staff and guests and often heard going up and down the steps leading to the 2nd floor. She looks lost, sad and puzzled.

Foot steps have been heard going up the outside stairway, which are perhaps made by the teenage son still trying to come home.

Other people have claimed to see some entities of Civil War era soldiers wandering around the mansion and sometimes going up the stairs.

It is thought by some that the female entity of the suicide death is perhaps also floating around the mansion, ballroom, and using the steps as well.

STILL HAUNTED ?

Yes indeed!

What a lovely place to try to work out one's issues, a respite from reality, a truly lovely mansion for both the living and the ghosts who stay here because of their own reasons.

LOCATION

Just north of Columbus, in the outskirts.

Description:

Built around 153 years ago by a rich merchant, William B. Weaver, this top drawer 1848 Italianate mansion has "six soaring fluted columns, and delicate arches across the roof of the front verandah." The inside is just as glorious. There are twin parlors that showcase dazzling chandeliers that reflect in room mirrors. The ceiling is decorated with lovely plaster medallions of acanthus leaves. Servant's houses were also built on the property. When finished, it was considered one of the finest mansions in town.

History:

Weaver's daughter, Nellie Weaver, was an outgoing, talented woman who lived during the time period just before the Civil War to the 1930's. She fell in love with a fireman, Charles Tucker, and married him in 1878. She was so blissfully happy, that she carved her name, Nellie, on the window glass of the south parlor. When a few years had gone by, after their daughter was born, Charles left them and disappeared. To support herself and her daughter, she started a small private school. Because of a lack of money, this once grand mansion slowly slipped into disrepair. Nellie lived there happily until she was eighty, when she died do to burns she received when her dress caught fire from sparks coming from the fireplace in the rear parlor.

The mansion was rescued from its state of disrepair when the Batemans bought the home, in 1950.

Manifestation:

Fortunately, renovation of this once beautiful home started in the early '50's by Mrs. Bateman and was completed by the mid - fifties. Sometime during the restoration period, a workman leaned a ladder up against the window that Nellie has etched her name in, and accidentally broke it. The window was replaced with another pane of glass.

A) Before the window had been broken, Mrs. Bateman herself had seen the original etching of Nellie's name in the old, original window pane, at the start of the home's restoration process. Some years later, after the mansion had been returned to its former glory, Mrs. Bateman started to add her own touches inside. She put a lovely sofa under a window in the south parlor. One day, when she was about to close curtains, because of bright sun was shining on the sofa, she suddenly noticed something that hadn't been there the other day. In the replaced window pane, she saw the name, "Nellie" once again scratched in the same place, in the same handwriting that the original scratching had been in. It had been done from the inside. Many think that the spirit of Nellie is letting the Batemans know how happy she is that they restored her beloved home.

Still Haunted?

Is Nellie still there? It is assumed that she is, because she loved her house, and never wanted to leave it.

Location
6 miles south of Columbus, on Mullen's Bluff on the Tombigee River, between West Point and Columbus.

History:

This "magnificent mansion," was built in 1852 by Col. George Hampton Young, who raised a large family of 6 boys and 4 girls in this grand place, all of which reached adulthood. Interestingly, in the parlor there is a wedding alcove, where several of his kids were married. Waverly was the social center of the neighborhood, and weekly dances were held in its large, spacious ballroom.

During the Civil War and the "turbulent years" of the reconstruction period, many homeless families found a place to stay at Waverly Mansion. From 1913 - 1962, the mansion was abandoned, unoccupied by the living, but was a very active place for the resident ghosts.

In 1962, the Snow family bought the old mansion. The dense undergrowth in front of the place had to be hacked away so they could find the sagging front porch. The Snows renovated the mansion to its former glorious state.

Manifestations:

There are many stories about these resident ghosts, who are all friendly, cordial, with good Southern manners, never bothering the living.

- Mirrors that are found inside the mansion sometimes show the likeness of Col. George Hampton Young.

- Over the years when the house was unoccupied, dozens of other apparitions were seen.

- Major John Pytchlyn was buried in 1835, close to Waverly Mansion. When he was orphaned at a young age, he was taken in and raised by the Choctaw Indians. His ghost is seen riding a stallion bareback near the estate grounds.

- Faint music and gentle laughter coming from the ballroom has been heard by various people.

- Little ghost girl, looking for her mother.

1) Two years after moving in, in 1962, Mrs. Snow was upstairs, when she heard a young, frightened voice of a girl, about 4 or 5 years old, calling "Mamma!" She walked across the upstairs balcony, looking down to the floor below, expecting to see one of her own children. She heard just a sweet voice, but no one was there. For five years Mrs. Snow heard this distraught, unhappy little voice, calling for her Mamma.

2) This little girl ghost followed Mrs. Snow about the house, calling out to her, just to let her know that she was still there. Sometimes she cried at night. Mrs. Snow's children would come to her bedroom, and ask if the little girl was ok.

3) On a four poster bed, in an upstairs room, the Snows often found the impression of this little girls body on top of the bedspread, usually during the summer months in the afternoon, like she was taking a nap.

4) One day, while Mrs. Snow was working in the kitchen, this little girl ghost stood real close to her, and cried out in distress and pain, "Mama, Mama, Mama!" Mrs. Snow asked her tenderly what the trouble was. She didn't hear from her again, but the child ghost is still around. Mrs. Snow keeps her bed made up, so if she ever needs to rest, she has a place.

Still Haunted?

A big yes is in order!

Location
On 7th Street, in Columbus

History:

It was built in the 1820's, around the original log cabin room. There is still an upstairs room from this original home in the present mansion. The first mayor of Columbus, Robert Hayden owned the mansion in the 1840's. He took great care of the place, and was the one who planted the vineyards on the grounds and dug the cellar.

Manifestations:

Around the 2nd week of February or Valentine's Day, The Ivy family is treated to an annual inspection of a ghost of a former owner, who has slow, ponderous steps of a heavy old man, usually late at night. Year after year, the ghost calmly takes the same route. He comes up from the wine cellar, through the hall, past the master bedroom, and then goes up the stairs to the old log cabin room, closing the door. He never comes down again.

Still Haunted?

Yes.

History:

This antebellum mansion was built in 1837 by General Richard Brownrigg. The mansion was bought by the Harris family in the 1840's. One of the Harris daughters, Mary, was married in the parlor. She lived there with her husband for only 3 months before she died. In 1887, a Methodist minister, J.H. Kennebrew and his family bought the mansion. His daughter, Elizabeth, never married, and lived in this mansion until she died. She became a bit peculiar, and used mercurochrome for lipstick and rouge, and chalk dust for facial powder. It is currently a private residence, but is opened up for tourists during the Spring - Summer months.

Manifestations:

One or two ghosts reside peacefully with the owners, though they inadvertently have given visitors and guests an occasional thrill.

A) During the month of July of 1991, tourists came for an open house tour. In the middle of the master bedroom, Miss Elizabeth appeared before them, as a good hostess must be cordial. Being a minister's daughter, she was used to entertaining people from the congregation.

B) There is also a pleasant, but noisy ghost as well. The owners think this ghost may be that of Mary Harris. Doors have been known to open and close by themselves, and sounds of voices float from empty rooms.

C) An overnight guest got a thrill when she awoke in the night, and saw through her open 2nd floor bedroom door a bright ball of mist cross the hallway and float up some stairs.

D) Another guest took polaroid pictures of their sofa, that happened to have the family cat sitting on it, looking at something next to it. When the pictures quickly developed, a similar bright ball of mist was sitting on the sofa next to the cat.

Still Haunted?

Yes, Elizabeth and Mary occasionally make an appearance.

Located in Columbus

History:

This mansion was built by William R. Cannon, in 1858. He only lived there for 4 years before he died. Two other deaths happened at Wisteria Place over the years as well.

Manifestations:

Over the years, since the 1970's, during the day light hours, various members of the Wallace family each have seen a man, wearing a white shirt rushing up the walk, past the east kitchen window, towards the back door. He seems to be on an urgent errand. Each family member had rushed to the back door and opened it quickly to see nothing or nobody there.

Still Haunted?

Yes.

No one knows for sure who it is haunting the place, but some think that it could be William R. Cannon, concerned about his mansion. Perhaps he died before completing some unfinished business concerning his pride and joy, Wisteria Place.

LOCATION:

Along Mississippi Gulf coast in a town called Gulfport, on 5 1/2 acres of trees and flowers. It's backyard turned into a flowery slope that leads down to the Bayou.

DESCRIPTION:

Built in 1915, it was a dilapidated , large, barn-like dormitory-style like house, that was about to be torn down, so a new home could be built on the property, which was why Suzie Smith was given permission to investigate the home for her book, "Ghosts Around the House." The house had three floors, with an enclosed outside porch, that ran along the second floor by the bedrooms. There was access to this porch through the bedrooms. A staircase from the first floor also connected to this porch. The 2nd floor Master Bedroom was unusually large, and was directly above the house's unusually large Den. The Livingroom was next to the Den, and had a fireplace. The kitchen was off the living room, and the downstairs bathroom was close to the kitchen.

HISTORY of the HOUSE:

From 1915 - 1941, the house was home to various families. In 1941, the house was leased to the Air Force, for use as a non-commissioned officer's club. A sergeant of dubious character was assigned to manage this officer's club. He moved gambling equipment into the master bedroom, and brought in prostitutes as well. His illegal operations were shut down eventually by his superiors, and the officer's club was shut. After the war, this sergeant came back to the house and from a 2nd floor window seat took his cache of valuable savings bonds.

In 1957, Dr. and Mrs. Gregory and their large family; (Children from both their marriages, plus a couple from their own), moved into this fixer-upper. They didn't realize that they would be sharing their house with at least 3 regular, active ghosts, plus others; including ( a woman, unknown men, a little girl) who appear periodically to visit the living. For a while, the Gregorys discounted their children's experiences until they themselves had experiences that convinced them that their house was definitely haunted. They went from skeptics to believers, in short order.

MANIFESTATIONS:

The Master Bedroom -

1) On a cold November night, Mr. Gregory was awakened from a sound sleep by a loud moan coming from between the dresser and the bed. When he turned on the light, no one was there. While this loud moan woke up the boys in the next bedroom over, Mrs. Gregory slept through the whole thing. However, this ghost believed in equal treatment of the living, and treated Mrs. Gregory the next evening on cue to "an indescribable, bubbly moan; a horrible, hideous sound, as if someone was in unbearable agony," that lasted 15 seconds. She was sitting at her desk in the bedroom trying to describe the moan that her husband had reported to her the night before. Later that evening, she heard footsteps walking the length of the enclosed porch. Again, No one was there.

2) Their bedroom ghost must have taken a liking to Mrs. Gregory, because he appeared to her in the middle of the night. She awakened to see the apparition of a big man, standing at the foot of their bed, floating two feet off the floor. He was wearing a brown, plaid sport coat, dark brown pants, and a white shirt. She couldn't see his face, but he had his chin in the palm of his right hand, and his left hand was under his right elbow, and he was staring at her.

3) The Gregory's bed in their master bedroom was a 1800's, New Orleans Mallard, half-tester canopy bed; a rare and valuable piece of furniture. The massive headboard stands 9 or 10 feet high on big mahogany legs. The posts at the foot of the bed are 9 feet tall. One night both Dr. and Mrs. Gregory were jolted awake by a loud pound on the massive headboard, like someone used his fist to hit it. After checking the room, they went back to bed. Mrs. Gregory couldn't sleep because of an uneasy feeling, that the noise making wasn't over. About 45 minutes later, a sharp sound, like someone clicking their long fingernails against the headboard woke up her husband once again.

Mrs. Gregory felt that the man haunting their bedroom was connected to the gambling operation that once graced their bedroom.

The Children's Bedrooms

1) Four of the Gregory children have had encounters with ghostly house mates in the upstairs bedrooms.

a) Kendall woke up and saw a fluorescent something walk around his bed, and when it looked at him closely face to face, this apparition was recognized as a boy.

One morning, Kendall and Parham woke up to find circles drawn in blood on their window, a few days before President Kennedy was assassinated.

b) When Kendall's younger sister slept in his room one night, she saw the closet door open and a bright light form was coming out of it.

Another time that she slept on a bunk bed in Kendall's room, she awoke at 2:00 a.m. and watched a bright form, looking like heat waves, which had opened the closet door, walkout of the closet, straight to her bed. This apparition went through her feet, to the other side of her bed, sending a chill up her legs. Turning around toward her, it bent over her, as if studying her, as it stood against the wall, where there wasn't any room for anyone living to stand. Satisfied, this apparition went through her feet again and vanished.

c) When Ricky slept in K's room, he awoke to see an apparition of a woman in a gown, floating near the ceiling, like gas fumes.

When Ricky was sleeping in his own room, he was awakened when some nosy unseen presence was freely opening up various drawers of his bureau

When Ricky turned off his light one night after a late-night study session, he heard the heavy foot steps of a man walk around his room.

d) Just after midnight, Parham went to bed and turned out the light, when one of his books fell off his desk all by itself. Then, he heard his name being called by a child's voice, that sounded like it was coming through a pipe.

The Living Room & Den

2 of the Gregory boys, household help, & friends have experienced the company of ghostly household members.

a) In 1965, Grier had fallen asleep in the Den, on a hot, summer night, to be awakened by the opening of the door to the den, and saw a boy, around 14, who was a see-through apparition coming through the door. It was very light, sort of smoky, illuminating the room. As it traveled across the den, it became taller, fuzzier and vanished near the book case.

b) Four friends of the Gregorys, who were level-headed, professional people, spent the night in the Den. They were awakened to find themselves in the middle of an unseen "riotous" cocktail party.

c) Mrs. Peters, the cook /housekeeper, while alone in the house one day, saw a tall, balding man, wearing grey pants and a dark grey sweater, go into the Den. Alarmed, she rushed after him, but he had vanished.

d) Grier and 4 friends decided to stay up one night from 11:45 pm - 5:00 am, in the living room and downstairs area, to see if any ghosts would join them. They heard a noisy, cocktail party, coming from the northeast corner of the Den. There was singing, music; 1920's jazz era, talking and laughing, but saw no forms or apparitions.

While taking a break near the Kitchen, about 6 figures became visible in the kitchen, not more than a few seconds at a time. These apparitions were fascinated by the automatic coffee pot, with its blinking light. Seen clearly was a man in a white robe, & a clean-cut man in a striped shirt.

Soon after that, other "indistinct figures" moved around the den and living room, some visible for seconds only, while others were seen for periods of time. The entities seen were in outline form, filled with a "smoky substance". One such smoky figure sat in a chair, near the card table, staring at the fireplace. Another smoky figure leaned against the card table, and studied the four college-aged people. Yet another figure came over to the couch where Grier was sitting and sat on the coffee table, right in front of Grier.

Grier saw a detailed apparition of a little girl, who walked through the door of the den. Sporting a curly, Shirley Temple hairstyle, she was wearing a full, frilly skirt or sash.

When one of the friends left the kitchen, she was followed by a tall apparition, formally dressed in a black coat, black pants, black tie and a glowing white shirt. He followed her all the way to the Den. He stood right behind her, leaning on the inside of the den door.

e) While upstairs, both family members and household help have heard crashing sounds from downstairs, and the sound of something heavy being dragged across the floor.

f) When Parham went downstairs to get something to eat, around 2:00 a.m. one early morning, he heard in either the Living room or Den, an unseen presence that was moaning loudly, and a woman's voice, saying, "Get out, get out!" Then, a forceful, screaming followed. Parham made a beeline up the stairs, having heard enough. Mrs. Gregory, who has some psychic ability, sensed that something awful happened in the downstairs area.

Kitchen Area: Observations of household help and friends

a) While the maid, Susan, was folding laundry on the kitchen table, she saw the apparition of the shady sergeant. He was described as being short, (5' 7"), having a dark complexion, and a sharp face. After the entity came out of the bathroom off the kitchen, he stared intensely at the maid, "square in the face." The scared maid felt her hair around her neck stand on end. The apparition was wearing a white cap, 1930's style, with a snap in the front. He was also wearing 1930's style black pants and a white shirt. Satisfied, this scary apparition went about his business, walking into the dining room, across the end of the living room, and continued up the stairs. Both Mrs. Gregory, who was upstairs, and Susan could hear his footsteps as he climbed up the stairs, where he faded into thin air.

b) While preparing breakfast, the cook, Mrs. Peters, sa

LOCATION:

This 1852, Episcopal, Gothic Chapel is located on Highway 16, between the towns of Madison and Flora, in Madison County, Mississippi.

Address: 674 Mannsdale Road · Madison, Mississippi 39110.

DESCRIPTION:

This brick chapel is a Gothic-style masterpiece, complete with a pointed arch front doorway and with sharply-tipped windows. This chapel was built by Mrs. Margaret Johnston, in memory of her husband, and was finished in 1855, complete with French stained glass windows, a pipe organ, a baptismal font made from one stone, altar and communion rail.

One hundred and fifty years later, Chapel of the Cross is going strong as a congregation, actively practicing their Christian faith, offering opportunities to serve Christ and grow in the Christian faith.

MANIFESTATIONS:

Chapel of The Cross and its graveyard are locked up tightly at 6 p.m. to not only prevent vandalism, but to give the ghosts their privacy. Stories of the past explain some of the hauntings of this place, which is still a place for the spiritually restless.

1) A young woman in her early 20's, is seen crying inconsolably near a young man's grave, a Henry Vick. She vanishes when the living approach her. In 1857, the daughter of Mrs. Margaret Johnson, Helen was totally in love and engaged to be married to a Henry Vick, who was killed in a duel just a few days before the wedding. Helen spent hours at his grave, crying, talking to his grave stone. She finally was able to cope, after a trip to Europe, and later married a minister. A part of her never was healed; her longing for her dear Henry. It's possible that what is seen is an emotional impression of this extremely painful time for grief-stricken Helen, or it could be her- still weeping and grieving, unable to let go and go to the other side.

2) The Organ has been played late at night, when everything was locked up tight. The reason is unknown.

3) Non-stop, manic giggling fills the air at times, and blood stains appear now and then on the Chapel's stone floor. An apparition is seen going straight through the front wooden door and the locked iron gate protecting the door. Many years ago, the caretaker, in charge of Chapel Of The Cross, mentally snapped, and chopped off the head of his mentally unbalanced wife, right there in the Chapel. After clearing up the bloody mess, the caretaker hung himself on the Chapel's rafters.

4) Two apparitions were seen opening up the wooden door, going right through the locked iron gate, which protects the door, and climbing up a tree to sit together for a time before melting into thin air. Maybe, these two spirits could be Helen and Henry, trying to live together on earth. No one knows who they are for sure.

Still Haunted?

Yes. The Chapel of The Cross and its graveyard are locked at night so the restless spirits mentioned above can have their privacy without being disturbed by the living.

Brandy Taylor