Historical Stories Of Places We Have Been To
A big part of being a part of a paranormal teams job is to research a location to find out the history of who lived there in the past or what was on the land before the building or current occupants came along and what happened during that time period. Knowing the history, helps the team unlock the mystery of what may be causing the paranormal activity. This page is dedicated to that history, here we will tell that story! (Of course, if the current owner doesn't want this information disclosed we have to honor their decision.)
"Death Alley" after the Iroquois Theater Fire
The alley behind the what is now known as the Oriental Theater in Chicago's historic theater section is known as "death alley." On December 30,1903, about 2000 people packed the Iroquois Theater, which had a maximum capacity of 1600, to watch a vaudeville show in the early afternoon. At around 3:20pm a fire broke out and the "fireproof" theater's curtain caught fire. The stage hands unknowing the danger and distruction that would soon engulf the theater and its occupants, opened the stage doors to help clear the smoke. When doing so it ended up causing a backdraft in the theater and a ball of fire burst into the audience. The patrons panicked and ran for the exits. The exit doors opened inward towards the stage, instead of out towards the theaters main entrance; with all the patrons desperately trying to get out of the burning building they blocked the exits. The people in the balcony areas of the theater were unable to get out unless the fell on the audience below, due to the iron exit doors were padlocked closed to keep the nonpaying customers out. Those people were trapped. 602 people died during the fire, 212 of those were children. The alley is were the firefighters piled the dead and wounded, until the wounded could be taken to the local hospitals and the dead to Marshall Fields building on State Street, were it was made into a makeshift morgue. The cobblestone alley were all those souls laid on that cold December day is still there today. The Oriental now stands were the tragedy of the Iroquois happened. The only thing left of the Iroquois is the front fasod of the original building. The afternoon that started off with so much laughter, ended in so many tears. When one walks down the back alley, the feeling of dread and desperation is strong. In life, they went to the theater for entertainment, but in death they may have returned to the theater to remind those who attend or work for the theater that they should never forget that the joy of a simple laugh could end in tragedy. So when you walk down "death alley" take heed of what may be exiting out the stage door, they may not be actors in period customs. They just might be the Iroquois spirits reliving that cold December day.
The Pfister Hotel - Milwaukee WI
The Pfister hotel is one of elegance and charm. To walk into the lobby, you feel as if you have stepped back in time to when there was less hustle and bustle and life may have been hard, but simple. The hotel has played host to every President since President McKinnley, as well as entertainers and sport figures and is the most hictoric hotel in Wisconsin. The hotel first opened it's doors to the public in 1893 and was quite high tech for its day. The hotel had electricity and fireproofing throughout and every room had its own thermostat to regulate the heat. It was the idea of Guido Pfister and his son, Charles. It was know as a " grand hotel of the west" and the service provided by the staff is forever immoralized on the wall near the 32-foot ceiling in the lobby. The word "Salve" a philosophy of the finest hospitality any hotel would be proud to honor. The hotel construction was at a cost of more than 1 million dollars, which would have cost a little over 25 million dollars in today economy. Charles Pfister was a collector of and had a passion of fine Vicotrian art. It was that passion that still lines the walls of this luxurious hotel today and is the largest collection of Victorian art in a single hotel throughout the world. 35 years after Charles Pfister's death, Ben Marcus purchased the hotel in 1962. He promised to restore the aging building back to its original elegant beauty. In addition to the original building restoration, a 23-story guest room tower was also added to the hotel. The Pfister hotel has been flourishing ever since. Now you maybe asking yourself, who would be haunting this lavish hotel and why? The answer is simple. Charles Pfister, himself. He was a business man all his life and in death that hasn't changed. He wants to make sure his staff is sticking to the philosophy of "Salve." His spirit has been known to roam the 9th floor, which is not accessible to guest. It is here were Charles can make sure the hotel is running up to his standards. He has also been sighted accending down the grand staircase, which also is where his portait is hung. Late at night when most of the guests are sleeping or just arriving back from a late night out in downtown Milwaukee, that his spirit makes an appearance in the lobby. But he is not the only one haunting the grand halls of this hotel. Guest have reported the sound of dogs barking and disembodied voices. Our founder and her husband stayed at the Pfister in August 2011, their room was in the original building of the hotel. It was in the middle of the night when she awoke to see a phantom dog standing next to her bed. It was there for only a second or two, but enough for her to realize she was among the luck few to have an experience at the hotel Pfister, along with a list of ordinary guests like herself as well as celebrities like actor, Joey Lawrence and Minnesota Twins outfielder, Carlos Gomez. The hotel is a wonderous site and in walking distance of the Art Museum, Discovery World, Betty Brinn's Children Museum, Water Street and much more. The hotel does not shy away about the haunted claims, in fact they have a special package for those guest who are intrigued about the haunting spector of their founder Charles Pfister. For more information about the package go to www.thepfisterhotel.com
Farrar Schoolhouse - Maxwell IA
The story about the haunted schoolhouse in Maxwell IA will be coming soon.
East Troy Private Residence- East Troy WI
The property in which the East Troy residence was located on s historical part of Racine Counties history as well as Wisconsin. The 4 year old home is situated the corner of the last 7 acres of what was once owned by Hiram D. Morse (seen above) and his family. In 1839, Mr. Morse was elected to be the Superintendent of Schools in Caledonia WI and held many other seats including Road Commissioner in Rochester 1846, and Assessoor of Waterford for one year. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1857 and served through 1858. He was also a member of the Knights Templar. Hiram Morse was born in Hamburg County, New York on January 29, 1815. In 1836, he decided to head west looking for a more promising future with room to grow. He found that in a village in Racine WI. He started to secure his future by working for a Caledonia farmer making $225 for his first year of service, which would increase to $250 the second year. After saving as much as he could he was able to purchase 160 acres of land in Rochester County. He later sold that property and purchased 400 in Waterford County, where the home still stands today. He and his wife Nancy Marilla ( Beardsley) Morse blessed the modest farmhouse (seen above) with 7 children. It wasn't until the Civil War that Hiram was appointed Commissioner to raise troops and in 1862 drafted a resolution to expedite the raising of bounties for the volunteers. When the draft was threatened to be revoked, Hiram Morse went to his own personal supply for his own family and removed 150 bushels of wheat to be ground down into flour and placed in 10 bushels, which would be distributed to the families of each of those men who had volunteered. During the entire duration of the war, Hiram and his family took in the wife and 2 children of a volunteer. He passed away in 1899. Later his granddaughter, Olene Lapham, (seen above) who was born in her grandfather's home, remained there throughout her life until her death in 1982. She was found died inside the farmhouse in a pool of her own fluids. The stain of that event still can be seen on the floor of the farmhouse today. Could she be haunting the land that she so adored growing up or could it be the spirit of a young man who passed away on the exact property the East Troy home was erected on? The young man, no older then 21 years old, died unexpectedly outside in the yard in the late 50's early 60's. The home owners have seen a male figure in there home. Could this be the helpful spirit we had encountered during our evp sessions attempting to help us with our equipment? The family was once unnerved by what the spirit would do inside their home, has now embraced the spirit, who so willingly finds things for them and put them in the most unusual places.
The property in which the East Troy residence was located on s historical part of Racine Counties history as well as Wisconsin. The 4 year old home is situated the corner of the last 7 acres of what was once owned by Hiram D. Morse (seen above) and his family. In 1839, Mr. Morse was elected to be the Superintendent of Schools in Caledonia WI and held many other seats including Road Commissioner in Rochester 1846, and Assessoor of Waterford for one year. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1857 and served through 1858. He was also a member of the Knights Templar. Hiram Morse was born in Hamburg County, New York on January 29, 1815. In 1836, he decided to head west looking for a more promising future with room to grow. He found that in a village in Racine WI. He started to secure his future by working for a Caledonia farmer making $225 for his first year of service, which would increase to $250 the second year. After saving as much as he could he was able to purchase 160 acres of land in Rochester County. He later sold that property and purchased 400 in Waterford County, where the home still stands today. He and his wife Nancy Marilla ( Beardsley) Morse blessed the modest farmhouse (seen above) with 7 children. It wasn't until the Civil War that Hiram was appointed Commissioner to raise troops and in 1862 drafted a resolution to expedite the raising of bounties for the volunteers. When the draft was threatened to be revoked, Hiram Morse went to his own personal supply for his own family and removed 150 bushels of wheat to be ground down into flour and placed in 10 bushels, which would be distributed to the families of each of those men who had volunteered. During the entire duration of the war, Hiram and his family took in the wife and 2 children of a volunteer. He passed away in 1899. Later his granddaughter, Olene Lapham, (seen above) who was born in her grandfather's home, remained there throughout her life until her death in 1982. She was found died inside the farmhouse in a pool of her own fluids. The stain of that event still can be seen on the floor of the farmhouse today. Could she be haunting the land that she so adored growing up or could it be the spirit of a young man who passed away on the exact property the East Troy home was erected on? The young man, no older then 21 years old, died unexpectedly outside in the yard in the late 50's early 60's. The home owners have seen a male figure in there home. Could this be the helpful spirit we had encountered during our evp sessions attempting to help us with our equipment? The family was once unnerved by what the spirit would do inside their home, has now embraced the spirit, who so willingly finds things for them and put them in the most unusual places.
St Casimir Cemetery- Somers WI
The cemetery is named after St. Casimir, prince of Poland. He was born to King Casimir IV and Queen Elizabeth, an Austrian princess, who was the daughter of Albert II, Emperor of Germany and King of Bohemia and Hungary. The young prince was born in the Palace of Krakow on October 3, 1458, as he got older he studied under Father Dlugosz. King Casimir IV tried to arrange a marriage between Prince Casimir and the daughter of Frederick II, Emporer of Germany. Prince Casimir decided to remain single. After Prince Casimir's death in 1484 already revered by many as a saint, especially for his values towards justice and chastity; Pope Adrain VI in 1522 canonized St. Casimir the patron of Poland and Lithuania, but honored all the way to Belgium and Naples.
A number of Polish descent pioneers settled in Kenosha WI in the 1800's. In 1898, at least 50 Polish families and several more individuals discussed the need to organize their own parish, along with a cemetery. On November 16, 1901, this vision became a reality. In 1906 the St Casimir Church purchased a plot of land in what is now know as Somers WI. (Today, the cemetery is the final resting place of many nationality other then polish.) Between 1906 and 1931, the cemetery wasn't well taken care of, even though it was the resting place of many loved ones. It wasn't until the late 30's, that the cemetery got a facelift. The lawn was manicured and landscaped with a new fence surrounding the propery. There was a chapel built near the middle of the cemetery, along with a newly erected cross for all to worship while visiting with loved ones. The cemetery was finally completed when the dirt roads winding around the lushish green grass was paved. It was now like most cemeteries of its day tranquil and inviting. It wasn't un May 17, 1968, that this cmemtery would have a tragic story linked to its history. On that day a young boy was attempting to cross the road to retrieve the mail, when he was struck by a 23 year old motorist. The boy was taken to St. Catherine's Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The boys family had his body laid to rest in St Casimir cemtery just down the street from the family home. The boys father spend many nights laying in the cemetery on his young sons grave. One could imagine him grieving for his son, longing to hold him once again. It wouldn't be until 2000 when he would finally be with his son for all eternity. Many passers-by have claimed to see a gray mist roaming in and out of the tombstones. Could this figure be connected to this tragedy or simply a lost soul wondering around longing to talk to someone?
information found: Kenosha News and St Casimir Parish History
The cemetery is named after St. Casimir, prince of Poland. He was born to King Casimir IV and Queen Elizabeth, an Austrian princess, who was the daughter of Albert II, Emperor of Germany and King of Bohemia and Hungary. The young prince was born in the Palace of Krakow on October 3, 1458, as he got older he studied under Father Dlugosz. King Casimir IV tried to arrange a marriage between Prince Casimir and the daughter of Frederick II, Emporer of Germany. Prince Casimir decided to remain single. After Prince Casimir's death in 1484 already revered by many as a saint, especially for his values towards justice and chastity; Pope Adrain VI in 1522 canonized St. Casimir the patron of Poland and Lithuania, but honored all the way to Belgium and Naples.
A number of Polish descent pioneers settled in Kenosha WI in the 1800's. In 1898, at least 50 Polish families and several more individuals discussed the need to organize their own parish, along with a cemetery. On November 16, 1901, this vision became a reality. In 1906 the St Casimir Church purchased a plot of land in what is now know as Somers WI. (Today, the cemetery is the final resting place of many nationality other then polish.) Between 1906 and 1931, the cemetery wasn't well taken care of, even though it was the resting place of many loved ones. It wasn't until the late 30's, that the cemetery got a facelift. The lawn was manicured and landscaped with a new fence surrounding the propery. There was a chapel built near the middle of the cemetery, along with a newly erected cross for all to worship while visiting with loved ones. The cemetery was finally completed when the dirt roads winding around the lushish green grass was paved. It was now like most cemeteries of its day tranquil and inviting. It wasn't un May 17, 1968, that this cmemtery would have a tragic story linked to its history. On that day a young boy was attempting to cross the road to retrieve the mail, when he was struck by a 23 year old motorist. The boy was taken to St. Catherine's Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The boys family had his body laid to rest in St Casimir cemtery just down the street from the family home. The boys father spend many nights laying in the cemetery on his young sons grave. One could imagine him grieving for his son, longing to hold him once again. It wouldn't be until 2000 when he would finally be with his son for all eternity. Many passers-by have claimed to see a gray mist roaming in and out of the tombstones. Could this figure be connected to this tragedy or simply a lost soul wondering around longing to talk to someone?
information found: Kenosha News and St Casimir Parish History
Bachelors Grove Cemetery- Midlothian IL
Known as one of the oldest cemeteries in Cook County, Bachelors Grove cemetery was once a place families would come to on Sundays afternoons to enjoya wonderful picnic while visiting with loved ones who have passed on. Bachelors Grove cemetery is located adjacent to Rubio Woods Forest Preserve on 143th Street in Midlothian Il. The enterance to the cemetery is actually what is left of the old Midlothian Turnpike, which closed to traffic in the 1960's is now no larger then a walking trail 5 feet wide in sections. Bachelors Grove cemetery, however, began its humble begins when Edward M. Everden sold his property to Frederick Schmidt in 1864. Edward had written a clause reserving one acre of the said property to be used as a cemetery. Frederick being the upstaying man that he was, agreed. It is not well known exactly when the first burial occured in the cemetery, but the last person to be buried there was Laura M McGhee in 1965 and in 1989 Robert E Shields' cremated body was laid to rest in the family plot. The cemetery at one time had over 200 tombstone and occupied plots. Once the road leading closer to the already isolated cemetery was closed, also known as "lover lane" in the 60's, the vandalism of gravesites began to exculate. Between the 1960's and 1970's the cemetery went from 200 tombstone to about 20 and only a hand full of bodies still at rest in their plots, graves were being desecrated, opening of the graves and robbing ensued. There was evidence that occult rituals were being performed inside these hallowed grounds. It was during this time when many families were relocating their loved one to other cemteries closer to where they lived or a bigger family plot. It wasn't until the 70's when the stories of Bachelors grove began. There is the story of the white lady who roams the grounds at night, she is seen sometimes with a baby in her arms. Could she be the woman from the grave with the small tombstone marked infant daughter? There is the phantom farmhouse that is seen just outside the fence of the cemetery that will vanish before you are able to get close to it. Then, there is the story of the farmer and his horse and plow, how now is said to haunt the pond after his horse and plow got too close to the end of the water and were pulled into their watery grave. These are just a few of the claims, but the most famous is of the woman sitting on a tombstone who was captured on film by Jude Felz and published in the Chicago Sun-Times. There have been so many happy memories and tragic endings at Bachelors Grove they were bound to leave some kind of impression on this once park like land. For the current occupts still occupying this inactive cemetery, may they one day find peace in their eternal resting place.
Known as one of the oldest cemeteries in Cook County, Bachelors Grove cemetery was once a place families would come to on Sundays afternoons to enjoya wonderful picnic while visiting with loved ones who have passed on. Bachelors Grove cemetery is located adjacent to Rubio Woods Forest Preserve on 143th Street in Midlothian Il. The enterance to the cemetery is actually what is left of the old Midlothian Turnpike, which closed to traffic in the 1960's is now no larger then a walking trail 5 feet wide in sections. Bachelors Grove cemetery, however, began its humble begins when Edward M. Everden sold his property to Frederick Schmidt in 1864. Edward had written a clause reserving one acre of the said property to be used as a cemetery. Frederick being the upstaying man that he was, agreed. It is not well known exactly when the first burial occured in the cemetery, but the last person to be buried there was Laura M McGhee in 1965 and in 1989 Robert E Shields' cremated body was laid to rest in the family plot. The cemetery at one time had over 200 tombstone and occupied plots. Once the road leading closer to the already isolated cemetery was closed, also known as "lover lane" in the 60's, the vandalism of gravesites began to exculate. Between the 1960's and 1970's the cemetery went from 200 tombstone to about 20 and only a hand full of bodies still at rest in their plots, graves were being desecrated, opening of the graves and robbing ensued. There was evidence that occult rituals were being performed inside these hallowed grounds. It was during this time when many families were relocating their loved one to other cemteries closer to where they lived or a bigger family plot. It wasn't until the 70's when the stories of Bachelors grove began. There is the story of the white lady who roams the grounds at night, she is seen sometimes with a baby in her arms. Could she be the woman from the grave with the small tombstone marked infant daughter? There is the phantom farmhouse that is seen just outside the fence of the cemetery that will vanish before you are able to get close to it. Then, there is the story of the farmer and his horse and plow, how now is said to haunt the pond after his horse and plow got too close to the end of the water and were pulled into their watery grave. These are just a few of the claims, but the most famous is of the woman sitting on a tombstone who was captured on film by Jude Felz and published in the Chicago Sun-Times. There have been so many happy memories and tragic endings at Bachelors Grove they were bound to leave some kind of impression on this once park like land. For the current occupts still occupying this inactive cemetery, may they one day find peace in their eternal resting place.
Walker House Inn, Mineral Point WI
The Inn was built in 1836 and has served as a home to the lead miners, a pub, a meetting hall, some say a bordello, as wll as an inn. In February 1842, just outside of town in Gratiot's Grove, William Caffee got into a confrontation with Samuel Southwick , what the two men were arguing about is still unclear. However, it ended with the death of Samuel Southwick. William had fled from the scene of the crime and ended up hiding in what is now Room 5 of the Walker Hosue Inn. It was there that the authorities found him cowering in fear, knowing he had just killed a man and now the same may happen to him. William was taken to the local sheriff's office, where he was held until November 1, 1842. It was then that he was to be executed for the death of Mr Samuel Southwick. It was said that 'ole William got up on what would soon hold what was left of his corpse, his coffin, and played the funeral march with two empty beer bottles all the way to the gallows. It was there at the gallows in front of Walkers Inn that William Caffee would draw his last breath before being hanged. It is said William was decapitatied from the noose around his neck and the weight of his own body. Even though William has been dead for over 160 years, his spirit still seems to be restless. He has been seen on the grounds and wandering around in the same inn he was founding hiding in so many years ago. Patrons of the inn have seen a man in a tattered gray suit in the dining hall, the pub, th guest rooms and out in on the patio sitting on a bench. Some have seen him with his head and other had the misfortune to see him without it. If this truely is William Caffee's spirit, he seems to be more of a prankster then malicious in nature. He likes to make his presence known to all who walk into his inn.
Here is an article found on ancestry.com about William Caffee's exection.
North Western Gazette & Galena Advertiser.
GALENA, ILLINOIS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1842.
Correspondence of the Gazette & Advertiser
EXECUTION OF CAFFEE
MINERAL POINT, W. T.
TUESDAY EVENING, NOV. 1, 1842
The execution of Caffee, for the murder of Southwick, took place to-day, in the presence of an immense throng of spectators. The crowd commenced gathering yesterday, and continued to pour in from all directions in solid phalanx until the fatal hour. It would be difficult to estimate the number of spectators present; it could not be much less than four or five thousand. It was painful to contemplate such a crowd, assembled for such a purpose. Five thousand people assembled in the peaceful and quiet village of Mineral Point to witness what! The agony and dying throes of a fellow man. Good God! What a curiosity.
The crowd was not made up of any particular class, but was composed indiscriminately of both high and low, rich and poor, men white with the frosts of age, and tottering upon the verge of eternity were here,––young men in throngs were here. The pious and the good were here. The aged and discreet matron was here. The virgin, "chaste as the icicle that hangs on Dian's temple," were here. Infants, muling and puking in their nurse's arms, were here by the acre. In a word, every age, sex, color and condition was fully represented here to-day.
The Execution took place upon the low ground below the town, surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills, which were literally covered by the eager multitude. The scaffold was constructed upon the old plan, and consisted of a square frame work, placed upon the ground, into which was inserted two upright posts about twelve feet high and four feet apart; across the top of these posts went a beam, with a large iron hook inserted, to which was attached the rope. Between the upright posts, and about six feet from the ground was fixed a platform or trap door, about four feet square, hung with hinges upon one side and kept in a horizontal position by a pin passing through one of the upright posts and under the edge of the platform. To this pin was attached a lever for the purpose of drawing it out and letting fall the trap. The ascent to the scaffold was by means of a flight of stairs.
Agreeable to the requisition of George Messersmith, Esq. Sheriff, Capt. Shaw attended from the South part of the county, with a company of thirty men, in uniform, armed with muskets, a company of Dragoons armed with pistols and sabres, was organized at Mineral Point, under Major Gray, a strong guard of citizens was also organized and stationed round the Jail during the fore part of the day, and were afterwards incorporated into Capt. Shaw's company.
At 2 o'clock, P.M. the procession formed in front of the Jail in the following order:
Dragoons under Maj. Gray;
Infantry;
Waggon containing coffin;
Infantry;
Dragoons under Col. Sublett;
Prisoner was then led forth from the jail in a long white robe, with a white cap upon his head, and a rope round his neck, leaning upon the arm of the Sheriff; he walked to the wagon and stepped into it with little or no assistance, and seated himself upon the coffin; the Sheriff and his deputies took seats in the wagon; a dead march was struck up, and the procession moved forward to the place of execution. Here the military were stationed round the gallows at the distance of some thirty feet, to keep off the crowd. Prisoner was then assisted from the wagon, and with a firm step ascended with the Sheriff to the scaffold. The Rev. Mr. Wilcox, who was in frequent attendance upon the prisoner during his last hours, now ascended the scaffold and prayed with him for the last time;––Prisoner, in the meantime, leaning upon one of the posts of the gallows, and manifesting no emotion.––Upon being asked by the Sheriff if he had any thing to say, he answered no, and requested that the rope might be adjusted "with a good long slack," and his doom forthwith sealed. The Sheriff then adjusted the rope, drew the cap down over the prisoner's face, and descended from the scaffold, putting his hand to lever, the fatal pin was drawn out, and prisoner launched into eternity.
From the time of prisoner's arrest, down to the last moment of his existence, he maintained the utmost coolness; and manifested such a contempt of death, as to invest him with a sort of terrible grandeur; making good upon the scaffold his previous boast, that he could stare the grim messenger out of countenance.
Saturday last he was visited by his brothers and some other of his relatives, who were much afflicted at the meeting; he alone remaining unmoved, and conversing in the most trivial manner. To day his brothers visited him for the last time; prisoner asked forgiveness for his levity when they last saw him; said he was now disposed to forgive and ask forgiveness of all mankind, and was not without hope of happiness hereafter.
Much credit is due the Sheriff for the manner in which he performed his duty to day, as well as for his untiring vigilance since the prisoner was first placed in his custody.
Truly Yours.
The Inn was built in 1836 and has served as a home to the lead miners, a pub, a meetting hall, some say a bordello, as wll as an inn. In February 1842, just outside of town in Gratiot's Grove, William Caffee got into a confrontation with Samuel Southwick , what the two men were arguing about is still unclear. However, it ended with the death of Samuel Southwick. William had fled from the scene of the crime and ended up hiding in what is now Room 5 of the Walker Hosue Inn. It was there that the authorities found him cowering in fear, knowing he had just killed a man and now the same may happen to him. William was taken to the local sheriff's office, where he was held until November 1, 1842. It was then that he was to be executed for the death of Mr Samuel Southwick. It was said that 'ole William got up on what would soon hold what was left of his corpse, his coffin, and played the funeral march with two empty beer bottles all the way to the gallows. It was there at the gallows in front of Walkers Inn that William Caffee would draw his last breath before being hanged. It is said William was decapitatied from the noose around his neck and the weight of his own body. Even though William has been dead for over 160 years, his spirit still seems to be restless. He has been seen on the grounds and wandering around in the same inn he was founding hiding in so many years ago. Patrons of the inn have seen a man in a tattered gray suit in the dining hall, the pub, th guest rooms and out in on the patio sitting on a bench. Some have seen him with his head and other had the misfortune to see him without it. If this truely is William Caffee's spirit, he seems to be more of a prankster then malicious in nature. He likes to make his presence known to all who walk into his inn.
Here is an article found on ancestry.com about William Caffee's exection.
North Western Gazette & Galena Advertiser.
GALENA, ILLINOIS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1842.
Correspondence of the Gazette & Advertiser
EXECUTION OF CAFFEE
MINERAL POINT, W. T.
TUESDAY EVENING, NOV. 1, 1842
The execution of Caffee, for the murder of Southwick, took place to-day, in the presence of an immense throng of spectators. The crowd commenced gathering yesterday, and continued to pour in from all directions in solid phalanx until the fatal hour. It would be difficult to estimate the number of spectators present; it could not be much less than four or five thousand. It was painful to contemplate such a crowd, assembled for such a purpose. Five thousand people assembled in the peaceful and quiet village of Mineral Point to witness what! The agony and dying throes of a fellow man. Good God! What a curiosity.
The crowd was not made up of any particular class, but was composed indiscriminately of both high and low, rich and poor, men white with the frosts of age, and tottering upon the verge of eternity were here,––young men in throngs were here. The pious and the good were here. The aged and discreet matron was here. The virgin, "chaste as the icicle that hangs on Dian's temple," were here. Infants, muling and puking in their nurse's arms, were here by the acre. In a word, every age, sex, color and condition was fully represented here to-day.
The Execution took place upon the low ground below the town, surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills, which were literally covered by the eager multitude. The scaffold was constructed upon the old plan, and consisted of a square frame work, placed upon the ground, into which was inserted two upright posts about twelve feet high and four feet apart; across the top of these posts went a beam, with a large iron hook inserted, to which was attached the rope. Between the upright posts, and about six feet from the ground was fixed a platform or trap door, about four feet square, hung with hinges upon one side and kept in a horizontal position by a pin passing through one of the upright posts and under the edge of the platform. To this pin was attached a lever for the purpose of drawing it out and letting fall the trap. The ascent to the scaffold was by means of a flight of stairs.
Agreeable to the requisition of George Messersmith, Esq. Sheriff, Capt. Shaw attended from the South part of the county, with a company of thirty men, in uniform, armed with muskets, a company of Dragoons armed with pistols and sabres, was organized at Mineral Point, under Major Gray, a strong guard of citizens was also organized and stationed round the Jail during the fore part of the day, and were afterwards incorporated into Capt. Shaw's company.
At 2 o'clock, P.M. the procession formed in front of the Jail in the following order:
Dragoons under Maj. Gray;
Infantry;
Waggon containing coffin;
Infantry;
Dragoons under Col. Sublett;
Prisoner was then led forth from the jail in a long white robe, with a white cap upon his head, and a rope round his neck, leaning upon the arm of the Sheriff; he walked to the wagon and stepped into it with little or no assistance, and seated himself upon the coffin; the Sheriff and his deputies took seats in the wagon; a dead march was struck up, and the procession moved forward to the place of execution. Here the military were stationed round the gallows at the distance of some thirty feet, to keep off the crowd. Prisoner was then assisted from the wagon, and with a firm step ascended with the Sheriff to the scaffold. The Rev. Mr. Wilcox, who was in frequent attendance upon the prisoner during his last hours, now ascended the scaffold and prayed with him for the last time;––Prisoner, in the meantime, leaning upon one of the posts of the gallows, and manifesting no emotion.––Upon being asked by the Sheriff if he had any thing to say, he answered no, and requested that the rope might be adjusted "with a good long slack," and his doom forthwith sealed. The Sheriff then adjusted the rope, drew the cap down over the prisoner's face, and descended from the scaffold, putting his hand to lever, the fatal pin was drawn out, and prisoner launched into eternity.
From the time of prisoner's arrest, down to the last moment of his existence, he maintained the utmost coolness; and manifested such a contempt of death, as to invest him with a sort of terrible grandeur; making good upon the scaffold his previous boast, that he could stare the grim messenger out of countenance.
Saturday last he was visited by his brothers and some other of his relatives, who were much afflicted at the meeting; he alone remaining unmoved, and conversing in the most trivial manner. To day his brothers visited him for the last time; prisoner asked forgiveness for his levity when they last saw him; said he was now disposed to forgive and ask forgiveness of all mankind, and was not without hope of happiness hereafter.
Much credit is due the Sheriff for the manner in which he performed his duty to day, as well as for his untiring vigilance since the prisoner was first placed in his custody.
Truly Yours.
All photos, videos and audio clips on this site are the property of South East Wisconsin Pararnormal Investigation Team and may not be used without written permission.
© 2009-2011 South East Wisconsin Paranormal Investigation Team
© 2009-2011 South East Wisconsin Paranormal Investigation Team