Here's an interesting story from The Weekly Journal (Lafayette, Indiana) dated June 28, 1872. It features prominent citizens and the tale of ghosts of a large white wolf, an immense green-eyed frog and an over-grown Indian chief, in full fighting paint and costume frequently seen near the area of Peter's Mill Bridge. Tall tales have been told over the years about ghosts of Native Americans from that area seeking revenge. Could it have originated from this story?
The Weekly Journal (Lafayette, Indiana) - Fri, June 28, 1872
A Night in the Haunted House
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| Tecumseh |
For several days past there has been considerable excitement kicked up in the reported discovery of a ghost or two in an unoccupied house not far from the residence of Thomas Coleman, Esq., just north-east of the city. Rumor hath it that the ghosts of a large white wolf, an immense green-eyed frog and an over-grown Indian chief, in full fighting paint and costume, have frequently been seen, which rumor has been amplified and magnified by our contemporary, the Courier.
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| Seneca Ball |
So prevalent had become this rumor that on Saturday night the house designated by a large number of persons, both credulous and incredulous, but of all the hundred visitors, but few dared to remain and attempt a solution of the mystery. Of this number of brave men, we may be excused for mentioning the names of Drs. Burt and Chestnut, Tom Bainbridge, Thom Haire, Charley Robinson, Jim Pigman, Charley Ruby, Seneca Ball, Harry Moyer, William Hiller, Charley Dodd, and others whose names we do not recollect. After waiting a long time without demonstrations, the parties above resolved to form a "ring" to await the coming of what might come.
Accordingly, a circle was formed in the main room on the lower floor of the house, each person having his revolver or other sanguinary weapon in his hand. The utmost silence was preserved, no sound being heard other than the beating of the hearts of the more timid of the party. Midnight arrived and nothing had occurred to disturb the solemnity of the occasion, when apparently through the solid brick wall of the house, there stalked in a large white wolf. Its eyes were red, its white skin bedrabbled with gore and mud, and its tongue lolling out like a dog just returned from a long chase after a shin bone.
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| Dr. Thomas Chestnut |
Not being very fond of dogs, and much less a wolf, Charley Robinson, bolted through the nearest window, glass and all, and disappeared in the direction of his buggy. The rest of the boys, however, held their ground, though trembling in their boots. The phantom wolf, however, smelling around the legs of those present, retired to a corner and curled himself (he was a he wolf) down to sleep, keeping one eye upon the assembled crowd. A few moments elapsed when through the opposite wall there hoped a gigantic frog, as large as a small meeting-house. The nerves of the boys were, of course, greatly shocked for the second time, but all stood their ground except Burt, Chestnut and Pigman who were never fond of frog, anyhow, and they disappeared through the nearest door. His green-eyed frogship ensconced himself (he was a he frog, too) on the opposite side of the room from the phantom wolf and sat watching the remainder of the party with one eye, the other being in mourning in consequence of the loss of his grandmother.
Another short interval of silence prevailed, the young men hearing nothing but the beatings of their ownhearts, when in there silently glided the form of a gigantic Indian chief, in full war paint and fighting costume, (a la Wabash Tribe No. 11). With tomahawk poised high in the air, he started toward the young men as though as though intent upon their instant death. Benbridge, Ball, and Hiller incontinently bolted through the same window that gave egress to Robinson, and disappeared in the direction of the city. Ruby and Haire, having once been through the Indian mill, and being somewhat acquainted with the Indian character, boldly demanded in the dialect of Wabash Tribe (No. 11) what he wanted. In a sepulchral voice, he answered, "Revenge! revenge!! re-veng-ge!!! for the blood of brothers slain." Ruby and Haire, as before said, being acquainted with the characteristics of the red man, answered not a word, but gave the sign of recognition, whereupon the brave warrior gathered the wolf under one arm and the frog under the other, and disappeared as silently as he came.
After an hour's further silence, Moyer silently glided out into the darkness. A few moments afterwards, there arose such a series of yells, shrieks and discordant noises that made all think Satan himself had come, and all took to their heels and broke for the city. Ruby, before so brave, never thought to look for Robinson's buggy, and the latter drove home alone at the top of his speed. The others started in different directions, but all making straight for the Market-space, where most of them arrived at or about 4 o'clock yesterday morning. The cause of the last scare can be attributed to Moyer. Prowling about the ground alone, he captured a large cat. Taking him (he was a he cat three) under his arm, by dextrous manipulations of the tail, he succeeded in producing the sounds which put the wolf, frog and Indian to blush, and caused the stampede.
This is all we know about what was done at the "haunted house" Saturday night. A hundred or more persons visited it last night. The results of the night may perhaps be chronicled tomorrow.
Click to enlarge map
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| 1872 Fairfield Township Map |
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