The Tiffin tribune. (Tiffin, Ohio) 1868-1887, 1870-09-29
From the Leavenworth Ind.l Independent.
DiSOrderly SpiFits-A House Pelted
with Stones by Invisible Beings.

About fifteen miles from Leaven-
worth, near the Benham Salt-works,
stands a house that seems to have fal-
len under the displeasure of some
spirit or spirits, apparently not Of this
world. 1t is occupied by q Mr.. Ben
ham, and is new one. About six
weeks ago commenced these mysteT-
iOus dOings. Stones weighing from
two to four pounds are being constant
ly hurled at the house, and myster-
iOus knockings and rappings are heard
at all times of the day and night.
When the throwing of stones first
commenced, the occupants of the
house supposed il to have been the
work of some malicious person, and
accordingly n watch was sent TO dis
cover the mischief-maker. But in
vain. Not n stone would be thrown
while any one was on the watch, but
Just as soon as the guard was with
drawn, then the rocks would COM
menee striking the house. What is
more mysterious still, the rocks are
invisible until they strike the house,
though frequently thrown at midday.
About forty persons determined, if
possible, to solve the mystery. Ac-
eOFdingly, the entire party went on
guard around the house. Hour after
hour passed, and not stone was
thrown. Half the guards were with
drawn and placed inside the house.
Still nothing unusual occurred. All
the guards, except one, were called in.
Everything remained quiet; not a
stone was cast. The remaining guard
was called in, and scarcely had the
door closed behind him, when whack!
bangI crash! went halfa dozen stones
against the house. The door was
thrown open and all rushed out. Not
a thing was to be seen. The door was
again closed with all the watchers
inside, and rocks struck the house
as before. Then came a knocking
at the door. It was Immediately
opened, but nothing could he seen.
Two men stood holding to the door
knob, and as soon as the first tap
was given they threw the door viO-
lently open and sprang out but no
cause for the knocking could be dis
covered. The owner OF the house has
frequently concealed himself under
the porch, and would crawl out when
the noises commenced, but Just as
soon rs lie would get into q position
to see, all noises would cease. The
larger the crowd seeking to discover
the mystery, the more frequent and
more violent are the demonstrations
For six weeks has this state Of affairs
existed, and the mystery is no nearer
a solution than at the beginning.
The yard around the house is literally
covered with stones thrown by this
invisible hand. The house is covered
with dents made by the flying mis-
sles. The windows have been Slated
up, it being found impossible to keep
glass in them. As yet no one has
been struck by the stones, though
there have been some narrow escapes.
Every inch Of ground within 200 yards
Of the house, on every side, has been
carefully searched, and no hiding
place Of any kind has been discovered.
The family continue to reside in the
house, and express their determina-
ton to remain as long as there Is a
plank TO protect them from the stones.
Various theories as to the cause Of
these mysterious dOings have been
suggested, and abandoned for want Of
grounds to support them.