The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-01-20
THEY COULDN'T STAND IT.
A MANSION IN TROY, N. ", IN
WHICH NO ONE CAN LIVE.
The Imposing Residence Said To Be
Haunted by Supernatural Beings-Mys.
FERROUS Tramping of Feet, and Opening
of Doors-The Face at the Window.

Troy, n. Y, Jan. 20-In one of the most
fashionable neighborhoods in the city and in
the midst of some of Troy's finest residences
stands an imposing three-story stona man.
sion. Until three years ago it was never
without tenant, and in those days was the
scence of many joyous social assemblies
wherein figured wealth and beauty. The
mansion was suddenly vacated, but its
splendid appointments and desirable loca-
ton soon brought it other occupants, Their
stay was brief and again newcomers took
up their abode within its walls. Moving out
and moving in then became a common oc-
currence, until finally it was noised about
that the building WAS haunted, and for
nearly two years the Toilet card Which is
nailed to the door has brought no response
The experiences of persons who have sought
to make the stately str Icture pleasant
home, but who We're driven to other shelter
by what thsy earnestly aver to have seen
and heard, furnishes a ghost story that oc-
casions unusual thought, from the fact that
the recitals are those of residents of eminent
reliability and not prone t. sensational mar
ratives In the dead of night, it is alleged,
occupants of the mansion have been aTaa-
ened by sounds like the tramp of
many feet Doors have been opened in
the most mysterious manner and shut with
a slam that startled. Tables have moved
across the floor and chairs have fallen as
though pushed by unseen hands. One man
investigation followed the sound Of the
tramping feet from the first story TO the
topmost, and his only reward was a thrill
ing shrek from, as he presumed, super
natural being. Another member of the
family who occupied tha house declared that
one night, just before the usual racket
began, white clad figure was seen to move
across the parlor, look ct the clock on the
mantcl, and, with a sigh or groan, vanish
as though turned into air
The declarations of others who haze
passed sleepless nights among the strange
visitors vary in their descriptions of the
agonizing sights, but all point toward the
presumption that no mortal can live peace
fully in the grand house Policemen who
patrol the beat on which the mansion is 10
Gated tell OF pale face pressed against the
| window panes after midnight and of strange
lights Pickering within. The shop girls in
coming from their work at night either
| avoid the block that contains the haunted
| house or else hurry past on the opposite side
of the street Last winter the owner, Will
lam Crowley, determined to occupy the
structure, but after brief occupany with
| his family he removed to other apartments.
| Recently party of young men volunteered
to pass one night in the building When
| the appointed time came only two of the
company appeared to receive the keys AMI
then their courage weakened and they con
| cluded not TO interrupt the revels OF the
| ghostly band. Mr. Crowley, convinced
| that the mansion must fall into decay has
| Just sold the property for 81, 500, about $50,
| 600 less than its real value were there moth
| Ing TO detract from its WORTH. What The
| new owner will do with his purchase is moi
| yet decided upon 1t is reported that h
win dislodge the "spooks@ By deEolishinG
the house and erecting another residence,