The sun., 1898-12-11
SPIRITS OF THE DEAD
Many Residents Of Wilmington Be.
lieve They Visit Places They We're
Familiar With While Living.

Do the spirits of the dead ever return
to earth and visit the places they were
familiar with in the flesh, is question
which is frequently discussed, and there
are many people even in Wilmington
who really believe they do.
Then, too, there are many who believe
in haunted houses. That is, they think
that if some terrible crime is committed
in certain house or someone dies in it
under peculiar circumstances, the spirit
or ghost of the departed will forever
afterwards haunt the premises.
Years may roll by, but there is always
some one who remembers the old tale
about the house and persons who have
the temerity to move into the house are
promptly told, and if they are at all
nervous or supersttious, generally see
the ghost before they are in the house
many days. If such is the case, the host
usually makes his appearance every
night always some time after the clock
strikes twelve. These ghostly visitations
soon make life unbearable, and the
parties occupying the house make speed
to rent another dwelling.
on Claymont street between Lobdell and
Apple, which some people say is haunt
ed. 1t is on the opposite side OF the street
from the johnson Forge Company, and
is the only house on that side between
Lobdell and Apple with the exception of
the corner house, which, however, fronts
on Lobdell.
The foundation for the ghost story
which is related in connection with the
house by credulous people is that a
woman was burned to death in it many
years Eago. The woman was Mrs. James
Arnold; the terrible accident happened
just 81 years ago. Her dress accidentally
caught fire while she was working about
the stove in the kitchen. As she was
alone in the house at the time she rushed
to the front door and then into the street
crying for help.
As soon as she reached the open air
the flames blazed up all over her cloth
ing, and before the neighbors could come
to her assistance she was buried so
severely that when her burning clothing
was torn off some of the flesh cane with
it. Death soon ended Ler sufferings
Her husband was at one time employed
at the Ola Ferry Mill, and six years ago
removed to the country, where he died
about six months ago.
The terrible accident caused sensa-
tion in all parts of this city and especial
ly in South Wilmington, and made such
a vivid impression on the minds of the
people that many persons can still recall
the incidents of the sad tragedy.
Who was the first one to start the
ghost story is not known. 1t is stated,
however, that John Murphy saw the
spirit of the woman seventeen wears
ago.
He moved into the house with his
family. He got in on Monday and
everything was serene and calm for five
nights. On the sixth night, which was
Saturday, Murphy was lying on sofa in
the sitting room. 1t was somewhat past
midnight and the lamp was turned down
low. Suddenly he was awakened by a
slight noise, and looking up saw the
figure of a woman glide across the room.
He first thought it was his wife, Nellie,
and called out, "Nellie, give me a glass
of water" There was no response and
the figure disappeared in thin air. He
saw at once that it was ghost, and
without doubt the spirit OF the woman
who was burned to death. He got a cold
chill and his peace Of mind was gone.
He was unable to rest easy in the house
after that and the following Monday
moved away.
From that time to this the ghost story
has been told and retold and numerous
families have occupied the house. Until
recently the house was vacant for time.
About three weeks ago Alexander Jones
and family moved into the house. The
neighbors say the family will likely
move into the house at the corner Of the
street, which became vacant a few days
ago.
1t is said that persons, who are not
superstitious, have laid trap for the
ghost, but it seems to know its business
and does not show up at such times.