The Ghosts of the Candlelight House
The Ghosts of the Candlelight House
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Owens Family Farm
Nestled in the heart of Johnson County, Indiana, stands a relic of the past—the Owens family home, known today as The Candlelight House. Built in 1868, this Greek Revival/Italianate estate in Needham Township has borne witness to over a century of history, yet its walls echo with more than just the past. For decades, tales of ghostly apparitions, unexplained sounds, and disembodied voices have woven the narrative of this historic property, leaving many to wonder about the ethereal residents who may still roam its halls.
A Call from the Shadows: The Eichhorn Story
The story of The Candlelight House’s haunted reputation resurfaced when Adam Eichhorn, the current owner, reached out to the now defunct paranormal podcast Kinda Makes You Think featuring comedian Jeff Bodart and myself. His account of strange occurrences—shadowy figures slipping through rooms, footsteps echoing in empty corridors, readings from psychic mediums, voices murmuring from unseen mouths, and messages scrawled on window panes —piqued our curiosity and begged for a closer examination. Intrigued by the mysterious experiences reported by the current owner, we decided to delve deeper into the eerie happenings at The Candlelight House, embarking on a night of investigation that would challenge our understanding of the paranormal.
The Investigation: A Night at The Candlelight House
On March 17, 2016, we set out to investigate the claims at The Candlelight House. Armed with an array of paranormal investigation tools, including EVP recorders and spirit boxes, we spent the night probing the house’s spectral secrets. What we encountered confirmed that this property is more than just a historic landmark; it’s a living, breathing entity, teeming with paranormal activity. Our night at The Candlelight House revealed a series of unsettling encounters that further substantiated the eerie tales associated with the property.
Documented and Reported Activity:
• Shadow Figures: Elusive shapes moving in the periphery of vision, vanishing before they could be fully comprehended.
• Unexplained Footsteps & Knocking: Sounds resonating through empty rooms, as if echoing the daily life of its long-gone inhabitants.
• Disembodied Voices: Unidentifiable voices that seemed to arise from the very air itself, carrying on conversations lost to time.
• ITC Responses: Clear Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs) and spirit box replies that appeared to communicate with us directly, lending credence to the idea that something—or someone—still dwells within these walls.
Video:
The Owens Legacy: A Time Capsule of History
The Candlelight House is more than just a haunted location; it is a treasure trove of history. Built by John Owens Sr. and his wife, Mary, the house has remained in the Owens family for generations. The Owens Cemetery, located on the property, stands as a somber reminder of the lives once intertwined with this land.
A Family’s Story:
• John Owens: Tragically, John Owens never lived to see the completion of his dream home, passing away in 1868 before its construction was finished. His will, however, ensured that the house would be completed before any remaining inheritance was distributed.
• The Last Residents: The house remained in the Owens family for over a century. It became a time capsule, untouched by modern conveniences, with only three rooms wired for electricity and no indoor plumbing. The last Owens to inhabit the home, Otho Henry Pritchard, lived there until the early 1990s. Otho’s life in the house, illuminated by candlelight and lanterns, gave rise to the name The Candlelight House. Even after his death, the legend of the house persisted, further fueled by the eerie glow seen by passersby at night.
Historical Oddities:
• Unfinished Business: The Owens family history is dotted with tragedy, from John Owens’ premature death to the untimely losses of several of his children. The family cemetery is filled with markers, each telling a story of life, death, and the lingering presence of those who once called this place home.
• Ancestral Connections: The Owens family tree stretches back to the early settlers of Johnson County. James Owens, John’s father, acquired the land in 1830, and it has remained in the family ever since. The house itself, with its Greek Revival features and later Italianate modifications, stands as a testament to the era and the lives lived within.
Uncovering the Mystery: Are the Owens Still Here?
The Owens family’s connection to the house is undeniable, but are they still there in some form? During our investigation, we received responses through ITC methods that seemed to correspond directly to our questions. Could these be the voices of John Owens, his children, or perhaps Otho Pritchard, still lingering in the home they loved?
One particular piece of evidence left us pondering: the name “Otho Henry Pritchard” scratched into a window pane that was first brought to our attention by the home owner. Could it be a message from beyond, a signature left by a spirit still tethered to the physical world?
Conclusion: A House Alive with History
The Candlelight House is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a living piece of history where the past refuses to be forgotten. Our investigation provided intriguing validations of the stories and claims of paranormal activity, deepening our connection to this remarkable place. Each EVP and shadow sighting we documented hints at a deeper, unexplored history woven into the fabric of this house. As we continue to peel back the layers of time, we anticipate uncovering even more of its secrets.
The Owens family may have built this house, but its current residents—both seen and unseen—ensure that its story is far from over. For those captivated by the mysteries of The Candlelight House, stay tuned as we delve deeper into its enigmatic past and present. Every visit brings us closer to understanding the true nature of this historic home and the ethereal residents who still call it home.
— Evel Ogilville
HISTORIC INFORMATION and Sources
Located on property
Historic Notes Home, Farm & Family
• Built in 1868 by John and Mary Owens. John died before home’s completion and never lived in house.
• Facebook album posting/description by Victorian Elijah Thomas Webb Home below:
“It is a house that was built in 1868 for John Owens Sr. John Owens was the son of James Owens who received the 160 acre parcel from the US Government on March 5 1830. This house has always remained in the Owens family. We own it now and my husband is an Owens Descendant. We have John Owen’s will in our possession which is part of the abstract. John Owens died in 1868 before the house was completed. His will specified that the house was to be finished before any of the remaining money was distributed. The house is for sale and is located in Franklin Indiana at 5705 E 100 N and sits on 2 acres… It has 6 fireplace mantels, 8 closets, wrap back porch, herringbone brick floor in cellar, 2 sided fireplace in kitchen & dining room, 7 exterior doors, pantry and National Register eligible. interior is original and woodwork intact. no plumbing, no bath, no electric, city water & natural gas available. needs complete restoration.”
• Interesting comments regarding on oldhousedreams.com:
“… my family has been in Franklin since 1924 and I know this house well. This was an early farm in the area. The wealthy farmer built this place and had 6 or 7 kids. Three of them never married and continued to live together in the place for the rest of their lives. The last spinster died about 1950. She will the house and farm to the next door neighbor who had been farming the land and looking after them. The house has never been inhabited since the original family died out 60 years ago. The spinsters never updated the house either. I was surprised to see the listing say 1 bathroom. According to local lore indoor plumbing was never put in for either a bathroom or kitchen. You can still see the outdoor hand pump in one of the photos. Towards the end they did put in a bit of electricity. You can see a few conduits and outlets tacked to the walls. There is absolutely no wiring inside the walls and most rooms are not electrified at all. The farmer who owns it lives across the road so every week he would come over and mow the yard, so the setting is beautiful and has always been maintained. And yes, he did replace the roof.”
“Time capsule is quite appropriate in this case with the understanding that term means the passage of time has tread very lightly in this house. Ghosts? Wouldn’t surprise me in the least. While I appreciate the historical context provided by the listing, some elements in this house seem to pre-date the Civil War. The return gable ends harken back to the Greek Revival style as do some of the other details in this house. It would not surprise me to learn this house was “Italianated” around 1868.”
• Children of John and Mary Owens (according to 1860 Census Record):
Jane, Samuel, James, George, Margaret, Minor, William
•From Ancestry.com “Owens Farm Family Tree”:
Samuel Owens and Elizabeth Webb are John’s grandparents.
James Owens (1798-1868) and Mary Ann Settles (1781-1828) are John’s parents.
John’s siblings are Sally, Samuel, Elizabeth, Julia, Margaret, William, Mariah and Nancy.
• John married Mary Polly Fisher. Their children are George, Margaret, John, Minor, Catherine, Jane, Samuel, James and William.
•McBride graves in Owens cemetery linked to Nancy Owens, daughter of Samuel Owens (John’s brother), who married Theophilus McBride. (Also see cemetery note below.)
• Children of William T. Owens and Cordelia (Patterson) Owens (according to 1920 Census Record and Cordelia Owens’ obituary in Franklin Evening Star, 8/13/43):
Arthur Owens, Alpha Owens, Lena Owens, Mrs. Otis (Iva?) Kinnick, Mrs. Oscar (Carrie?) Scott, and (Anna) Mary Pritchard (Arthur, Alpha, Lena the single siblings described above?)
• Otho Henry Pritchard (1909-1995, buried Second Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin) is Mary Pritchard’s son, grandson of William and Cordelia (Cora) Owen, and great-grandson of John and Mary. Otho was the last Owens descendant to live on the property. It was during his days that the legend ofThe Candlelight House was born. Even in the early ’90s, the house remained primitive without plumbing (it is said Otho died shortly after falling coming back from the outhouse), and only three rooms had electricity. Beyond folks that knew Otho lived in the house, to the rest of the world it appeared to be abandoned. So as Otho used candles or lanterns to move throughout the house at night, from the road it gave passerbys a “ghostly” impression.
• Mary Pritchard (1882-1945, buried Second Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin) is the widow of William Pritchard (according to funeral services brief in Franklin Evening Star, 7/10/45), and mother to Otho.
• From William T. Owens’ (1855-1899, buried Second Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin) obituary in The Franklin Democrat, 3/17/1899:
“Wm. T. Owens, son of John and Mary Owens, was born April 22, 1855 at the old homestead about four miles east of Franklin, where he has since lived. He died there March 9, 1899, at 11:30 p.m., aged 43 years, 10 months, and 17 days. Out of a family of nine children only two survive. He was left without a father at the age of thirteen but his mother lived in the home with him until 1895, when she was called away. He was married to Cora Patterson, Jan. 28, 1880. To them were born six children, five daughters and one son. These, with his wife and a host of relatives and friends are left to mourn his loss. He had been afflicted with Bright’s disease for the past ten years, of which he died …”
• From Mary Owens’ obituary in The Franklin Democrat, 3/17/1895:
“For many years her son W.T. Owens, and family have lived with Mrs. Owens in the home place.”
• John and Mary (Fisher) Owens noted as “early settlers of this county.”
• James Owens, John’s father, came to Johnson County about 1830, and here entered a tract of government land, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his attention and there spent the remainder of his life.
— According to “History of Johnson County, Indiana” by Elba L. Branigin, 1913
• According to historic landowner maps on HistoryGeo.com, James Owens acquired 160 acres (sale date of 1820/patent date of 1830) in the area of N. 500 E. and E. 100 N. When area viewed in a “real time” Google map, appears to be same locale of home, (Noting nearby streets Jeff Drive and Evelyn Avenue for reference) verifying note of acquisition of land from father James.
Owens Surname and Other Surnames
(List of burials in the family cemetery.)
Eddie H. Owens (?-1865) 1-year-old son of J. and J.A. Owens
Infant Owens
Jane Owens (?-1862) 25-year-old daughter of John and Mary Owens
John Owens (1816-1868), 52
Mary Owens (1812-1895), 83, widow of John Owens
Samuel B. Owens (?-1863), 23-year-old son of John and Mary Owens
Simon M. Owens (?-1863) 11-year-old son of John and Mary Owens
William Owens (?-1865), 7-year-old son of J. and J.A. Owens
Willis Owens (?-1865), 2-year-old son of C. and G. Owens
Other Surnames
Nora Farlow (1859-1893) Sister of Mrs. Robert Whitacre and Niece of William Farlow
Clara McBride (?-1870) 2-year-old daughter of T. and N. McBride
Samuel L. McBride (?-1878) 5-year-old son of T. and N. McBride
John H. Tetrick (1841-1865) Military, 23-year-old son of Joseph Tetrick and Elizabeth Owens Tetrick
Also:
• “One Sunday morning Daniel Covert heard a strange noise in the distance and went to investigate. It led him into an Indian camp. They were at their devotions, and motioning him to a seat, he heard them sing hymns and utter prayers in their own tongue. They are supposed to have been the same Indians who had before that camped on Sugar Creek. A young Indian hunter, belonging to the same band, was accidently killed on Sugar Creek, and buried at the roots of an oak, still standing on the bluff, between John Owens’ house and the bridge. While “tire hunting” on the creek one night, he was shot by one of his own band by mistake. His comrades made a trough of an ash tree into which they put his body and covered it with a slab. Over his grave they set a post, as tall as a man, which they painted red, with a cross-piece painted black. The grave was enclosed with ash palings, driven into the earth.”
— from “History of Johnson County, Indiana. From the Earliest Time to the Present, With Biographical Sketches, Notes, etc., Together with a Short History of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the State of Indiana” by David Demaree Banta, 1888.
• From information given by a psychic that went into the home, she named a Sarah and Mimi: Cordelia Owens’ mother was named Sarah. (Her father was William Henry.) No one has come across a Mimi, but it is sometimes a nickname for Mary or grandma.
Media:
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