Unclaimed Spirits of 410 1/2 Washington Street | A Haunting Through History
Exploring the mysteries and spirited echoes of the past in downtown Columbus.
In 2016, I ventured into a hidden location, keeping its address a mystery to protect its secrets. Today, however, the veil has lifted on 410 1/2 Washington Street (second floor) in downtown Columbus, Indiana—a building with a rich history dating back to the 1800s, still echoing with hints of its past. Despite being vacant since the late 1940s, something connected to its history may have never truly left.
Reports of Paranormal Activity
A couple of visitors reported witnessing a closet door slamming on its own.
A repairman visiting the second floor for a service call saw a “man” moving in the shadows. When he tried to engage him, this “man” dropped to all fours and crawled into an access point under the floor. Alarmed, the repairman called the police, but a sweep revealed no footprints in the dust and undisturbed cobwebs across the access point.
Despite decades of abandonment, something—or someone—still stirs in this unused space.
Our Paranormal Investigation: April 10th, 2016
Hearing reports of mysterious activity, I set out to investigate 410 1/2 Washington Street firsthand. I stepped into the building with Mike Culwell and a couple of friends, equipped with our gear but no specific expectations. From the moment we set up, it was clear this would be no ordinary night. Bangs, footsteps, dragging noises, and unexplained door movements filled the air. With recorders running, we began capturing phenomena that went beyond the typical creaks of an old building settling.
VIDEO:
Historical Background of 410 1/2 Washington Street
The upstairs area at 410 1/2 Washington Street has housed various businesses over the years, creating a long trail of life events. These rooms once hosted notable figures, like Dr. J.F. Wright, a well-regarded physician and surgeon, along with several other significant tenants.
Here’s a breakdown of the businesses that occupied this address over the years:
• Medical Practices:
• Pre-1879? Dr. J.F. Wright, physician and surgeon, ran his practice and lived here for several decades, becoming synonymous with high-quality care in the region.
• 1910: J.E. Rhetts Dentistry took over the space, continuing the tradition of medical care.
• 1911: Dr. Alonzo C. Kelble, an optometrist, set up his practice here.
• Diverse Businesses (1933-1947):
• 1933: John C. Hilger, a local tailor, marked the building’s shift from medical offices to more diverse businesses.
• 1946-1947: This period saw agencies like The Hoosier Agency (real estate), Steenbarger’s Real Estate, Rose’s Beauty Shop, and Morgan’s Aquatronic Foot Therapy occupying the space.
The upstairs also served as a residence. Throughout the early 1900s, apartments were rented, with several deaths recorded here:
• 1912: Matthew Pfeiffer, a tuberculosis victim, passed away here.
• 1913: Daniel Miller died in the apartment of his daughter, Mrs. Ida Anderson.
• 1925: Newton Clark, a custodian who lived here, suffered a heart attack after running up the stairs.
Residents listed in city directories include J.F. Lancaster, C.B. Poffenberger, A.K. McCloskey, Lizzie Brattain, and many others, creating a tapestry of past lives that may still echo in the halls.
Dr. J.F. Wright, M.D. (1827-1906): A Notable History
The life and legacy of Dr. J.F. Wright add a complex layer to this location’s history. A well-regarded figure with ties to the community, Wright’s presence here remains palpable. Dr. John Franklin Wright, a descendant of Benjamin Franklin, was one of the most prominent figures tied to this address. After receiving his medical training at Ohio Medical College and completing his surgical studies in Paris, France, Wright began his practice in Columbus, forming a partnership with Dr. Solomon Jackson. Following Jackson’s death, Wright became the go-to physician in Bartholomew County and beyond.
Known for his charitable work, Wright provided free medical care to soldiers’ families during the Civil War. His reputation for “unflinching moral courage and indomitable will” (Biographical Record of Bartholomew County Indiana, 1904) made him beloved in the community. Even while suffering from chronic rheumatism, he advised patients to “lead an active life and never become disheartened.”
Outside medicine, Wright was a yachtsman, a trotting horse owner, and a chess enthusiast. One account mentions he carved a chess set out of elephant ivory that was “unsurpassed in America” (Biographical Record of Bartholomew County Indiana, 1904). Wright married Adelia Irwin in 1857 and, after her death, married Eugenia Mayfield in 1875.
Possible Connection to the Bishop Family Dispute
In 1908, after Wright’s death, a legal battle over his estate began. A woman named May B. Bishop claimed to be his granddaughter and contested his will, which left the estate to his second wife, Eugenia, and niece, Zoe Cook. Though her claim was dismissed, Bishop settled for a cash payment of $5,000. Intriguingly, the name “Bishop” surfaced multiple times during our EchoVox session (an experimental electronic voice phenomenon method), hinting at a possible connection between this unresolved family drama and lingering spirits.
Paranormal Encounters: What We Experienced
The night began with typical sounds but escalated when an interior door—a sealed door with no draft or vacuum pressure—moved on its own before our eyes. Later, my infrared camera captured a movement across the ceiling that resembled someone walking upside down. Initially, I thought it might be a reflection from passing vehicle lights, but reviewing the entire video, I saw the sequence never repeated. While reflections remain a possibility, further visits haven’t replicated what I captured.
At the same time, our EMF (electromagnetic field) meters lit up, and our audio recorders captured odd noises that we couldn’t hear with our own ears. Moments later, the door moved again—this time, creaking and dragging across the floor with significant force. This experience exemplifies the corroborative evidence I often emphasize when documenting paranormal activity. We cannot prove ghosts exist, but capturing strange and compelling moments—like this one—is undeniable.
Adding another layer of mystery, the EchoVox repeated the name “Bishop” throughout the night. Research into Dr. Wright’s estate dispute gave new weight to this name’s appearance.
Final Thoughts on 410 1/2 Washington Street
The investigation at 410 1/2 Washington Street was an eye-opener, intensifying my questions rather than providing answers. Whether the phenomena stem from past residents like Dr. Wright or unresolved family tensions, something seems to echo through this old building. From unexplained noises to mysterious door movements, one thing is certain—this location is far from empty.
What do you think? Could these echoes be remnants of past lives, or is there something else at work in 410 1/2 Washington Street?
Thanks for reading and watching! If you enjoyed this post, please share it with others and don’t forget to like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Follow my social media for healthier perspectives from the world of the paranormal.
— Evel Ogilville