Newspaper Clipping of the Day

Via Newspapers.com

Calling this story “strange” seems like tactful understatement. The “Arkansas Democrat,” February 24, 1905:

Elkhart, Ind., February 13. Mrs. A. J. Tallerday created excitement in northeast Elkhart by relating a startling story to friends and neighbors garnered at the home of Jacob Brooks, who died on Sunday morning.

Mrs. Tallerday was formerly Mrs. Brooks, separating from him twelve years ago. Since the death of her former husband she has been assisting the children in preparing for the funeral.

On the morning in question she was getting ready for breakfast, when, she declares, she saw a "white something" beckoning to her from the corner of the kitchen. She turned and declares she distinctly saw a large hand, which she recognised as that of her former husband. She tried to grasp it, but the strength suddenly left her right arm and the phantom hand fell into the open fire. She got it out as quickly as she could, but not before it had been badly charred, and then she says she heard a voice say in a loud tone, "You're all right, mother. You’re doing exactly right." She fainted with the spirit hand clutched in her fingers, and on being revived by the members of her family related her strange story.

The charred hand was exhibited, and hundreds of people visited the house today to inspect it. Some expressed doubt as to its genuineness, and microscopes were brought by skeptics. So annoying was the throng at the house that the police were summoned to clear the yard.

Mr. Brooks died suddenly of heart disease, aged 70. He was one of the county's oldest residents, coming here when 20 years old from Ohio.

As always seems to happen with the really good bits of weirdness, I was unable to find any follow-ups to the story.