Newspaper Clipping of the Day

Via Newspapers.com

This story--which contains all the classic elements of what we today call “poltergeist events”--appeared in the “Atchison Daily Champion,” November 11, 1873.  It’s a reprint from the “Chamois (Missouri) Leader.”

We are informed by John W. Glover, Esq., of some strange and remarkable occurrences taking place at the residence of Rufus Burchard, Esq., on L'Ours creek, about twelve miles west of Chamois. It appears the first demonstration was made about a month ago, when Mr. Burchard and daughter were absent attending the Jefferson City Fair. Frank Penit, Esq., was engaged at Mr. B.'s house making sorghum molasses, when he was suddenly startled by the falling of rocks upon the roof. A strict search was made, but there was no human agency visible by which the rocks could have been thrown. This rock throwing continued to occur at intervals until Mr. Burchard's return from the Fair, when it ceased, and nothing unusual occurred until week before last, Mr. Burchard being again absent, this time serving on a jury at Linn. Rocks were again thrown on the house, and upon going out into the yard, the family could discern no person about, but, to their surprise and consternation, saw the rocks gradually rise from the ground, and after ascending a sufficient height, drop down on the roof! 

Then the ghost or spirit or whatever it was began operations on the inside of the house. The pillows would suddenly begin to move and drop off the bed to the floor, one pillow lying flat and the other standing erect upon it; then the bed covering and the bed itself would follow, sometimes failing in a confused heap and at other times adjusting themselves upon the floor as neatly and in as perfect order as if "made up" by human hands. A Bible, lying on a stand in the room, repeatedly opened, scattering over the floor sundry Sunday school tickets deposited between its leaves, and each time opening at exactly the same place, viz.: the twentieth chapter of Ezekiel. 

This state of things continued until the family became so badly frightened as to send to Linn after Mr. Burchard. As soon as Mr. Burchard returned home the demonstrations ceased altogether, and we learn that nothing unusual has occurred there since. 

Among the strange features of these strange proceedings, we may mention that they have all occurred in the day time and during Mr. Burchard's absence from home. At night everything was quiet and still about the house, no unusual noises being heard and nothing at all unusual occurring; as soon, however, as the day began to break the demonstrations were renewed. 

We have given the account just as it was given to us by Mr. Glaver, and he received it direct from the lips of Clinton Burchard and wife, eye witnesses during a considerable portion of the time of the strange proceedings were had. 

If all that we hear be true, we are utterly unable to give any explanation that would be satisfactory, either to ourself or anybody else. In the next issue of the Leader we hope to give a detailed account of the whole affair. 

P.S. Since writing the foregoing we have heard many additional reports in reference to the above; among them, one that manifestations still continue. A day or two ago the bed clothes were suddenly turned down, and lying on the sheet a piece of cardboard was discovered upon which were written these words, "These Things Will Continue Forever." An examination revealed the fact that these words were written in a hand exactly resembling that of Mr. Burchard's first wife--he having been married twice, and is now a widower. There are a great many other rumors in circulation, which we forbear publishing until better advised of their respectability.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find anything more about these peculiar events.  I am now very curious about the circumstances of the death of the first Mrs. Burchard.