Most of our activity was captured in the doctor's office. Watch the Periscope 360 on the desk in the video below.
|
History: In 1827, James Faulkner, built the first frame house in what would later become Jerseyville, Il. Known as the Red House, it served as a stage coach stop and tavern. In 1839 Dr. Edward D'Arcy bought the Red House to use as his home. Dr. D’Arcey’s daughter Catherine married Prentiss D. Cheney, also called PD, and became owner of the property when her father died. Historians believe P. D. began constructing a mansion around the Red House after his father-in-law died in 1863, incorporating it into the new mansion. Construction continued into the 1890’s. In 1950, workmen repairing the foundation broke through a basement wall and discovered a secret chamber, giving credence to the belief that the house was also used as a stop on the underground railroad.
Although apparently well-liked and respected in the town, with a large circle of friends, my research revealed that PD didn’t seem to be fair when it came to business dealings and was the defendant in many law suits. For years prior to his death, his preparation of cases and filing of court briefs in these law suits caused many to refer to him as Judge Cheney. The most famous case that involved him, and which lasted for years, was the probate of his will. It was considered one of the most curious wills ever filed in the county and tied up his property with provisions that forever prevented his only heir, son Andrew Cheney, from obtaining full possession of the estate. Paranormal Claims: Reports include the apparition of a former nursemaid, hearing talking on the second floor, sounds of dining room chairs moving, and the sounds of people moving about and radio stations that switch by themselves, strange sounds, a little girl heard singing, and phantom footsteps. An entity in the basement is said to be very aggressive against female investigators. Our Findings: We investigated the historic Cheney Mansion on a beautiful day in July, 2019. Weather conditions were partly cloudy with the temperature at 85° ,winds SSW at 9mph and no precipitation at investigation time. Cheney Mansion is one of the cleanest, most well preserved historic homes we have investigated. We captured some interesting EVPs. We made contact with someone named Billy. While this could be PD’s brother, it could also be William Heffron who was found guilty of murdering the Cheney’s live-in domestic servant, Bridgett McKabe. During our time int the basement, also captured a chilling EVP that might also be connected to the murder of Bridget. While we did not feel threatened in the basement, we did have the distinct feeling of being surrounded by spirits who were trying to intimidate us. Is the Cheney Mansion haunted? We believe there is more to this family – and this house – than our investigation revealed. |