By Kristi O’Toole

At first glance no one would ever think that the beautiful Myrtles Plantation house had a violent past or a reported dozen restless spirits, but that’s precisely the case.

Built in 1796 by a General Bradford, who was hiding because of the price put on his head due to his leadership in the whiskey rebellion, Myrtles Plantation is a prime example of the Southern Antebellum architecture. Complete with top notch plaster friezework and faux bois, which go nicely with the Gothic décor, there are 22 rooms, winding staircases and the standard dining room of a southern mansion of its time.

From the numerous accounts of ghostly encounters reported, the apparitions don’t seem to be too particular as to who they scare the crap out of.

Arguably the most frequently encountered apparition would be Chloe, the green turban wearing black woman. She is said to wander the grounds at night and wake guests by lifting the mosquito net away from their beds so she can peer in at them. Chloe was the French/mulatto governess to the Woodruff children, and one of many lovers of the adulterous Judge Woodruff (son-in-law of Bradford), who was owner of the Myrtles from 1817. The story goes that after Judge Woodruff stopped their affair, and cut off her ear after he had caught Chloe listening in on a business meeting, Chloe got her revenge by presenting an oleander poison laced cake as a peace offering on the occasion of the eldest daughter’s birthday. Two of the Woodruff children and Mrs. Woodruff died after eating it. Chloe herself was hung from a high tree by the outraged slaves of the plantation.

The second apparition would actually be two, a pair of young blonde girls that are known to peek in windows at guests and on one occasion startled a writer who was staying at the plantation by standing at the foot of his bed and watching him sleep. Some speculate that the girls might be those of the Woodruff children that had been poisoned by Chloe, but that’s merely speculation.

Another unknown and most times unseen little rascal likes to bounce on the beds that were just freshly made. Fortunately for housekeeping another apparition of a young woman, dressed as a maid, follows this mischief maker around and quickly smooths out the wrinkles caused by all the jumping. No harm done I suppose.

The Ghost of William Winter is a rather active spirit. Winter was the lawyer husband of Sarah, one of the Sterling’s 9 children. Sarah and William lived in the mansion from 1860 to 1871. William was shot in the chest by an unknown man as he came out the door one day. He managed to stagger back into the house and up the stairs, before dying in Sarah’s arms on the 17th step. His unseen presence is heard daily as he relives the last moments of his life by thumping and staggering across the entrance way, and up the stairs to the 17th step.

Other ghosts seen on a regular basis are the confederate soldier who walks up and down the porch, possibly guarding the mansion. There’s another male specter, this one dressed in khaki, who warns people to not come and stay at the mansion. There’s never been any reports of him interfering with guests so I suppose it’s fortunate his interaction stops with a mere warning.

There is a voodoo priestess seen from time to time trying to desperately save someone with repetitive chanting and an unidentified object in her hand. Also seen on occasion are apparitions coming from the slave graveyard to the main house, presumed to be reporting for duties.

There are many other ghostly residents spotted regularly, however they tend to keep to themselves and bother no one.

The question often arises as to if the plantation is still haunted, the answer to that is indubitably yes. Many psychics have visited the site and all reported a hive of paranormal activity. Not to mention all the guests personal photos that flood the websites daily.

When Kristi isn’t writing for NewzBreaker, she writes supernatural suspense novels having three currently published. If you would like to check out any of her books they can be found online and at other major retailers like Books a Million and Amazon. Never one to rest, she also paints/designs shoes and items for the home. Check out her eBay store, Watered Down Vodka and her FB page.

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