The Phantom Librarian: Indiana Governor Whitcomb Haunts Local University
👻 The bone-chilling story of a ghostly governor who haunts a university library, fiercely guarding his precious books from beyond the grave! 📚 #IndianaNews #HauntedIndiana #IndianaGhostStory
👻 The Haunting of Whitcomb’s Library
GREENCASTLE, IN – James Whitcomb, the eighth governor of Indiana and an avid book collector, bequeathed his impressive personal library to what was then known as Asbury University (now DePauw University) upon his death in 1852. Unbeknownst to the university, Governor Whitcomb’s spirit would remain, forever bound to the library, guarding his cherished collection from beyond the grave.
This is a real-life paranormal mystery that has been keeping one Midwest town up at night for decades. Ready to do some ghost hunting? Let’s dive into this haunted place.
💀 A Chilling Tale: The Ghost Who Cried “Ossian!”
According to legend, a student once dared to borrow a copy of The Poems of Ossian from Whitcomb’s collection, only to be confronted by the ghostly governor himself.
In the dead of night, the student awoke to find the spectral figure of Governor Whitcomb standing at the foot of his bed, pointing an accusatory finger and chanting, “Ossian! Who stole the Ossian?”
Terrified, the student returned the book to the library at first light, vowing never to disturb the ghostly guardian’s treasure again.
🔐 The Whitcomb Collection: Bound by Supernatural Forces
Today, the Whitcomb Collection remains under strict protection, as if an unseen force ensures that no book leaves the library’s walls. Despite the security measures, whispers of Governor Whitcomb’s ghostly presence persist, his spirit forever tied to the library and the books he held so dear in life.
👻 James Whitcomb: A Life of Service, a Legacy of Haunting
James Whitcomb served as the governor of Indiana from 1843 to 1848, overseeing the state’s involvement in the Mexican-American War and addressing Indiana’s fiscal crisis.
Ghost hunters may be interested to know that he was also a prominent figure in the Masonic community, becoming the first Masonic Knights Templar in Indiana. After his term as governor, Whitcomb was elected to the United States Senate, serving until his untimely death in 1852. Now, his spirit remains, a ghostly guardian forever watching over his beloved books.
🎓 DePauw University: A Haunted Legacy of Learning
Founded in 1837 as Indiana Asbury University, DePauw University has a rich history and a strong Methodist heritage. However, the ghostly presence of Governor James Whitcomb adds a chilling chapter to the university’s story, forever entwining its legacy with the paranormal.
😱 A Haunting Conclusion: The Enduring Mystery of Whitcomb’s Ghost
The tale of Governor James Whitcomb’s ghostly guardianship serves as a chilling reminder that some legacies endure long after death. As students and scholars walk the halls of DePauw University’s library, they may feel the eerie presence of the spectral governor, forever watching over his cherished books.
So, dear reader, should you find yourself in the library late at night, tread carefully, and remember: the books in Whitcomb’s collection are not yours to take, lest you incur the wrath of the eternal guardian! Happy (and spooky) travels!
FAQ: The Haunting of Whitcomb’s Library
Is there any historical evidence to support the existence of Governor Whitcomb’s ghost in the DePauw University library?
While there is no concrete historical evidence to prove the existence of Governor Whitcomb’s ghost, the legend has been a part of DePauw University’s folklore for many years. The story has been passed down through generations of students and faculty, with many claiming to have experienced strange occurrences or sightings in the library.
What happens if someone tries to remove a book from the Whitcomb Collection?
According to the legend, Governor Whitcomb’s ghost fiercely protects the books in his collection, ensuring that they never leave the library. Those who have attempted to remove a book from the collection have reported encountering the ghostly figure of the governor, who appears to warn them against taking the book. Some even claim that the book mysteriously reappears in the library, even if it has been successfully removed.
Are there any other reported paranormal activities or ghostly sightings at DePauw University?
While the legend of Governor Whitcomb’s ghost is the most well-known paranormal tale associated with DePauw University, there have been other reports of ghostly activity on campus. Some students and faculty have claimed to experience strange noises, unexplained cold spots, and even sightings of other ghostly figures in various buildings across the university. However, none of these reports have been as enduring or as widely accepted as the legend of the phantom librarian.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
🗣 What do you think: does Whitcomb still haunt this library and it’s books? Have you ever experienced any ghostly encounters? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
