Case Summary of Horace Williams House

Chapel Hill, NC

 

*photo courtesy of The Preservation Society of Chapel Hill

THE HISTORY:

The Horace Williams House was first built as a simple farmhouse in the 1840s. Benjamin S. Hedrick (a chemistry professor at UNC) bought the house and property from the University in 1855 for $300. Hedrick added on the House's unique "Octagon Room". The House went through several owners and renovations before finally passing into the ownership of Horace Williams in 1897. Horace Williams was the Chair of the University's Philosophy department and a favorite of most of his students. Upon his death in 1940, he bequeathed the House (along with all of his property) to the University. The House became a rental property for UNC faculty until finally coming under the management of the PSCH in 1973.

THE LEGENDS:

Many people feel that Mr. Williams still inhabits the House, and moves items around as he sees fit. One former occupant of the House, Catherine Berryhill Williams has stated that as a child there were many strange incidents in the house, including fire utensils being moved from one side of the fireplace to the other, and her sister having several conversations with Horace's ghost. The caretaker of the House has stated in radio interviews that there is a rocking chair that sometimes rocks by itself and that the toilets have flushed themselves on rare occasions.

THE INVESTIGATION:

This investigation was performed in cooperation with the Rhine Research Center in Durham, NC as part of a series of seminars hosted by various investigative groups. Attendees of the seminar were treated to a lecture Friday night by Kady Harrington and Jim Hall on investigative techniques, and were able to take part in an actual investigation on Saturday night. The investigation was led by Jim Hall and Micki Rowlette, with assistance from Seven's intern, Matt Abele. There were approximately 21 people present at the investigation, including RRC and PSCH staff, and representatives from the Chapel Hill News. The investigation began at 7:00 PM with a full walk through of the house. Jim took EMF readings in each room, Matt took temperature readings, and Micki sketched the layout of the house. EMF readings were highest in the Octagon Room and directly below the Octagon Room in the basement. After close scrutiny, these readings were attributed to the House's HVAC ducts and electrical wiring. After the walk through, the group was broken up into three smaller groups, with each group being assigned a different part of the house. The three locations were selected based upon prior reports of phenomena. Group A, led by Jim set up recording equipment on the side porch. Group B, led by Micki set up in the Dining Room and Office (formerly the bedroom where Mr. Williams was often seen). Group C, led by Seven associate Tony LeTourneau, set up in the Parlor. After 45 minutes, the three groups rotated positions. Although some present did claim to sense a presence in the house, no notable activity occurred and the entire group reconvened and called it a night at approximately 9:30 PM.

CONCLUSIONS:

This investigation, while a great learning experience for the attendees, was an excellent example of several things NOT TO DO. It illustrated why large groups are difficult to work with, and also why we have to be so selective (and critical) with the investigations we accept. In order to maximize our opportunities to collect evidence, we tend to look for cases with recent and recurring activity, and unfortunately, the Horace Williams House just doesn't seem to have much of either. It is a beautiful, historic home that is well worth visiting for its historic value.

LINKS:

• The Preservation Society of Chapel Hill at the Horace Williams House