Exorcising a Ghost with Holy Water.
For some time there has been a great deal of talk regarding a haunted house which stands on the Oregonia and Harveysburg pike, about eight miles from Morrow, O. The house is the property of Dan Gallagher, who is one of the noted characters of Warren county.
The fame of the ghost rapping in the house spread far and near, and investigating parties were organised, which sat up to meet the ghost. The rappings invariably occurred shortly before midnight, and continued several minutes. Some of the boldest of the investigators rushed out to the window, but could see nothing. The tapping, however, would at once cease on their approach.
Finally Gallagher declared that he would fix the ghost. He secured a vessel containing holy water from the church at Oregonia, and the ghost was exorcised in the presence of many curious spectators, several of whom had come from a distance.
The scene was a most dramatic one. Dan approached the window and removed his hat, which was the signal for the others to uncover. Sprinkling the window profusely with the holy water Dan in tragic tones thus addressed the invisible visitor: “If you are a bad spirit depart hence and never return. If you are a good spirit come forth and show yourself.” Several minutes of profound silence elapsed, but there was no response. Dan again sprinkled the window and repeated his invocation. Still no ghost appeared, and it is said that no more tappings have disturbed the rest of the Fries family, and the ghost or mischievous neighbour has certainly stopped rapping. – Cor. Philadelphia Press.
The Weekly Thibodaux Sentinel (Louisiana), December 13th, 1890.