NZ 324 408
Now called Long Myers Farm.
A Ghost!
A circumstance lately occurred in the house of Mr Jordison, at Longmires, near this city [Durham], which occasioned considerable alarm in his family, and excited a fearful sensation throughout the neighbourhood. About five weeks ago, a pane of glass was broken, and the noise of stones falling was heard in different parts of the house. A few nights afterwards similar sounds were heard, and the family could in no way account for them.
The younger Mr Jordison provided fire-arms, and valorously sallied forth in search of the supposed ghost. He could see nothing, but sagaciously discharged his gun in the hope to frighten the unquiet spirit. This stratagem failed of success; the glass was again smashed, and stones once more were heard to fall in frightful repetition within the dwelling. Matters now became serious, and it is whispered that even the courage of the family gave way to fear.
Reinforcements were called in, and a formidable party sat and watched – the noise was repeated, and, as one of the party declared, the house shook from its foundation; yet no cause was discovered. In the morning a council of war was held in the fold-yard, and when in deep consultation a stone fell in the midst of the councillors: amazement and consternation seized upon them all, and they separated precipitately.
Reports now thickened through the neighbourhood, and the inhabitants of Sherburn and the adjacent country became so much alarmed that many dared not to leave their houses in the evening. the ghost was said to have been seen dancing along the tops of the hedges, and numerous other equally horrific stories were related and believed.
The hoax continued three weeks, when at length, through the sagacity of Mr Jordison, jun. it was discovered. Being a man of observation, he had remarked that the screams of the servant girl had always accompanied the noises he had heard. He therefore wisely suspected that she knew something of the matter, and he boldly charged her with the breaking of the windows. The accusation led to a confession – the girl was turned to the door, and with her vanished the ghost from these lately haunted premises!
Durham County Advertiser, 9th February 1822.