The Mysterious Knockings.
Raleigh, N.C., April 6. – There is the greatest sensation at Tarboro ever known in the history of that town, or in that part of the State. A few nights past strange knockings were heard in the room of a house occupied by Mr Shaw and family. The knockings were first heard, after a daughter, aged fourteen, had retired. She was frightened badly, as it was found that the sounds were made at her commands, but no other. Shaw told of the occurrence. Crowds began to visit the house.
The girl became very excited and nervous, but was prevailed upon to ask questions. The crowds have become so large that the house could not hold them. At times there are hundreds in the streets, all waiting to hear it. Some nights the girl has not remained at home, but on these occasions the noises are said to have been heard where she was.
Wednesday night she was at Mr Terrel’s. On her retiring the knocking was heard on the wall. The knocking cannot in any way be accounted for by those who have heard it. It is a dull sound that cannot be imitated.
Superstition is rife, and many persons would not occupy the house for any sum. Some regard the girl as a spirit medium, and this only as a first manifestation of that power. Others still think it some secret agency that will soon be discovered.
The Anderson Intelligencer (South Carolina), April 17th 1890.