The Haunting of the Davenport House

The Davenport House, located in Lawrence, Kansas, has long been a source of intrigue and fear for its residents and visitors alike. Built in 1865 by abolitionist Amos Davenport, the house is believed to be haunted by his wife, Lucretia, who died tragically under mysterious circumstances just months after their move into the new home.

The History and Background

Amos Davenport was a prominent member of Lawrence’s early settler community. After marrying Lucretia Johnson in 1864, they moved to a lot near Massachusetts Street and Sixth Avenue with the intention of constructing a large family residence. Amos hired local architect Thomas G. Rogers, who designed the impressive two-story house. The Davenports completed their new home by late 1865.

Key Events or Sightings

#### October 1867: The Tragic Death

On October 20, 1867, Lucretia Davenport’s death became one of the most mysterious events in local history. According to the Lawrence Tribune, she was found dead on the floor of her bedroom, with no apparent signs of struggle or injury. Doctors were baffled by the case and concluded that Lucretia had died from an unknown cause. Her ghostly presence would haunt the house ever since.

#### November 1872: The Phantom Visit

In 1872, a new family moved into the Davenport House. They reported hearing strange noises, footsteps, and disembodied voices echoing through the hallways late at night. A local newspaper published an account of these events in December 1872, sparking public interest.

#### March 1905: The Light in the Kitchen

On a cold March evening in 1905, the daughter of the current tenant noticed that a kitchen light was on despite all being asleep. She approached to turn it off but found no one around. When she returned to bed, she heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps on the floor above. These accounts have been passed down through generations.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### The Ghostly Presence

Resident Sarah Johnson, who lived in the house during 1930-1940, recounted that she often felt a chill and saw shadowy figures moving about the rooms at night. She also heard whispers and doors opening and closing by themselves.

#### EVP Recordings

In the late 20th century, paranormal investigators used electronic voice phenomena (EVP) technology to capture ghostly voices in the house. One recording from 1985 featured a woman’s voice saying, “I’m sorry,” which was believed to be Lucretia apologizing for her untimely death.

Investigations or Research

#### The Lawrence Paranormal Society

The Lawrence Paranormal Society conducted extensive research on the Davenport House in the early 2000s. They used thermal imaging cameras and motion detectors, but no conclusive evidence of supernatural activity was found. However, their investigations added to the house’s reputation as a haunted site.

#### University of Kansas Research

In 2010, researchers from the Department of Anthropology at the University of Kansas performed an archaeological dig in the basement. They uncovered remnants of Lucretia’s clothing and personal items, supporting the claim that she died in the house but did not provide answers to her mysterious death.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Today, the Davenport House is a private residence, but it continues to attract visitors curious about its haunted past. Some locals believe that Amos still visits his wife’s spirit on moonlit nights. Others claim to have seen apparitions of Lucretia and her children wandering through the rooms.

The house remains closed to public tours due to the ongoing investigations into its supernatural history, but local ghost hunters occasionally organize private tours for those interested in paranormal experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there any documented cases of poltergeist activity at the Davenport House?

A: No, there are no well-documented cases of poltergeist activity. The Davenport Haunting is more associated with apparitions and unexplained sounds rather than physical phenomena like moving objects or loud noises.

Q: Has anyone ever seen Lucretia’s ghost in person?

A: Several residents have reported seeing shadowy figures, whispers, and the outline of a woman in the house. However, there are no documented cases of anyone identifying the apparition as Lucretia herself with certainty.

Q: What is the most famous paranormal investigation at the Davenport House?

A: The Lawrence Paranormal Society conducted one of the most well-known investigations. They used EVP technology and recorded several voice messages that were believed to be from spirits. One of these recordings reportedly said, “I’m sorry,” which was later attributed to Lucretia.

Q: Are there any other houses in Lawrence known for paranormal activity?

A: Yes, the Watson House on Massachusetts Street is another famous haunted site in Lawrence. It is often compared to the Davenport House due to its rich history and reported supernatural occurrences.

Q: Has the Davenport House been featured in any movies or TV shows?

A: The Davenport House has not been featured in major movies or television shows, but it has appeared as a location for paranormal-themed podcasts and documentaries. Its reputation as one of Kansas’s most haunted homes keeps it on the radar of ghost hunters and enthusiasts.