Mississippi has its fair share of ghost stories. But one of the most intriguing has to do with the Deason Home in Ellisville. The sinister tales linked to the historic home date back to 1863, when a murder occurred within its walls. Since then, it’s been a hot spot for paranormal activity and strange happenings. Dubbed one of the state’s most haunted sites, the Deason Home is as terrifying as it is historic.

Built in 1845, the Deason Home is the oldest home in Jones County.
deasonhome.org
It’s located in the small town of Ellisville at 410 Anderson Street.
In existence for nearly 200 years, the home is full of history. One of the most fascinating tales is the murder of Major McLemore, which took place inside the home.
Deason Home/Facebook
During the Civil War, Major McLemore set up headquarters at the Deason Home. On a rainy night in October, 1863, he was shot as he stood by the fireplace in a bedroom.
Newton Knight, the leader of a group of confederate deserters, was the one who pulled the trigger.
Mississippi History Now/Wikimedia
When the Civil War broke out, Jones County was made up mostly of poor farmers who owned few slaves. Many of these men, including Newton Knight, felt as if the war wasn’t their fight. Following the fall of Vicksburg, Knight and several others deserted their posts and returned home to Jones County. Considered traitors, they formed a renegade army and hid out in nearby swamps. Eventually, Major McLemore was sent to round up the deserters.

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Visible remnants of what took place on that infamous night in October have remained throughout the years, serving as a grim reminder of the home’s past.
deasonhome.org
After being shot, McLemore bled to death on the floor of the bedroom, leaving behind a bloodstain that soaked though the floorboards to the slab below. In recent years, the bloodstain was scrubbed and scrubbed but returned every time it rained.
Prior to being taken over by the DAR, the home had only three other owners and it appears as if some of them never left.
deasonhome.wordpress.com
According to paranormal investigators, at least five spirits haunt the home - many of whom have a penchant for violence. There have even been a couple of instances where investigators were physically attacked.
Phantom voices, moving objects, and spirits in period clothing have all been experienced in the home - even during tours and special events.
deasonhome.org
During a re-enactment at the home, a volunteer was wearing a dress that belonged to Mrs. Deason. As she walked around the home, she heard a disembodied voice say, "Get out of my dress."

Another frightening instance took place when a group of students from Jones County Junior College visited the home. While recording, the students captured the voice of a hysterical woman, saying, "Buddy, there's someone in the attic."
The anniversary of Major McLemore’s death is also likely to bring some unusual happenings.
Deason Home/Facebook
It’s said that each year on October 5th, the door of the Deason Home suddenly bursts open…only to reveal an empty porch.

For more information on this eerily fascinating piece of Mississippi history, watch the video below.

Ready to plan a visit to the Deason Home? Click here for tour information.

So, have you heard about the sinister tales associated with the Deason Home? Or maybe you’ve experienced something for yourself? Tell us in the comments section.

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