The Story Behind Boston's Most Haunted House Will Give You Nightmares

A bizarre event that took place here precisely 150 years after Dr. Parkman's murder, convinced some that paranormal activity was at play. To understand the event's significance, you first need to know more about the murder.

After working as a doctor for many years, Parkman became a money lender and landlord. He loaned John White Webster a sum of money and the two appeared to have been friends - both were doctors at Harvard Medical College. Webster taught chemistry there and had a laboratory in the building's basement.

Webster is thought to have struck Parkman on the head with his walking stick, killing him. Then, he proceeded to chop up the body and dispose of it in the privy.

The janitor at the medical school, Ephraim Littlefield, became suspicious of Webster and broke into the laboratory, where he discovered human remains in the privy. Other body parts were then found in the furnace and wedged into a blood-stained tea chest inside the lab.

Webster was arrested and the subsequent trial was a huge spectacle. This was one of the first times that forensic anthropology was used in a courtroom. Webster denied involvement but then later confessed. Some think Ephraim Littlefield actually murdered Parkman and framed Webster, while others believed he did it. Webster was found guilty. He was hung on August 30, 1850.

Do you think it was just a coincidence that Dr. Parkman’s remains were stuffed down a toilet and that a toilet then broke exactly 150 years later in his family home, causing extensive damage? Or do you think it could have been the spirit of Dr. Parkman?