Haunted Indiana: Marion's I.O.O.F. Cemetery

Sure you think that a cemetery is an obvious place of rest. Let me tell you that the spirits of Marion are doing anything but resting. I.O.O.F. cemetery is located on Lincoln Blvd and Central, its edges along the historic Mississinewa River. It is perhaps one of the oldest recorded cemeteries in Grant County. This is a hot spot for paranormal activity.

The Running Man: There are reports of a gray man in a jogging suit that runs round the grounds of the I.O.O.F. cemetery. This wouldn't be the least bit frightening except that he is headless. That is right. I said headless. He is quiet and does not appear to pose any threat. You just might want to stay out of his way just in case.

The Chairs: There are two parts of I.O.O.F. the old part and the new part. There are two white wicker style chairs located in the very back of the old cemetery. At night, if you drive through and turn out your headlights you will see that the chairs follow you as you drive around the grave site. This isn't a trick of the eye. Rumor has it that the old couple buried there liked to "people watch" in life and now they get to continue in death.

Vampire's Unrest: Off the beaten path you will find a mausoleum with the family name of Osborn. There are bars on the windows and doors. That's because there is something in it trying to get out! Over a course of a summer friends and I spent quite a bit of time camped out at the Osborn site. We had heard that the Osborn family was murdered for being vampires. We waited and watched. We witnessed glass broken from the inside of the mausoleum sprayed on the yard outside. I saw a tree struck by lightning when there was no storm. It smoldered and burned. A large branch broke off and broke the door. Chains shortly appeared to keep people out...or keep the Osborn's in.

Child's Cry: Located near a grave site there is a statue of a girl in a dress. She looks very pensive, deep in thought. If you sit there long enough looking at the statue on some early mornings you can hear the cries of a small child. Maybe she is lost and missing her mama.

They say the mind can play tricks on you given the right circumstances. Spend some time in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery and find out for yourself. No real harm can come from it. Just respect the dead and they will respect you.