Currently known as Revenant Acres, this infamous house in Indiana is reported to be a hot spot of paranormal activity. It has been investigated by many individuals and groups and used to host overnight stays for those hoping to catch a glimpse or evidence of the ghosts that walk its halls.
While its paranormal history is well documented, its domestic history is a little fuzzier.
In 1875, the plot that the farm house stands on was 104 acres owned by Rube Niles, according to a historic plat map of the county. Niles was a local merchant specializing in hardware.
By 1906 (much likely many years earlier, in the late 1870's or early 1880's), the land had changed hands to John Althans Craft and was now a 74 acre parcel.
John Althans Craft was born in Trumbull County, Ohio on September 1, 1824 to Abraham Craft and Margaret Althans. He was one of seven children. When Crafts was twelve years old, he had moved to Hancock County, Indiana. In his twenties, he learned the trade of plane making in Cincinnati from Peter Probasco, where he worked from 1846-1847. He brought his trade back to Hancock County in Charlottesville, Indiana where he established his own practice in town.
On July 26, 1849, Craft wed Elizabeth "Eliza" Ann Fries in Rush County, Indiana. They had seven children, only four of which made it to adulthood.
When the Civil War broke out, Craft joined the Union Army. He was promoted to First Lieutenant December 13, 1861, then Captain June 16, 1862. His health was failing, so he resigned from his position on March 26, 1863, stating disability. He was in such ill health that he was not expected to live long after returning home, but with the care of his family, he regained his health and went back to work as a member of Rock, Morris, and Craft - dealers of dry goods and groceries.
Craft was a pillar in his community. He was active in the school, as the first one was built by his father and lovingly named "Backwoods College". He served as Justice of the Peace for several years and was superintendent of the Methodist Church. He was a charter member of the Sardis Lodge - the local Freemasons.
Craft retired to his farm in 1881 to focus on his health and enjoy rural life.
He passed away January 12, 1906 and is buried in Six Mile Cemetery in Charlottesville, Indiana.
His son, Frank Craft, inherited the farm.
It is unclear if Craft or Niles built the farm house, and exactly when it was built (no buildings show up on these plat maps) as the architecture period overlaps both parties ownership easily. But, it is certain to say that Craft left a lasting impression on the small town of Charlottesville and the last house he called home. He created a legacy most would aspire to emulate.
Sources:
History of Hancock County, Indiana. Binford, J. H. (John H.)
Ancestry.com
Indiana State Library Digital Collections