The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

NIGHT WALKER

THE VILLA LOUIS IN PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WISCONSIN IS A LARGE MANSION
BUILT BY A RICH FRENCH FUR TRAPPER IN THE ERA OF THE FUR TRAPPERS.
HE LIVED THERE WITH HIS WIFE AND WHEN HE DIED HE WAS BURIED STAND-
ING UPRIGHT ON A HIGH BLUFF OVERLOOKING THE WISCONSIN AND MISSISSIPP
RIVERS. HIS WIFE CONTINUED TO LIVE IN THE MANSION UNTIL ONE DAY
SHE FELL DOWN THE STEPS AND STARTED THE HOME ON FIRE WHEN THE
KEROSINE LAMP SHE WAS CARRYING STARTED THE HOME ON FIRE WHEN IT
FELL. SHE DIED IN THE FIRE, THE PEOPLE SAVED THE MANSION FROM BEING
DESTROYED BY THE FLAMES. PEOPLE SAY THAT IF ONE IS AT THE HOUSE
AT NIGHT ONE CAN SEE A LIGHT TRAVELLING SLOWLY DOWN THE FRONT HALLWA
STEPS AS SHE DID ON THE NIGHT OF HER DEATH.

Where learned: IOWA ; DAVENPORT

Keyword(s): MYSTERIOUS LIGHT

Date learned: 11-01-1968