Second Oldest Home In Orland Haunted By Family's Spirits: Psychic

ORLAND PARK, IL — Only one family has ever lived in the second-oldest house in the Village of Orland Park. The Senator John Humphrey House, 9830 W. 144th Place, was turned over to the Orland Historical Society in 1987 after the death of the youngest Humphrey family member, John. No other family has lived in the house, and some say the Humphreys never left.

The Senator John Humphrey family members include:

• John Humphrey
• Amelia Humphrey, John's first wife, who in 1894 was found dead lying in the Humphrey House dining area
• Libby, their daughter, who died at 11 months old
• Wilt, their oldest son, who was a lawyer
• Lillian, their daughter, who died as a child
• Thomas, their son, who died as a child.
• Clara Mable, their daughter, who also passed away as a child
• Maude, their last child
• Ida Humphrey, Sen. Humphrey's secretary and assistant in his office, who became his second wife just months after Amelia died.
• John Humphrey, Ida and John's son, who willed their family home to the historical society.

Something that makes this home different from other potentially haunted houses is that most other houses have had multiple families living in them at a point. Edward Shanahan, a psychic reader, medium and paranormal spirit feeler, said that when he walked into the home for the first time, he felt a spirit presence.

"I went in for a tour and when I was walking around I felt the presence of spirits," Shanahan said. "Once I noticed it I asked the tour guides if anyone has ever had any paranormal experiences in the house."

Shanahan said he and other "Spirit Feelers" believe Ida might have been an evil stepmother. He also said nobody can find any photos of Humphrey's second wife with any of his children, other than John.

Sen. Humphrey died in 1914 at 76 years old. Ida lived until the 1950s. According to Shanahan, when Ida died, her son John had the viewing of his mother in the living room of the house. Shanahan said this was also done with other family members.

Shanahan said the living room is where he hosts his Circle of Energy Spirit Experience sessions. He also said he discovered the home has ties to Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, another famously "haunted site" where some say a "White Lady" or "Madonna of Bachelor's Grove," can be seen holding a baby in her arms.

Libby was buried in the cemetery, where Amelia's family had a plot of other family members. Shanahan said many believe Amelia may be the woman holding the baby in the Bachelor's Grove legend.

The medium said Mr. Humphrey and Ida make appearances in the home at times, but only for those who are stern. "Mr. Humphrey was not a soft guy. He doesn't come out for people who are shy and scared," Shanahan said. He added that Amelia and the kids are less harsh.

Shanahan said John, Humphrey's son, already owned the coffin he would later buried in, and that he would sleep in there when he moved back into the Humphrey residence after Ida died.

Shanahan said the Senator John Humphrey House is the most paranormally active private residence that he has been in as psychic medium and spirit feeler. He said he has no doubt in his mind that the spirits in the home are the Humphreys.

The John Humphrey House is generally not open to the public. However, the public can visit between 2 and 4 p.m. the second Sunday of each month. Admission is free but donations are welcomed.

Shanahan said he has had many paranormal experiences in the home, including some involving dolls, closets and more. Shanahan said he doesn't go in the home alone much. For those interested in a paranormal night or paranormal investigation at the residence, email Shanahan at his Best Chicago Psychic website for further details.

Related:

• Bachelors Grove Cemetery, Setting the Record Straight
• Bachelor's Grove: Desecrated Cemetery's Haunts Are Alive And Well

From historic ghosts to unexplained phenomena, here are some scary and spooky tales to get you through Halloween: Illinois Halloween 2020: Urban Legends

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