Paranormal Activity In The Stoney-baynard Ruins On Hilton Head Sc

Legend has it that "Saucy Jack" Stoney lost the Braddock's Point Plantation to William Eddings Baynard in a late-night poker game at Hilton Head SC

. The year was 1838.

A Stroke Of Good Luck

It was a sad day because the 1000-acre plantation had belonged to the Stoney's since the American Revolution when Saucy Jack's great grandfather bought it. Three generations had come and gone when Dr. George Mosse Stoney handed it down to Saucy Jack.

It was winner take all for William Eddings Baynard, although some records indicate that Baynard simply purchased the land when Saucy Jack went bankrupt. Of course, that version carries far less theatrical appeal. Either way, the transaction explains the hyphenated name by which the property is identified today: Stony-Baynard Plantation. William Baynard and his wife Catherine reared 4 children in the "Big House" up until 1849 when William died.

A Stroke Of Bad Luck

During the Civil War the Baynard's and other plantation owners on Hilton Head SC were driven off the Island. The Big House became headquarters for Union officers. That made it the target of a Confederate raiding party, which torched and destroyed it.

Although title was restored to the Baynard family after the War they never returned to the island. And so, the grounds were left to deteriorate to their present condition, another stark memorial to the tragedy of the War of Northern Aggression.

It is not hard to trace an outline of the front of the house because of large square holes that once anchored the pillars framing a large wrap-around porch. The most substantial ruins are behind these where remains of the chimney and the rear wall are still intact.

The property is situated on a sunny knoll at the Island's highest point. Gazing at the site one can easily imagine pleasant scenes of family solidarity -- picnics on the porch, children and servants cavorting merrily on the front lawn. Without warning the sun disappears as angry storm clouds threaten the pastoral scene. And then if you focus intently, the imagination will catch an echo of the jack-boot invader pacing the large wooden porch of this haunted house.

In the end William Baynard ran out of luck and the fleeting days of happiness deserted him forever. Many a visitor has felt a chill run up their spine as the faint image of Baynard's hearse and funeral party file silently past his grave.

Not content to pillage his property, union troops later robbed Baynard's crypt, allegedly in search of family gold, jewels, or other valuables. Ever since on those dismal, rainy days that sometimes visit the Island, Baynard's disconsolate ghost may be seen at a distance stalking the premises.

by: Oliver Woods.

POST COMMENT

Net Leasing Takes Form Cut Out The Clutter Marc Jacobs Iggy Shoulder Handbag Getting Rid Of Sinus Fungus Processes Of The Juvenile Court Motivacion En El Trabajo (1/1) How To Cure Bad Breath Today! Thousand Dollar Apple Store Magic Bullet System Bonus! Dreaming About Hot-lanta Inexpensive Motels? Check Out These Clues On How To Get The Cheapest Accomm En 2012, Il Y Aura Un Problème Énergétique & Les Majors Deviendront Guides ! Just what is Involved in Closing Costs? Adelgazar En Poco Tiempo -Mi Historia Motivacion En El Trabajo (2/2)