Tolland, Connecticut is a growing rural community that was named 27th Best Small Town to Live in America by Money Magazine 2009. Located about 20 miles northeast of Hartford, Tolland has a very long and storied history dating back to the 1700’s. The Daniel Benton house in Tolland has almost just as long a history as it was built in 1720. Its history which involves Hessian prisoners held in the basement to a Revolutionary War love story has all contributed to the Benton homestead being one of the most haunted places in America.
In 1777 the house was used as a prison for 24 captured Hessian officers. The officers were part of a larger contingent of Hessian soldiers who surrendered to the Colonials after the British were defeated at Saratoga. It is known that many of the officers truly enjoyed their stay at the Benton house due to the graffiti left on the walls that can still be seen today. It is believed that some of the Hessian officer’s liked their stay so much they are still there today.
It is one year prior however in 1776 that you will find a story of love and tragedy that most claim is responsible for the paranormal activity in the home currently. Daniel Benton had three grandsons that all fought in the Revolutionary War. One of the grandsons, Elisha Benton had fallen in love with a young girl names Jemima Barrows and the two had plans of marriage after the war was over.
Unfortunately all three grandsons were captured by the British. Two died as a result of their imprisonment. Elisha was sent to a prison ship the British had in the New York harbor. The British would issue clothing and bedding that had been infected by smallpox and though Elisha was set free in a general exchange of prisoners, it was too late and he had contracted the disease.
I am sure that upon his return home there had to been some mix feelings, excitement for his return, sadness knowing that he had a disease that would take his life and fear because smallpox was very contagious and no one wanted to contract it. This is where love took over and Jemima came forward to take care of the one she truly loved.
Together they were locked in a room where Jemima took care of Elisha. It was only a few weeks later that Elisha succumbs to the disease and died in January of 1777 at the age of 29. He was buried on the west side of the home where a simple stone marks the burial. Though Elisha was only home a few weeks that was enough, Jemima contracted smallpox as well. It only took 5 weeks for this disease to claim another victim and in February of 1777, Jemima died. Since the couple was not married, they were not buried together but the family did bury her within a few yards of Elisha.
Some of the paranormal activity reported is of a woman heard crying, which it is said occurs often and attributed to Jemima. The apparition also attributed to Jemima is seen throughout the house but particularly close to the room in which she and Elisha died.
There have been reports of footsteps being heard upstairs as well as strange vibrations. There have also been reports of male apparitions around the house that are attributed to Elisha Benton and possible one of the Hessian officers.
Today the Benton Homestead is a museum and property of the Tolland Historical Society. The house can be toured during certain times of the year. You can find more information at: http://www.tollandhistorical.org/danielbentonhomestead
Related posts:
