There are various cemeteries, both historical and modern, dotted around the world. One particular type of cemetery that intrigues many people is a witch cemetery. These cemeteries are rumored to be the final resting places of witches or people associated with witchcraft. Although purely mythical, these locations hold a certain mystique for those interested in the occult and paranormal. The concept of witch cemeteries is deeply rooted in folklore and legends. Stories and rumors surrounding these places often involve tales of witches being buried alongside their spell books, magical artifacts, or even familiars.
Tammy loves life in West Virginia and couldn't imagine raising her three children anywhere else.She loves the simple life and believes that the key to a happy life is simplifying! She is an author, who enjoys living outside the box and coloring outside of the lines.
Parkersburg is famous for being the first site in which the Union invaded the Confederacy during the Civil War, and so as you d expect, there are many historical stories swirling about the town. Most of the remaining residents of the town are of the Amish and Mennonite faiths, religious orders that shun the use of electricity and modern conveniences.
Stories and rumors surrounding these places often involve tales of witches being buried alongside their spell books, magical artifacts, or even familiars. Some people believe that these resting places hold powerful energy or offer a gateway to the spirit realm. Often nestled in secluded and eerie locations, witch cemeteries are often revered as mysterious and haunted sites.
St. Omer Cemetery Witch Grave
Driving along one of many county roads in the miles of Illinois cornfields, a gravel road will lead you to the town of St. Omer, or what’s left of it at least: its cemetery. The ghost town might have been forgotten if not for the strange Barnes monument, the subject of a local witch legend.
The Barnes gravestone is a ball atop a pyre. While many of the other graves in this cemetery are oriented east to west, this one curiously faces north and south. Four people are buried there, Marcus Barnes, his parents Granville and Sarah, and his wife, Caroline, whose stated date of death could never have happened: February 31, 1882.
The prevailing lore is that Caroline Barnes was a witch, or at least was accused of being one. She was hanged (or, depending on who you ask, burned or even buried alive) for her magical crimes. The sphere atop her tombstone is actually a crystal ball, which is said to glow on moonless nights. The impossible date is actually a preventative measure: The witch would rise again on her death date, but if her death date never came she wouldn’t reappear.
People also claim that film photographs of the Barnes’ grave won’t develop (though digital seems to do just fine), and that secret rituals are carried out there in the dead of night. That last claim may have some credence to it, given that the ball has repeatedly been found with melted white candle wax dried atop it.
In reality, there are few facts to back up accusations of witchery. Local lore seems to have sprung out of the weird anomalies surrounding the tombstone. There is, however, some tragic history surrounding the Barnes family. Marcus Barnes died in a sawmill accident in 1881 and was buried with his parents. Just two months later Caroline would die of pneumonia at the age of 23. Her actual death date was either the 26th or the 28th of February. “February 31st” was likely just a typo too expensive to fix, not to mention that there was no one left in the Barnes family to mend the error.
In fact, there wasn’t even anyone in town. The town of St. Omer only held about 40 to 50 families, a post office, a blacksmith’s, and a general store. By the time the Barnes family had died off, the town had done the same. Now, fittingly, all that remains of St. Omer is its cemetery.
Aside from the mysterious monument, the remote and serene cemetery has many other old grave markers worth perusing. It’s a brief walk through history that Caroline Barnes is somewhat responsible for keeping alive.
Know Before You Go
The cemetery shows up on iOS GPS search under “St Omer witch cemetery,” making it easy to find. It seems like visitors leave coins on the sphere, so bring a penny if you wish.
Located just outside of the village, and across an ancient, one-lane bridge, is the small Chesterville Cemetery. It is in this secluded graveyard that a traveler can find a "witch's grave". The story goes that it once belonged to a young woman who was regarded as a witch in the community. Her ghost is rumored to still appear nearby.
People may visit these spots seeking to connect with the supernatural or hoping to witness paranormal activity. These cemeteries have become popular destinations for ghost hunters, paranormal enthusiasts, and curiosity seekers. It is important to note that witch cemeteries, as we know them today, do not actually exist. They are purely products of folklore, urban legends, and popular imagination. While there may be cemeteries associated with witch trials or witchcraft history, they do not hold any special magical properties or connections to witchcraft. Nonetheless, the idea of witch cemeteries continues to capture the imagination of many. Whether it is the fascination with the occult, the allure of the unknown, or the thrill of exploring mysterious places, the concept of a witch cemetery holds a certain allure for those with a penchant for the supernatural. In conclusion, while there may not be any real witch cemeteries, the myth and legends surrounding these places continue to capture the interest and imagination of many. These fictional locations serve as a reminder of the enduring fascination with witchcraft and the supernatural in our culture..
Reviews for "Conjuring the Spirits at the Local Witch Cemetery"
1. Emily - 1 star - The book "Witch Cemetery Near Me" was a complete disappointment. The storyline was weak and lacked any depth. The characters were one-dimensional and unrelatable. It felt like the author tried to squeeze in too many ideas without fully developing any of them. The writing style was also subpar, with choppy sentences and awkward dialogue. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.
2. Max - 2 stars - "Witch Cemetery Near Me" had an interesting premise that initially caught my attention, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The pacing of the story was all over the place, with moments of action followed by long stretches of dull dialogue. The characters were poorly developed, and their motivations were often unclear. I found it hard to connect with any of them, which made it difficult to care about what happened to them. The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying, leaving many loose ends. While the concept had potential, the execution fell flat and left me wanting more.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was excited to read "Witch Cemetery Near Me" as I'm a fan of supernatural mysteries, but I was left disappointed by this book. The plot was predictable and lacked originality. The twists and turns were easy to see coming, and there were no surprises or moments of suspense. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, further taking away from the overall reading experience. Additionally, the writing style was mediocre, lacking the descriptive language needed to transport me into the story. Overall, this book didn't live up to my expectations, and I would not recommend it to others who enjoy the genre.