The Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery Is One Of Oregon's Spookiest Cemeteries
By Catherine Armstrong|Published October 31, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Cemeteries are typically pretty, park-like places where you can take a peaceful, quiet stroll through the trees. You might visit the grave of a loved one in remembrance, and reflect on the beauty of nature and the passage of time as you spend an afternoon wandering through the headstones.
Or…perhaps you’ll see the ghost of someone who has died, but hasn’t crossed over to the other side? If you believe in ghosts, you might be familiar with the stories of the Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery, which is supposedly haunted by two women who once lived in Lafayette.
Cemeteries seem to be the most likely places to spot a ghost, and the Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery is no exception.
Visitors to this cemetery report all kinds of strange things, but the most common stories are centered around two women from the area: Anna Marple, and Lena Elsie Imus.
Anna Marple's son Richard was hung on November 11,1887 for the murder and subsequent dismemberment of David I. Corker, a local businessman. Many believed that Anna was his accomplice, but she was never charged.
On the day that Richard was hung, Anna was present. Many believed that she was a witch, and as her son was about to die, she screamed out a curse upon the town that it would burn.
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Not long after the hanging, the town did indeed experience two significant fires.
In 1908, Lena committed suicide in her home by drinking carbolic acid. That home just happens to be the site of Argyle Winery, and employees say that they see and witness her presence often.
They smell flowers or perfume, and hear footsteps when no one is there. The sound of wineglasses hitting the floor and shattering is common, though when investigated, no broken glass can be found anywhere. A psychic was was there for a tasting once saw Lena standing behind a group of people. The woman was unaware of the haunting stories, but wasn't surprised to hear that she'd seen a ghost.
The folks at the winery aren't afraid of Lena. In fact, they named a series of wines in her honor. Spirithouse Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were reserve series made for several years.
Though Anna Marple is buried elsewhere, the body of Lena Elsie Imus was laid to rest here. Visitors claim to catch glimpses of a woman wandering through the headstones, and others hear laughter or footsteps. Could it be Lena or Anna...or is it just the overactive imaginations of those seeking ghosts? Perhaps you'll have to visit the cemetery to see for yourself.
Do you believe in ghosts? Tell us your stories in the comments!
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