Adopt a Ghost History
You've adopted your ghost and helped preserve local history! Now it's time to meet your Boo Buddy and discover the fascinating story behind your spirited new friend!
The Barber Brothers: A Dark Chapter in Bremer County History
Ike (1855) and Bill (1859) Barber were notorious Iowa outlaws whose lives of horse theft, gambling, and violent crime came to a dramatic end in Bremer County. Wanted for multiple murders and other crimes, the brothers were captured on June 5, 1883, following a deadly shootout near Tripoli, Iowa, that claimed the life of lawman Henry Harsteng. After being taken into custody, the brothers were held at the Waverly jail. On June 8, 1883, an angry mob stormed the jail, dragged the brothers to Murphy's Grove, and lynched them from a tree. Today, visitors to the Bremer County Historical Society Museum can see remarkable artifacts connected to this infamous event, including a saddle associated with the Barber Brothers, the branch from the tree where they were hanged, and artifacts preserving the story of the lawman killed during their capture. These pieces offer a haunting glimpse into one of the most notorious chapters of Bremer County's history.
Sally Daily
Built during the Civil War in 1862, the historic Daily House was the vision of young entrepreneur Andrew Daily, who recognized the need for a hotel along the busy north-south stagecoach route through Waverly. Alongside his wife, Sally, Andrew established an impressive three-and-a-half-story hotel constructed with locally fired bricks and lumber harvested from nearby trees. The building welcomed travelers and offered retail spaces along its east side. After several successful years, Daily sold the property, and it became known as the Waverly House Hotel. The hotel continued welcoming guests until a tragic incident in 1883 brought its days as a lodging establishment to an end. Today, the building is home to the Bremer County Historical Society Museum, where more than 160 years of history live on. But perhaps not everyone has checked out. Could Sally Daily still be greeting guests and keeping a watchful eye over the historic hotel today?
Emma Cronin and the Ghost of J.F. Stevens
In 1883, a tragic event forever changed the history of the Waverly House Hotel, now home to the Bremer County Historical Society Museum. A young widow named Emma Cronin was traveling by train when she met two gentlemen who convinced her to stay at the Waverly House. Emma checked into a room on the third floor, while the men secured their own accommodations. Shortly after settling in, one of the gentlemen, J.F. Stevens, knocked on Emma's door and persuaded her to let him inside. According to historical accounts, Stevens made unwanted advances, and Emma, fearing for her safety, defended herself by shooting him in the head, killing him. Emma was charged with murder, but following a highly publicized trial, she was acquitted on the grounds of self-defense. She left Waverly and went on to live a long life, reportedly reaching the age of 80. The incident marked the end of the building's days as a hotel, but perhaps not the end of Stevens' stay. Legend has it that J.F. Stevens never truly checked out! Over the years, visitors and volunteers have reported mysterious whispers, unexplained slamming doors, and strange drafts throughout the historic building. Could Stevens still be wandering the halls of the old Waverly House, more than 140 years after his death?
James Lynes: A Remarkable Story of Survival and Legacy
During the War of 1812, James Lynes was kidnapped by the British and forced aboard a ship to fight against the United States. Determined to escape, he seized a sea trunk as the ship approached shore, jumped overboard into the water, and miraculously survived. After reaching safety, Lynes joined the United States military and fought against the very British forces that had taken him captive. Years later, he settled in Plainfield, Iowa, where his family established deep roots in Bremer County. Today, the very sea trunk associated with his daring escape is proudly displayed at the Bremer County Historical Society Museum. But his legacy goes far beyond this remarkable artifact. His descendants helped establish the Bremer County Historical Society, and generations later, family members continue volunteering to preserve local history. From a daring escape at sea to generations dedicated to preserving the past, James Lynes' story is a remarkable piece of Bremer County history!
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