Locations

Name: Timberlane House
Location: South side of Marshalltown, near the former area of Adonisville

Description:
Timberlane House stands at the end of Timberlane Street, named after its prominent position. Built in 1814 by Jeremiah French, a robust man known for his strength, the mansion quickly gained a mysterious aura when Jeremiah died unexpectedly shortly after its completion. The house is architecturally grand, but its beauty is overshadowed by the legends and tragedies that have enveloped it.

Historical Significance:
The house was constructed on woodland, chosen by Jeremiah before Morris County was officially founded. Local lore suggests that the land itself was troubled, with early stories of unease among those who first stepped onto it. Jeremiah’s family, particularly his daughter Bobby (originally named Robert), had a deep and peculiar connection to the land, never wanting to leave it despite numerous conflicts with local native tribes.

Supernatural Associations:
Over the years, Timberlane House has been the site of numerous reported supernatural occurrences. Residents and visitors have claimed sightings of ghosts, including a young boy named Steven, a little girl in an upstairs bedroom, several native spirits, and even a squatter’s ghost popular among local tales. These apparitions have contributed to the house’s eerie reputation and have been a focal point for ghost stories in the community.

Legacy of Tragedy:
Several owners, including Charles Parker and the later resident Mary Elizabeth Manx, experienced tragic incidents and unexplainable phenomena at Timberlane House. Injuries, mysterious accidents, and the untimely deaths of some residents have fueled rumors that the house is cursed, particularly following the departures of those deeply connected to the property.

Current Status:
After years of vacancy and neglect, the Timberlane House remains a beautiful but haunting presence in Marshalltown. Despite efforts to renovate and inhabit it, the mansion continues to be plagued by its past, standing as a testament to the mysterious and possibly supernatural events that seem tied to its very essence.