History & local legend
The Old Franklin County Jail in Chambersburg held prisoners from 1818 until 1971. After becoming a historical society museum, its cells and basement also attracted paranormal investigators. Reporter Roscoe Barnes III accompanied one group for an overnight visit in October 2009.
In the dungeon, investigator Jim Wyrick asked an unseen presence for its name. His handheld Ovilus—a device that produces words investigators interpret as possible responses—answered “Thaddeaus.” Asked for the year, it supplied “90.” Wyrick tried to clarify whether that meant 1890, but received no reply.
Wyrick also told Barnes about an experience in Cell 18, where he said he heard a clear voice introduce itself: “I’m Frank.” The team planned to review its recordings, while a historian looked into the possible identity. Wyrick described the night as relatively quiet and said his most effective approach had been to sit alone in a cell and listen.
