The Kehoe House in Savannah, GA is one beautiful bed and breakfast that is haunted by none other than the children of William Kehoe, a local successful businessman who earned his way to the top.
In 1842, at the age of ten, William Kehoe immigrated to America from County Wexford, Ireland, with his mother, father, four brothers, and three sisters. Upon arrival, the family decided to live in the Old Fort District of Savannah. It was here that other Irish immigrants lived and would become family friends. William spent the majority of his youth exploring the local town and growing accustomed to his new home. During this time he befriended a local iron worker and became his apprentice.
Knowing he had skill in iron works, William eventually bought his own foundry, which was at that time was located east of Broughton Street. This brought him lots of new customers and gave him a name around town. After World War I, William decided to expand and built a new foundry on the riverfront. With this new location, he quickly became one of Savannah’s most successful and prominent businessmen.
During all of this success, William met a young woman named Anne Flood. The two instantly had a connection and fell deeply in love. By 1868, the two were married and looking to start a family. After moving around a few homes, the couple decided on a lot in the historic district of Savannah. With that, The Kehoe House was built. The home was completed in May of 1892, whereupon Mr. and Mrs. Kehoe and their ten children moved into their new home.
Sadly, that is where the happy story seemed to end. As rumors stated, terrible accidents befell the family and took away some of the children. Legend states that two twin boys (aged 5) were playing hide and seek in the home when they attempted to climb into a fireplace. Both boys climbed in and went higher and higher until they became stuck. As ash fell on them it filled their lungs and stopped them from calling for help. Both boys died. Annie eventually found them days later from the stench of their corpses. Other stories we heard said that children (some being neighbors) perished in the home too, both from yellow fever and other accidents.
As time moved on, the Kehoe’s themselves died and the remaining children took ownership of the home. They sold the home in 1930 after which it became a school, funeral home, and under the ownership of the Jets QB Joe Namath. After restoration, the home was turned into a Bed and Breakfast and sold to it’s current owners in 2007.
Strangely enough, while the home has changed owners, the stories around the home remain the same. They talk of hauntings throughout including shadowy figures that creep around the corner. Stories speak of residual haunting (replays) of Mr and Mrs. Kehoe who walk the halls. William likes to turn on the lights and ring the front doorbell. He also on occasion will unlock and open the front door. Annie will not let go of her motherly instincts. She walks up and down the halls of the second and third floors, watching over guests and kissing them on the cheek. Then there are the children. Voices can he heard, and toys brought by visitors will move. Lights will flicker on and off, and footsteps are heard throughout the night.
All of the owners of the home have agreed that there are spirits within the walls, ones that comfort and take care of the living. The Kehoe House is one of the finest B&B in town and takes reservations year round.
*Images provided by the Kehoe House Website
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